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John Richard Cooper Jr. is a prominent FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and veteran aviator based at the Delaware Municipal Airport (KDLZ) in Ohio. With an aviation career spanning several decades, Cooper has become a vital figure in the Midwest flight training community. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a seasoned Gold Seal Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII). His professional background is rooted in the "Birthplace of Aviation" region, where he has dedicated his life to advancing pilot proficiency and operational excellence.
Specializing in Private, Commercial, and Instrument practical tests, Cooper is particularly noted for his expertise in helicopter operations, a niche specialization among examiners in the Columbus area. Throughout his thousands of flight hours, he has maintained an exemplary safety record, which informs his thorough and fair evaluation style. His checkrides emphasize critical thinking, risk mitigation, and the practical application of safety principles. Beyond his work as an examiner, his previous experience as a corporate pilot and long-term educator has made him a respected mentor for the next generation of aviators in the Great Lakes region.