Joseph David Quilter

Joseph David Quilter is a highly experienced aviator and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Cedar City, Utah. His journey in aviation began at the age of 14, eventually leading him to formal flight training at Utah Valley University. Quilter spent nearly a decade serving as the Chief Flight Instructor at Southern Utah University (SUU), where he managed a large team of instructors and established a reputation for excellence in professional pilot training. His leadership at SUU was instrumental in developing the aerospace program and standardizing safety protocols for hundreds of aspiring aviators.

Following his tenure in academia, Quilter transitioned to professional medevac operations with Guardian Flight, piloting Beechcraft King Air and Pilatus PC12 turboprop aircraft across all 50 states. With over 6,000 total flight hours and more than 20,000 landings, he possesses extensive expertise in backcountry flying, aerobatics, and high-altitude operations. Today, through his company qp Aviation, he serves the regional aviation community as a DPE and advanced instructor. He is widely recognized for his safety-first mindset and his dedication to mentoring candidates through rigorous practical evaluations and specialized training in complex mountain environments.