Certificates
Aircraft Categories
Authorized Aircraft Types
Charles "Chuck" Hainline, widely known by his military call sign "Tuna," is a highly distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Pearland, Texas. A retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Hainline’s twenty-year military career was defined by elite tactical operations in aircraft such as the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-18 Hornet, F-4 Phantom, and the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter. His exceptional service included flying combat missions over Kosovo, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Following his military retirement in 2006, he transitioned to commercial aviation, where he currently serves as a Captain for Southwest Airlines flying the Boeing 737.
In his role as a DPE for the Houston area, Hainline brings a wealth of experience spanning thousands of flight hours in both high-performance jets and vintage warbirds. He is authorized to conduct checkrides for Private, Commercial, Instrument, ATP, and CFI certificates. Beyond his examiner duties, he is a dedicated warbird restorer and a pilot for the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation, frequently flying the P-51 Mustang. This unique blend of combat-proven precision and general aviation passion informs his evaluation style, which emphasizes a robust safety mindset and meticulous aeronautical decision-making.