Thomas James Norton

Thomas "Tom" James Norton is a highly distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and Aeronautical Engineer based in the Sarasota, Florida region. His prolific aviation career began at Pratt & Whitney as an engineer before he served as a decorated A-10 combat and instructor pilot for the U.S. Air Force. Following his military service, Norton joined Delta Air Lines, where he spent years as an instructor pilot and check airman on the Boeing 737, cementing his foundation in professional flight standards and safety.

Norton is widely recognized as a pioneer in the Very Light Jet (VLJ) sector, having served as the Director of Training for Eclipse Aviation. He holds the distinction of being the first pilot type-rated in the Eclipse 500 and was among the first DPEs in the world authorized for the Eclipse 500 and Phenom 100/300 series. With over 3,000 hours specifically in light jets and a total career spanning decades of incident-free operation, he now leads Norton Aviation. His expertise is highly sought after by owner-operators transitioning from piston aircraft to jets, where he emphasizes a rigorous safety mindset and uncompromising airmanship.