Following pilot training at Reese AFB, TX (Lubbock), where he met his bride of 43 years, he flew the RF-4C, F-5A, F-4D, F-4E, F-16A and the T-38. Post 9/11, Johnson held several headquarters leadership positions retiring as the 701st COS Commander where his operational mission was as an Air and Space Operations Director on the 7th AF Battle Staff in South Korea.

On the day he left active duty, RD started a Part 121 airline career with American Airlines (AA). He retired after 35 years as a Captain/Check Airman conducting International line and simulator training. While at AA, Captain Johnson flew the Boeing 727, 757, 767, 737 and the McDonnell Douglas MD-80. Additionally, he served in the positions of Human Factors Instructor, Fleet Captain and as a Fleet Training Manager.

Johnson has extensive relations with the FAA from his leadership positions at the airline, a Part 142 Aviation Training School and as a Chief Pilot, Director of Safety at two other Part 135 organizations. Before joining Jet Linx, Johnson had flown over 17,000 accident-free hours in 30+ aircraft and his most recent flying has been on a Cessna Citation CJ3.

His education includes a BS from the United States Air Force Academy and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. RD is a former USAF Safety Board President, Wyvern Wingman graduate, ICAO-certified safety auditor, plus a SMS graduate from the  University of Southern California (USC) Aviation Safety and Security Program. Johnson periodically teaches two courses at USC, Threat and Error Management and Human Factors in Aviation. Johnson and his wife, Beth Ann, have two grown children, Chad and Elise who are married to wonderful spouses.