Tetsuji Matsuura

Tetsuji "Tetsu" Matsuura is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and veteran aviator based in Aurora, Oregon. Serving the Portland Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), he has become a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest aviation community, primarily operating out of Aurora State Airport (KUAO) and Hillsboro Airport (KHIO). Matsuura’s career is defined by a deep commitment to flight training excellence, having successfully transitioned from a high-volume flight instructor and lead pilot to a senior examiner role over several decades.

With thousands of flight hours and an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, Matsuura specializes in a wide array of practical tests, including Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Flight Instructor (CFI) certificates. He is frequently recognized for his technical expertise in both single-engine and multi-engine land aircraft, particularly within the Cessna, Piper, and Diamond families. His professional background includes a long tenure as a Gold Seal flight instructor, where he mentored hundreds of aspiring international and domestic pilots through primary and advanced ratings.

Throughout his career as an examiner and instructor, Matsuura has maintained an impeccable safety record, reflecting his rigorous standards for airmanship. His evaluation philosophy emphasizes a "safety-first" mindset, ensuring that candidates demonstrate not only technical proficiency but also the sound aeronautical decision-making required for the modern National Airspace System. Today, he remains a highly sought-after resource for flight schools such as Willamette Aviation and Hillsboro Aero Academy.