Donovan Stephen Burns

Donovan Stephen Burns is a highly accomplished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and B-737 Captain based in Redondo Beach, California. A graduate of Hampton University with a degree in Aviation, Burns has dedicated over 27 years to flight instruction and professional operations. His career is distinguished by a diverse military background, including instructor tours with the U.S. Navy, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the U.S. Coast Guard. During his service, he performed as a Military Formation Aerobatic Display Team pilot, fostering a level of precision and discipline that characterizes his current work certifying the next generation of pilots.

Currently, Burns serves as a Line Check Pilot for a major legacy airline and is the founder of Vintage Pacific Aviator. His expertise spans thousands of flight hours in high-performance and transport-category aircraft. His safety-oriented philosophy is informed by his roles in military aviation and commercial airline standards, focusing on risk management and operational excellence. As an examiner, Burns specializes in a broad array of checkrides, combining his vast experience in global aviation with a mentorship-driven approach to ensure applicants meet the highest standards of safety and proficiency.