Gregory Herbert

Gregory Herbert is a veteran FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Meridian, Idaho, serving the Treasure Valley aviation community. Closely associated with the Ponderosa Aero Club at Gowen Field (KBOI), Herbert has spent decades in the cockpit, accumulating thousands of flight hours across diverse aircraft types. His career is distinguished by a dual-competency in both fixed-wing and rotorcraft operations, providing him with a unique and broad perspective on flight safety and airmanship.

Herbert’s professional background includes a significant tenure as a commercial helicopter pilot for Helicopters Incorporated in Seattle, where he flew Electronic News Gathering (ENG) missions in AS350 and Bell 407 aircraft. His commitment to safety was prominently highlighted during the NTSB investigation of a 2014 news helicopter accident; though not the pilot involved in the crash, his testimony regarding checklist discipline and hydraulic system procedures demonstrated a rigorous adherence to operational standards. This safety-first mindset remains a hallmark of his current role as a designated examiner.

Specializing in Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) checkrides, Herbert is highly regarded for his professional and fair evaluation style. He is frequently praised by students and instructors alike for his ability to maintain a calm testing environment while ensuring all candidates strictly adhere to the FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS).