Gregory Bruce Mecklenburg

Gregory Bruce Mecklenburg is a highly distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and a cornerstone of the aviation community in Bozeman, Montana. With a career spanning over five decades, Mecklenburg first soloed in 1968 at what is now Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). He has since amassed more than 22,000 flight hours, a testament to his vast experience and dedication to the skies. In 2022, his exceptional commitment to safety and professionalism was officially recognized when he received the FAA’s prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, honoring over 50 years of safe flying without a single disqualifying accident or incident.

In addition to his role as a DPE for Private, Commercial, Instrument, and CFI certifications, Mecklenburg is a renowned figure in the world of soaring. He holds 14 Montana soaring records as a glider pilot and has contributed significantly to aviation technology by inventing and patenting a specialized glider launch truck. Based at BZN, he remains an active mentor and examiner, known for a safety-first mindset and deep technical knowledge of the Northern Rockies' challenging flight environments. His long-standing background in general aviation operations and record-breaking glider flights establishes him as one of the most experienced and respected examiners in the region.