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Louis "Berry" Birurakis is a highly distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and aviation executive based at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan. His career in aviation began in 1974 in Morgantown, West Virginia, where he started as a line technician while studying at West Virginia University. Over the subsequent decades, Birurakis ascended through the ranks of the aviation industry, primarily with Kalitta Air and its predecessor, American International Airways. He transitioned from flying regional turbo-prop charters to commanding long-haul Learjets on international routes across Europe and Japan, eventually serving in high-level leadership roles such as Director of Operations and General Manager.
With an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and thousands of flight hours logged, Birurakis is a cornerstone of the Great Lakes aviation community. His professional reputation is defined by a rigorous safety mindset and a commitment to excellence, which he demonstrated notably during his participation in "dignified transfer" missions for fallen service members. As a DPE for the Detroit FSDO, he leverages his extensive background in flight training and operational management to evaluate pilot candidates across a wide spectrum of certifications. His deep expertise in jet operations and multi-engine ratings ensures that he maintains the highest standards of safety and proficiency for the next generation of aviators.