Karen Gardner

Karen Gardner is a highly experienced FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Collierville, Tennessee, serving the Memphis metropolitan area and the broader Mid-South region. With a prolific career in general aviation, she has established herself as a pillar of the local pilot community. Gardner holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a veteran flight instructor with a Gold Seal designation, reflecting her extensive success in training candidates for diverse ratings. Her professional background includes significant experience in Part 135 on-demand charter operations and specialized instruction in tailwheel aircraft and multi-engine platforms.

In addition to her role as an examiner, Gardner is a dedicated FAASTeam Representative and WINGSPro, demonstrating a career-long commitment to aviation safety and mentorship. She has accumulated several thousand flight hours, ranging from primary instruction to complex commercial operations. On checkrides, she is noted for her practical and fair approach, emphasizing aeronautical decision-making and risk management. With a clean safety record and a reputation for thoroughness, she focuses her expertise on ensuring that new pilots are not only technically proficient but also possess the safety-first mindset required for professional flight.