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John Erich Sawatzky is a distinguished Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and flight instructor based in Oakley, California, primarily serving the Sacramento Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Operating largely out of the Byron Airport (C83), Sawatzky has become a cornerstone of the Northern California aviation community, leveraging decades of experience to evaluate new generations of pilots. He is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI), currently providing instruction and examining services through regional hubs like Skyview Aviation in Tracy and Byron.
In addition to his aviation career, Sawatzky is the founder and owner of Sawatzky Builders Inc., a successful construction firm in the Brentwood area. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, a background that reinforces his methodical approach to safety and regulatory compliance. With thousands of hours logged in various aircraft, he is widely recognized by peers and students alike for maintaining a professional, fair, and safety-oriented testing environment. His career is marked by an exemplary safety record, with no notable accidents or incidents, reflecting his commitment to aeronautical decision-making and high training standards.