Karen Kalishek

Karen Kalishek is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and the Board Chair of the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), based in De Pere, Wisconsin. Before entering aviation full-time, Kalishek built a multi-decade career as a Senior Vice President in the banking industry and as an international consultant working across 37 countries. This professional background in corporate auditing and graduate-level teaching provided her with a rigorous foundation in regulatory compliance and mentorship, which she seamlessly integrated into her second career as a high-time professional aviator.

Kalishek holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is an FAA Gold Seal Instructor with a comprehensive array of ratings including CFI, CFII, MEI, and CFI-G. Recognized as the 2019 National FAASTeam Representative of the Year, she is deeply committed to aviation safety, specifically focusing on runway safety and systems knowledge during her examinations. As a Major in the Civil Air Patrol, she serves as a check pilot and mission pilot. Her expertise extends from gliders and tailwheel aircraft to her own RV-6, reflecting a lifelong dedication to diverse flight experiences and maintaining the highest standards of pilot proficiency.