Lester Ray Zook

Lester Ray Zook is a highly regarded FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and aviation educator based in North East, Pennsylvania. His aviation journey began with a childhood fascination in New Holland, leading to formal training in Clarion, Pennsylvania, where he earned his private pilot certificate in 2002. Since qualifying as a flight instructor in 2005, Zook has accumulated thousands of flight hours, specializing in primary and advanced flight instruction. In October 2018, he reached a career milestone when he was appointed by the FAA as a Designated Pilot Examiner, authorizing him to conduct practical tests for Private, Commercial, and Instrument ratings.

Beyond the cockpit, Zook has a distinguished background in academia and outdoor leadership. He served as a Professor at Eastern Mennonite University for many years, where he specialized in physical education and recreation leadership. This pedagogical expertise informs his role as an examiner, where he is known for a fair yet rigorous evaluation style. Within the pilot community, Zook is specifically recognized for his unwavering commitment to safety, emphasizing deep systems knowledge and the critical execution of clearing turns and situational awareness. His transition from a career in education to aviation leadership underscores his lifelong dedication to professional instruction and safety excellence.