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James Matthew "Matt" Johnson is a highly distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and aviation safety expert based at the Butler County Airport (KHAO) in Hamilton, Ohio. With a career spanning over three decades, Johnson has accumulated thousands of flight hours across more than 20 helicopter makes and models. He currently serves as a full-time Single-Pilot IFR Air Medical Captain in the Airbus EC-145 and is a Part 135 Check Airman for a major national operator. His extensive history includes service as a U.S. Army Warrant Officer and Aeroscout helicopter pilot, as well as an Instructor Pilot and Standardization Instructor for the Indiana Army National Guard. Beyond his military and medical flying, he previously completed a 20-year career in law enforcement, bringing a unique perspective on tactical operations and risk management to the cockpit.
As a six-time recipient of the Master Flight Instructor-Helicopter (MCFI-H) designation, Johnson is recognized among the top tier of aviation educators in the United States. He is authorized to conduct FAA flight exams for Private, Commercial, Instrument, ATP, and CFI certificates, specializing in rotary-wing aviation within the Cincinnati (CVG) FSDO area. A graduate of the NTSB’s Rotorcraft Accident Investigation course, he frequently serves as an expert witness in legal matters and is a prolific contributor to industry publications such as Rotor Professional and Vertical Magazine. His instructional philosophy emphasizes moving beyond rote memorization toward real-world mastery, with a specialized focus on emergency procedures, aeronautical decision-making, and instrument proficiency.