James Michael Taton

James "Jay" Michael Taton is a distinguished Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and aviation professional based in Denver, Colorado. Born into a multi-generational aviation family, Jay’s journey began as a Civil Air Patrol cadet before he transitioned to a prolific military career. He served in the U.S. Air Force flying KC-135Rs and later acted as an instructor and evaluator in the C-12F. His professional path eventually led him to a major airline, where he has served as a Captain for over a decade, accumulating more than 18,000 total flight hours across 34 years of flying.

Holding an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and multiple type ratings, Taton is an expert in complex operations, including warbirds like the MiG-15. As a DPE in the Denver region, he leverages his deep background in military precision and airline safety to evaluate candidates for various certificates and ratings. His academic credentials include a Master’s in Aeronautical Science, reinforcing his methodical approach to flight training and evaluation. Jay is widely recognized for his commitment to safety and his ability to mentor pilots transitioning into professional aviation careers.