Rosemary Stidham

Rosemary Stidham is a legendary FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and flight instructor based in Lubbock, Texas, with a career spanning over five decades. Born and raised in Electra, Texas, Stidham began her flight training in 1969 while working at a local airport office. She quickly rose through the aviation ranks to become a corporate pilot, notably serving as the personal pilot for prominent businessman Gene Messer. Today, she holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a distinguished Gold Seal Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI), recognized for her deep expertise in both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft.

As one of the most seasoned examiners in the United States, Stidham is known for her rigorous adherence to safety standards and her mastery of traditional pilotage and navigation. Her reputation in the West Texas aviation community is built on high expectations and a no-nonsense approach to airmanship. She is celebrated for her ability to impart decades of wisdom during evaluations, emphasizing precision in critical skills like crosswind corrections and instrument approaches. With thousands of flight hours and an exemplary safety record, she remains a pillar of flight training, dedicated to mentoring disciplined pilots through Private, Commercial, and Instrument checkrides.