MICHAEL HEALEY

Michael Healey is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Foster City, California, primarily serving the San Jose and Oakland FSDO regions. His aviation career began at eighteen flying gliders before graduating from San Jose State University in 1976 and commissioning into the United States Marine Corps. Over a twenty-year military career, he flew the F-4 Phantom and F/A-18 Hornet, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His tenure included elite roles as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor and a NATOPS Examiner, which solidified his reputation for rigorous safety standards and standardized operational excellence.

With over 20,000 flight hours across more than 40 different military, airline, and general aviation aircraft types, Healey possesses an exceptionally deep well of experience. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is an accomplished flight instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI). Beyond his examination duties for Private, Commercial, and Instrument ratings, he is a recognized specialist in floatplane operations and tailwheel instruction, often serving as a Chief Pilot for seasonal operations in Alaska. Known for a fair but thorough evaluation style, Healey focuses on practical aeronautical decision-making to ensure that the next generation of pilots maintains the highest safety margins.