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Stephen Lawrence Higgins is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and veteran aviator based in Santa Monica, California. With a career beginning in 1978 as a flight instructor, Higgins has spent over four decades cultivating a reputation for excellence within the Southern California aviation community. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with advanced instructor ratings, including CFII and MEI. His deep technical expertise is evidenced by type ratings in various high-performance business jets, such as Gulfstream, Challenger, Learjet, and Hawker models. Higgins is a central figure in the Van Nuys FSDO, where he conducts rigorous evaluations for private, commercial, and instrument certificates.
In addition to his role as an examiner, Higgins serves as a senior executive at Clay Lacy Aviation, where he has held positions such as Vice President of Flight Operations and Director of Operations. His professional background is exceptionally broad, featuring over 800 oceanic crossings and flight experience in more than 55 countries. Dedicated to aviation safety, he manages Safety Management Systems (SMS) and oversees pilot mentoring programs. His academic background in psychology and human development informs his thorough approach to checkrides, emphasizing pilot proficiency, technical discipline, and a proactive safety mindset throughout the National Airspace System.