Joseph Hemler

Mr. Joseph (Jody) Hemler, a native of Lancaster PA, and serves as an Aviation Safety Inspector in the Commercial Operations branch of the General Aviation and Commercial Division in the Safety Standards Office, (Legacy AFS-800). He brings with him over 28 years of experience as an aviation professional, advocate, and regulator. In his current role, Mr. Hemler serves as a subject matter on expert on part 137 policy issues and rulemaking projects in his organization’s commercial operations branch.

Prior to his current assignment, Mr. Hemler began his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) career at the Harrisburg PA, Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). He served as an Operations Aviation Safety Inspector conducting pilot certification, accident investigations, and enforcement actions, and served as a Principal Operations Inspector (POI) for various part 135 and part 137 operators.   

Before joining the FAA, Mr. Hemler served in various capacities in the aviation industry. He worked for a certificated part 135 Air Carrier company operating corporate jets and rotorcraft, serving as a line captain and later as Chief Pilot. His aviation background also spans teaching at flight schools. There he conducted flight instruction in part 61 flight schools, served as Chief Instructor in a part 141 flight school, and has served as a simulator instructor in a part 142 flight school.  

He holds Airline Transport Pilot certificate and Flight Instructor certificates for single and multi-engine airplanes. Mr. Hemler holds various type ratings in corporate jets and has flown more than 35 single and multi-engine airplanes.

Mr. Hemler holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Science from Utah Valley University. He is also an active pilot and flight instructor.