Certificates
Aircraft Categories
Robert Matthew Russell, widely known as Matt Russell in the aviation community, is a seasoned Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Ogden, Utah. Operating primarily out of Ogden-Hinckley Airport (KOGD), Russell serves the Salt Lake City Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) region. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is an accomplished Certified Flight Instructor with Single-Engine, Multi-Engine, and Instrument ratings (CFI, CFII, MEI). With thousands of hours of logged flight time, much of it gained in the challenging high-altitude and mountainous environments of the Intermountain West, he has established himself as a prominent figure in Utah flight training.
Before becoming a DPE, Russell’s career was defined by extensive instruction and mentorship, including roles at regional flight schools and associations with major collegiate aviation programs. His expertise spans a wide range of certifications, as he is authorized to conduct practical tests for Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine ratings. Russell is recognized for a disciplined yet fair evaluation style, emphasizing the safety mindset and practical risk management. He has maintained a sterling safety record throughout his professional career, advocating for thorough pre-flight planning and situational awareness to navigate Utah’s unique meteorological conditions.