John Pipkin is a 25,000 hour ATP/CFII, SEL, SES, MEL and Helicopter pilot as well as an A&P with Inspection Authorization.

He started to fly in an Aeronca Champ at age 12, soloed at 16 in a Taylorcraft and, after a six year stint in the US Marine Corp as an aircraft electrician & flight engineer on C130's, began his commercial flying career as a bush pilot in Liberia, Africa, logging over 1000 hours in a Cessna 180.

John has 3,500 hours in numerous tailwheel aircraft including 1500 hours flying Cessna Ag Trucks, 450 Stearman and 600hp Gummen Ag Cats. He is typed in B-727, B-737, DC-9, G-IV, G-V airplanes and F-27, SK-61 and SK-68 helicopters.

John's career includes time as an aviation safety inspector (operations) with the FAA at FSDO-13 in Columbia, SC where he was responsible for all aircraft and helicopter certification rides for Private Pilot through ATP.

Since May of 2000 he has worked as a current Part 135 PIC in Gulfstream IV's and V's with NetJets International.

John fills the the rest of his time as a member of the EAA Vintage Airplane Association, OX-5 Pioneer, an EAA Antique Aircraft Judge at Oshkosh and a volunteer bush pilot for the Mission Aviation Fellowship.

John currently resides in Columbia, South Carolina.