Donald Ray Laughlin

Donald Ray Laughlin is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) with over 40 years of aviation experience, primarily serving the Sanford and Kissimmee regions of Central Florida. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science with a minor in Aviation Safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Laughlin is an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) and Gold Seal Flight Instructor with over 10,400 total flight hours, including 8,500 multi-engine hours and 7,500 hours as PIC in turbine aircraft. His career reflects a deep commitment to technical mastery across a wide range of diverse operational environments.

Laughlin’s professional background includes high-level roles as Captain, Assistant Chief Pilot, and Training Center Evaluator for FlightSafety International, where he specialized in the Cessna Citation jet series. As a DPE, he is authorized to conduct practical tests for Sport Pilot through ATP certificates, as well as multi-engine and seaplane ratings. With over 1,400 seaplane hours and a personal specialization in the Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey, he is a recognized expert in transition training. Throughout his tenure, he has maintained a spotless safety record, emphasizing a rigorous yet fair evaluation process rooted in professional proficiency and continuous learning.