Gen. John M. Allen was born in California but spent much of his earlier years in Cynthiana, KY He entered the Air Force in 1977. During his military career, he accumulated over 4,800 flying hours; most of it obtained as an instructor and examiner pilot on the military C-141 and as an Air Force instructor pilot in the T-37. He retired in November 2009 with the rank of Brigadier General. Allen joined the Federal Aviation Administration in November 1991 and was appointed as the Director, Flight Standards Service in December 2008. This organization of more than 4800 aviation professionals responsible for promoting the safety of Flight for civil aircraft by setting regulations and standards for air carriers, air agencies, general aviation, airmen, and designees. John is currently employed by JetBlue Airways in Long Island City, New York as Vice President of Safety.