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Randal Rowles is a highly esteemed aviation professional and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Fort Worth, Texas. With a career spanning over 40 years, Rowles has accumulated more than 15,000 flight hours and holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. He is recognized as the first Master Certified Flight Instructor (MCFI) for helicopters in the state of Texas and is an FAA Gold Seal instructor. As the founder and president of the Helicopter Institute at Meacham International Airport, he has dedicated his career to advancing pilot proficiency, specializing in Night Vision Goggles (NVG), emergency procedures, and advanced airframe transitions.
Prior to establishing his training center, Rowles held several prominent leadership roles, including Chairman of the Board for Helicopter Association International (HAI) and Vice President at Era Training Center. His extensive background includes serving as a Senior Flight Instructor at the Bell Training Academy and founding Palm Beach Helicopters. Rowles is a well-known safety advocate and regular columnist for industry publications, where he emphasizes a culture of risk mitigation and mentorship. His transition from an airport "hangar-rat" to earning an Executive MBA from Texas Christian University reflects a life-long commitment to excellence and professional development within the rotorcraft community.