Steven Buckley Johnson

Steven Buckley Johnson is a highly distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and Airline Captain based in Goleta, California. With over 35 years of extensive experience spanning both commercial airlines and general aviation, he serves as the principal and founder of LMC Aviation LLC. Johnson is a versatile aviator, authorized to conduct evaluations for a wide range of pilot certificates and ratings, including Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) for single and multi-engine aircraft.

Beyond his examiner duties, Johnson is a renowned warbird pilot and a licensed Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic. He has dedicated significant portions of his career to preserving aviation history, serving as a volunteer pilot and instructor for museums and non-profits. His specialized expertise includes the Douglas DC-3 and North American B-25 Mitchell, for which he holds Specialty Aircraft Examiner (SAE) authorizations. This unique background as both an operator and a maintainer fosters a rigorous safety mindset, emphasizing technical precision and mechanical integrity. Respected throughout Southern California, Johnson bridges the gap between historical flight preservation and modern pilot certification, maintaining an exemplary record focused on risk management.