David Zahn

NASA Ames Research Pilot and Principal Investigator

David Zahn is a NASA Ames Research Pilot and Principal Investigator for NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility research located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Oklahoma City, OK. David served as a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot in the U.S. Army and is an Air Medal recipient for MEDEVAC missions flown in Iraq with previous experience in airfield operations, terminal procedures (TERPS), accident investigation and international flight instruction. David’s background in low- level Air Assault, MEDEVAC and aerial firefighting operations combined with his TERPS experience helped NASA formulate revolutionary approach/departure procedures and airspace infrastructure models for AAM research, certification, and integration. David previously led the NASA-Joby partnership and is currently assigned as a project pilot flight testing experimental eVTOL capabilities with DARPA, NRC Canada, Artemis Human Landing System and AFWERX programs. In addition to his NASA duties, David is also developing curriculum for Oklahoma State University’s aerospace engineering program as well as partnering with the Cherokee Nation for research and STEM engagement.  David Zahn graduated from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK where he was also an NCAA Division I athlete.