Timothy Franklin Mead

Timothy Franklin Mead is a highly experienced aviation professional and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Missoula, Montana. With a distinguished career rooted in the rugged terrain of the Northern Rockies, Mead has become a central figure in the regional aviation community, currently serving as a Lead Pilot for Air Attack at Neptune Aviation Services. In this capacity, he has been instrumental in advancing aerial firefighting operations, specializing in the recruitment and training of pilots for high-stakes missions over active wildfires. His background in this demanding sector has cemented his reputation as an expert in mountain flying and complex operational safety.

As a DPE for the Helena FSDO, Mead holds authority for a wide range of practical tests, including Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Multi-Engine ratings. He is an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) with extensive experience as a flight instructor, emphasizing the critical importance of situational awareness and clear communication. Mead’s safety mindset is frequently shared with the broader aviation community through his focus on fatigue management and procedural discipline, lessons refined during thousands of flight hours in both general and mission-specific aviation. His transition from specialized firefighting leadership to pilot evaluation makes him a uniquely qualified mentor and evaluator for the next generation of professional aviators.