Josh Lee Donaldson

Josh Lee Donaldson is a highly respected FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and veteran aviator based in Chino Valley, Arizona. Serving the Phoenix Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), Josh has built a distinguished career within the challenging flight environments of the American Southwest. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a designated Gold Seal Flight Instructor, a credential reserved for those with a proven track record of instructional excellence. With thousands of flight hours in diverse aircraft, Josh’s background includes extensive roles in flight training and corporate aviation before transitioning into his role as a certifying examiner.

Specializing in Private, Commercial, and Instrument checkrides, Donaldson is recognized in the Prescott-area pilot community for his fair and safety-centric evaluation style. He is particularly adept at assessing how candidates manage Northern Arizona’s unique atmospheric challenges, such as high density altitude and seasonal winds. Rather than focusing on rote memorization, Josh prioritizes risk management and situational awareness. His dedication to maintaining high standards while fostering a professional testing environment has made him a vital part of the regional aviation pipeline, ensuring pilots are both proficient and safety-minded.