James R Gibson

James R. Gibson, often known as Jim Gibson, is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and aviation professional based in Ormond Beach, Florida. Serving the Orlando Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), Gibson brings an elite level of expertise to the pilot certification process. His extensive aviation history began in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a KC-130 pilot and forward air controller before becoming the Commanding Officer of a V-22 tilt-rotor training squadron. This military foundation instilled a rigorous safety mindset that has defined his civilian career.

Gibson is technically and academically accomplished, holding an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and a Ph.D. in Systems and Engineering Management. His professional background includes serving as an Experimental Test Pilot for Bell, where he led test programs for urban air mobility, and as a faculty member at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. With thousands of flight hours in diverse military and civil airframes, he specializes in advanced practical tests. His evaluations are characterized by a deep focus on systems safety and risk management, leveraging his unique experience in flight testing and academic safety research to mentor the next generation of aviators.