Brett Rexford Mayes

Brett Rexford "Rex" Mayes is a highly distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and aviation professional based in Williams, California. Since 1993, he has been the owner and operator of the Williams Soaring Center, a premier full-service gliderport in the Sacramento Valley. His aviation career began in the mid-1980s when he took over management of Lagoon Valley Soaring in Vacaville while attending Sacramento State University. Over the subsequent decades, Mayes has established himself as a central figure in the California soaring community, combining his passion for flight with a deep commitment to technical excellence and pilot development.

Mayes holds a diverse set of FAA certifications, including an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) or Commercial level expertise with ratings in Single Engine Land and Gliders, alongside a Private Multi-Engine Land rating. He is a Certified Flight Instructor for Gliders (CFIG) and an accomplished Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA). As a DPE, he is authorized to conduct practical tests for Private, Commercial, and Flight Instructor candidates. His expertise is not limited to the cockpit; he also serves as the Chief Inspector for an FAA-certified repair station, ensuring the highest standards of airworthiness for the aircraft under his care.

With thousands of hours of flight time across various platforms, Mayes has maintained an exemplary safety record throughout his career. His background includes serving as a tow pilot for national soaring competitions and guest instructing at major gliderports throughout the western United States. This multi-disciplinary background—spanning instruction, mechanical maintenance, and examination—allows him to provide candidates with a holistic perspective on aviation safety. His evaluation style is noted for focusing on practical proficiency and thorough regulatory compliance, ensuring that every pilot he certifies is well-prepared for the complexities of the National Airspace System.