James Paulsen

James Paulsen is an esteemed FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and aviation professional based in West Lafayette, Indiana. A 1983 graduate of Purdue University’s Professional Flight program, Paulsen returned to the Greater Lafayette region following a distinguished 30-year career in the United States Navy. During his military tenure, he achieved the rank of Captain, logging over 5,000 total flight hours, including 3,000 hours in the F/A-18 Hornet and 1,000 carrier-arrested landings. He notably served as an Air Wing Commander, leading eight squadrons into combat and serving as a political advisor to the U.S. State Department.

Currently, Paulsen serves as the Chief Flight Instructor for Purdue Aviation and is a highly active DPE within the Great Lakes region. He holds ATP, CFI, CFII, and MEI certificates and is authorized to conduct practical tests for Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine ratings. Known for his disciplined yet mentorship-oriented approach, Paulsen integrates his extensive carrier aviation experience into the civilian checkride environment. His focus on precision and an incident-free professional record underscores a safety-first mindset, ensuring that candidates are prepared for the rigorous demands of the National Airspace System.