Donald Borba

Donald "Sonny" Borba is a highly regarded FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and veteran flight instructor based at Slaton Municipal Airport near Lubbock, Texas. Borba’s path into aviation was unconventional; he began his journey later in life, earning his private pilot certificate at age 37. Since then, he has dedicated thousands of hours to the cockpit, eventually achieving a multi-engine Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and becoming a seasoned Single and Multi-Engine Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII/MEI). He currently serves as a core instructor and examiner affiliated with Raider Aviation, where he plays a pivotal role in certifying pilots across the West Texas region.

Borba’s professional background as an educator in music and martial arts deeply influences his approach to flight evaluation. Having taught guitar since 1998, he transitioned those pedagogical skills into aviation, emphasizing a "safety-first" mindset and a philosophy of professional-grade proficiency for all pilots. He is known for a thorough and fair examination style that prioritizes risk management and disciplined decision-making. By drawing on his diverse background as a teacher, Borba ensures that his applicants are not just technically capable but are prepared for the real-world responsibilities of command in the challenging West Texas environment.