Mark Christopher Wesley Robinson

Mark Christopher Wesley Robinson is a highly regarded FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and helicopter captain based at the Reading Regional Airport (KRDG) in Pennsylvania. Born in Cameroon to British missionaries, Robinson’s unique upbringing in challenging terrains fostered the resilience and adaptability required for his distinguished aviation career. After soloing in 2007, he operated a flight school in Los Angeles and instructed in Africa before joining FirstEnergy as a Helicopter Captain, where he currently pilots Bell 429 aircraft for specialized utility power line patrols.

As a specialized Rotorcraft DPE, Robinson holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is authorized to conduct practical tests in a wide array of airframes, including the Airbus AS350, Bell 407, and MD-500 series. He is notably one of a select few examiners qualified to issue SFAR 73 approvals for Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters. With an exemplary safety record across thousands of flight hours, he emphasizes sound aeronautical decision-making and technical precision, earning a reputation for maintaining a thorough, professional, and safety-focused checkride environment.

Beyond his examiner duties, Robinson is a dedicated advocate for the FAA WINGS program and remains active in community stewardship, frequently volunteering with Meals on Wheels. His background in instruction and high-stakes utility flying deeply informs his mentorship style, making him a cornerstone of the pilot training community within the Philadelphia FSDO region. His philosophy prioritizes the development of resilient, safety-conscious aviators who are well-prepared for the complexities of modern rotorcraft operations.