Dayton Austin Dabbs

Dayton Austin Dabbs is a highly accomplished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and corporate pilot based at Taylor Municipal Airport (T74) in Taylor, Texas. With deep roots in the aviation community, Dabbs is recognized for his specialized expertise in gyroplanes, holding the distinction of being the youngest FAA examiner for the category. He is the president of Lone Star Magni Gyro and operates Austin Aviation LLC, through which he has significantly influenced gyroplane safety, maintenance, and pilot training standards across the United States.

Throughout his career, Dabbs has prioritized technical proficiency and a safety-first mindset. In 2015, he earned three world records and a national record for a transcontinental flight in an open-cockpit gyroplane, covering over 5,000 miles across the country. He also co-piloted a historic 2017 flight from Texas to Havana, Cuba—the first VFR flight into the country in over 60 years. As a corporate pilot who frequently undergoes his own professional evaluations, Dabbs brings a unique level of empathy and fairness to his practical exams. He focuses on fostering a new generation of competent pilots by emphasizing situational awareness and comprehensive systems knowledge during every checkride.