Jacob Andrew Hansen

Jacob Andrew Hansen is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and former Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) based in Mesa, Arizona. With an aviation career spanning over two decades, he has accumulated thousands of flight hours and holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate alongside CFI, CFII, and MEI ratings. His professional background is deeply rooted in the operational side of the industry, having served as a Part 135 cargo pilot before transitioning into safety oversight and examination. This dual perspective of commercial hauling and regulatory compliance allows him to provide a comprehensive and fair evaluation process for aspiring pilots in the Southwest training hub.

Specializing in a broad range of checkrides—including Private, Commercial, Instrument, and the highly demanding CFI initial certificates—Jacob is a fixture at major Arizona airports like Falcon Field and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway. He is widely respected for a conversational testing style that prioritizes risk management and practical decision-making over rote memorization. A vintage aviation enthusiast who enjoys flying a Stearman, Jacob maintains a spotless safety record and a reputation for high-standard professionalism. His examiner mindset emphasizes a mastery of 14 CFR Part 91.175 and the establishment of firm personal minimums to ensure that every pilot he certifies is prepared for the complexities of the National Airspace System.