Certificates
Aircraft Categories
Donald Robert Christie is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and the Chief Pilot for Sterling Air Service, based in Corpus Christi, Texas. Operating primarily within the San Antonio Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) region, Christie has become a central figure in the South Texas aviation community. His extensive background includes serving as a Part 135 Check Airman and Pilot-in-Command, roles that demand the highest levels of technical proficiency and regulatory knowledge. Over a career spanning several decades, he has transitioned from a dedicated flight instructor to a leadership position in corporate aviation management.
Christie holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and has accumulated thousands of flight hours in a wide variety of aircraft, ranging from single-engine trainers to high-performance multi-engine airplanes. His areas of expertise include conducting practical tests for Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Multi-Engine Land ratings. Known for a meticulous but fair examination style, Christie emphasizes a proactive safety mindset, drawing on a clean regulatory record and his experience managing complex flight operations. His work at Corpus Christi International Airport continues to shape the professional standards for the next generation of Texas aviators.