Johnny Joe Henley

Johnny Joe Henley is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in the New Bern and Kinston areas of North Carolina. With a prolific aviation career spanning several decades, Captain Henley has accumulated more than 25,000 flight hours. He is widely recognized for his extensive professional background as a retired airline captain, bringing a wealth of real-world commercial experience from the flight decks of major carriers, including US Airways, to the general aviation community.

Serving the Greensboro Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), Henley conducts practical tests for Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Multi-Engine ratings. He is highly regarded by candidates for his fair, conversational examination style that prioritizes practical application over rote memorization. Henley frequently employs real-world scenarios and model aircraft to evaluate a pilot's situational awareness and cockpit resource management skills during both oral and flight evaluations.

Henley’s evaluation philosophy is deeply rooted in a safety-first mindset, focusing heavily on Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) and risk mitigation. His transition from high-stakes commercial operations to mentorship roles highlights his commitment to maintaining the highest proficiency standards. Throughout his tenure, he has remained a respected figure in North Carolina’s aviation circle, dedicated to cultivating safe and competent pilots through rigorous but constructive certification standards.