Michael Gwinn

Michael R. Gwinn is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) with over 40 years of military and civilian flight experience. A retired Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5), Gwinn’s aviation journey began at age 16 and evolved into a storied career with the U.S. Army, where he served in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. He has logged over 15,000 total flight hours, including 2,000 combat hours and 3,500 hours using night vision goggles. His extensive contributions to tactical aviation led to his induction into the Army Aviation Hall of Fame in 2022.

Based in the Richmond and Washington D.C. FSDO districts, Gwinn provides evaluation services through On Course Aviation, LLC. He holds 12 FAA type ratings and specializes in Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Flight Instructor checkrides for single-engine, multi-engine, and helicopter platforms. He also serves as a Specialty Aircraft Examiner for unique aircraft like the Shorts 360 and experimental Mi-8 series helicopters. Renowned for his disciplined focus on safety and precision, Gwinn remains a cornerstone of the Mid-Atlantic’s pilot evaluation network.