DEAN CASTILLO

Dean Castillo grew up in Florida, the son and grandson of lifelong pilots and outdoor enthusiasts. His grandfather was a World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Naval Aviator who, as Dean says, “Never passed up on an opportunity to ‘take her around the patch.’” Dean and his father spent countless days exploring the Everglades and the Florida Keys in his uncle’s Cessna 172. There was never a doubt that aviation was in his blood.
Following graduation from high school, Dean attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1995. He then reported for duty in Pensacola to begin his Naval Aviation journey. During his active-duty career, Dean served as an F-14 instructor, was a member of the F-14 Demonstration Team, served as a Forward Air Controller (Airborne) and was selected to command an F-18 squadron. His navy career spanned more than 20 years during which he served four combat tours in Operations DeliberateForce/Forge and Iraqi Freedom.
Following retirement, he has held various positions in the Part 135 and 121 world including Assistant Chief Pilot, Chief Pilot and Instructor Pilot. He is currently a Line Check Airman for a major airline. “A 21-time aircraft owner, I am passionate about aviation in any form and thoroughly enjoy combining my love of the outdoors and aviation,” he says. He recently completed a barn-find restoration on a PA-12 and is enjoying introducing his children and grandchildren to Virginia’s backcountry aviation treasures in his Cessna 175 taildragger. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to highlight the many beautiful backcountry opportunities Virginia has to offer,” he added.
dcastillo@theraf.org
(757) 575-1516