Certificates
Aircraft Categories
James "Jim" Edward Simon is a distinguished Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and veteran aviator based in Kent, Washington, serving the greater Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. With a career spanning several decades and over 15,000 total flight hours, Simon has established himself as a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest aviation community. He is widely recognized for his tenure as the Chief Flight Instructor at Rainier Flight Service in Renton, where he has personally mentored thousands of pilots and specialized as a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP).
Simon’s professional reputation is defined by a deep-rooted safety mindset, highlighted by his expert handling of a critical emergency in June 2024. Following a total engine seizure over a populated urban area in Seattle, he successfully deployed the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), leading to a safe landing with no injuries. Holding Gold Seal CFI, CFII, and MEI certifications, Simon specializes in Private, Commercial, and Instrument Airplane evaluations. His focus on meticulous risk management and standard operating procedures ensures that the next generation of pilots meets the highest levels of proficiency and airmanship.