brian Knauss

Brian Frederick Knauss is a highly distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) currently serving the Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona, aviation communities. With a professional career spanning over two decades, Knauss initially established his reputation in the Minneapolis region before transitioning to the Southwest. He is an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) with an extensive background in multi-engine operations and corporate aviation, frequently operating high-performance aircraft like the Diamond DA-42 and Piper Seminole. His technical expertise is backed by thousands of flight hours and a deep history in flight instruction and evaluation.

Knauss is widely recognized for his rigorous and "by-the-book" approach to practical tests, particularly for the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Instrument ratings. As the owner of True Speed Aviation, he emphasizes a meticulous safety mindset, often participating as a speaker for FAASTeam safety webinars to improve examiner-instructor communication. While known for a challenging testing environment, his focus remains on ensuring that candidates meet the highest standards of the Airman Certification Standards (ACS), reflecting a commitment to aviation safety and professional excellence across the industry.