Richard Dean Cannon

Richard Dean Cannon is a highly respected FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and the Director of Flight Operations at Southern Utah University (SUU) in Cedar City, Utah. Cannon’s journey into aviation began following a successful earlier career in commercial construction lending, as he transitioned into flight training at the age of thirty. Since he began flying in 2012, he has become a cornerstone of the regional aviation community, accumulating thousands of flight hours and developing a deep specialization in high-altitude rotorcraft operations.

His professional experience includes serving as an air medical evacuation (EMS) pilot and a seasonal aerial firefighter, roles that forged his uncompromising safety-first mindset. Now serving as a DPE for the Salt Lake City FSDO, Cannon is known for a rigorous evaluation process that emphasizes aeronautical decision-making and precision. He is a vocal advocate for the integration of Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and satellite tracking technologies to manage the unique risks of Southern Utah’s mountainous terrain. His leadership in collegiate aviation and his commitment to safety protocols ensure that the candidates he evaluates are well-prepared for the complexities of the National Airspace System.