David William Leonard

David William Leonard is a highly respected FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in San Diego, California, with decades of experience in the aviation industry. Serving the San Diego Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), he has become a cornerstone of the local pilot community, known for his thorough yet fair evaluation process. His background includes extensive time as a flight instructor, where he developed a deep commitment to safety and foundational stick-and-rudder skills. He is frequently sought after by students and flight schools across Southern California for his professional demeanor and expertise in pilot certification.

Holding an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with multiple ratings, Leonard has amassed thousands of flight hours across a wide array of aircraft, ranging from single-engine trainers to complex multi-engine platforms. His expertise covers Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine practical tests. Throughout his career, David has maintained a clean safety record, emphasizing risk management and situational awareness in every checkride. His transition from an active educator to an examiner reflects a lifelong dedication to maintaining the high standards of the National Airspace System and mentoring the next generation of aviators.