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David Michael Tranquilla is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and veteran aviator based at the Truckee-Tahoe Airport (KTRK) in California. With over 40 years of aviation experience, David has cultivated a deep expertise in high-altitude mountain flying and complex winter operations within the Sierra Nevada range. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a highly regarded Certified Flight Instructor (CFII) and glider pilot, known for his commitment to advancing safety standards across the Reno and Sacramento FSDO regions.
His professional background includes a tenure as a Captain for Mountain Lion Aviation, where he operated corporate aircraft in demanding alpine environments. David is celebrated in the pilot community for his practical approach to evaluations, prioritizing real-world situational awareness and safety-based decision-making over mere rote memorization. As a frequent speaker at FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) seminars, he focuses on winter survival and risk management, leveraging thousands of flight hours to mentor the next generation of safe and competent pilots.
Instrument Rating