Pierre Francois Lavial

Pierre Francois Lavial is a highly distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and veteran aviator based in Fort Pierce, Florida. With over 13,000 flight hours, Lavial has a robust aviation background rooted in military discipline, having previously served as a pilot in the French Navy. Today, he is a prominent figure in the South Florida aviation community, serving as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Flight Instructor at Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology. His extensive credentials include an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and various flight instructor ratings, which he leverages to maintain high academic and safety standards.

As an FAA examiner and Director of Education, Lavial specializes in evaluating pilot candidates and mentoring the next generation of professional aviators. He is a frequent speaker for the FAASTeam, conducting seminars on critical topics such as pilot error and safe aeronautical decision-making. Lavial is widely recognized for his commitment to safety education, focusing on helping pilots navigate complex decision-making chains to mitigate risks. His professional career is marked by deep expertise in accreditation and regulatory compliance, ensuring that both students and flight programs adhere to rigorous operational excellence within the National Airspace System.