Jackie Sanders

Jackie Sanders is a highly regarded FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and veteran aviator based in Trumann, Arkansas. His distinguished career in aviation spans several decades and multiple sectors, beginning with his service as a pilot in the U.S. Army and National Guard. During his military tenure, he operated complex airframes including the UH-60 Blackhawk and LUH-72 Lakota, establishing a foundation of technical precision and discipline. Sanders holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with ratings in both single-engine airplanes and helicopters, alongside his status as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII).

Following his military service, Sanders transitioned into specialized civilian roles, including agricultural aviation and air medical services (EMS). He is notably a survivor of a wire-strike accident involving a Robinson R66 during an agricultural mission, an event he openly discusses as a powerful educational tool for the pilot community. By sharing the lessons learned from this incident, he emphasizes the critical importance of situational awareness and proactive risk management in high-stakes environments.

Today, Sanders serves as a cornerstone of the regional aviation community as both a DPE and a FAASTeam Representative. Based in Northeast Arkansas, he conducts evaluations for private, commercial, and instrument ratings for both fixed-wing and rotorcraft candidates. His reputation is built on a