Richard MacIsaac

Richard "Rick" MacIsaac is a highly experienced FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and the long-time Manager of the Northampton Airport (7B2) in Massachusetts. With an aviation career spanning over four decades, MacIsaac has become a central figure in the New England flight training community. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a seasoned instructor with CFI, CFII, and MEI ratings. His extensive background is highlighted by a historic 2009 flight where he set a record for visiting all 39 public-use airports in Massachusetts in a single day, a feat aimed at promoting the state's general aviation infrastructure and raising funds for local charities.

As the Chief Flight Instructor at Northampton Aeronautics, MacIsaac specializes in a wide array of pilot certifications, ranging from Private and Commercial to Multi-Engine and Instrument ratings. He is well-regarded for his commitment to safety and professionalism, frequently sharing his expertise at FAASTeam seminars on Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and examiner expectations. His evaluation style emphasizes practical risk management and sound aeronautical decision-making, ensuring that every candidate he certifies is prepared for the complexities of real-world flight. Through his leadership at 7B2, he continues to shape the next generation of safe and competent aviators in Western Massachusetts.