Gregory Balzhiser

- F-35 Instructor Pilot (201 flight hours) training and qualifying pilots on aircraft systems, limitations, and emergency procedures, with emphasis on precise aircraft control, checklist discipline, standardized communication, and safe decision-making in a single-seat, single-engine environment with zero margin for error. - Conducted structured, repeatable evaluations of engine performance, flight controls, avionics, and sensor systems, identifying performance characteristics and anomalies across multiple configurations. - Operated advanced stealth aircraft with early and evolving software baselines; developed procedures and pilot-vehicle interface techniques while coordinating closely with maintenance personnel to ensure aircraft were properly configured and safe for flight.

- F-16 Instructor and Evaluator Pilot across ~1,000 demanding flight hours, executing training and operational sorties emphasizing precision formation flying, disciplined timing and spacing, and safe aircraft control across complex, multi-aircraft flight profiles. - Selected to teach USAF tactics and procedures to sister-service and partner-nation pilots from Turkey, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. - Recognized with the Distinguished Flying Cross for composure, clear communication, and sound decision-making during time-critical, high-stress combat flight operations while prioritizing safety and protection of both military and civilian assets. - Conducted in-flight validation of avionics, weapons, and electronic warfare systems while operating extensively in challenging weather environments worldwide, including low visibility, icing, snow, dust, and convective conditions.

- Selected as one of approximately 40 fighter pilots (top 2%) annually across the USAF to attend Weapons School, based on consistent airmanship, decision-making, credibility, and leadership. - Completed the USAF's premier graduate-level program in advanced aircraft systems, performance envelopes, and avionics architecture, developing a methodical, repeatable approach to flight execution emphasizing precision, procedural compliance, and disciplined evaluation of aircraft capabilities and limitations.

- F-16 Instructor and Evaluator Pilot entrusted with the development and evaluation of 50+ fighter pilots across 30 certification programs and $40M+ in training flights, personally accountable for airmanship standards, safe aircraft handling, checklist discipline, and standardized cockpit communication. - Awarded the 2014 Mackay Trophy (the USAF's most meritorious flight of the year) for a complex, time-critical operation flown with disciplined airmanship, precise control, and sound decision-making, leading to the rescue of roughly 40,000 Yazidi civilians at Mount Sinjar; named Pacific Air Forces Aviator of the Year.