Karl Dean Cotton

Karl Dean Cotton is a highly distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Redmond, Oregon, with an aviation career spanning over four decades. His professional journey began in the late 1970s, inspired by heli-skiing in Utah, which led him to pursue a path as a professional helicopter pilot. Cotton’s diverse background includes serving as a short-haul pilot for three U.S. National Parks, performing seismic exploration in the Rocky Mountains, and working as an officer pilot and flight instructor for the Arizona Department of Public Safety. He eventually transitioned to Central Oregon, where he served as the Chief Flight Instructor for Leading Edge Aviation in Bend, helping to establish the region as a premier hub for advanced flight training.

Holding an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and Master Flight Instructor ratings, Cotton is a recognized expert in mountain flying, law enforcement operations, and Night Vision Goggle (NVG) instruction. His lifelong commitment to safety and excellence earned him the prestigious 2023 HAI Salute to Excellence W.A. "Dub" Blessing Flight Instructor of the Year Award. As an active DPE for the Portland Flight Standards District Office, he has administered over 1,000 pilot examinations. Known for his approachable demeanor, Cotton maintains a rigorous "safety-first" philosophy, ensuring that candidates not only meet regulatory standards but are also thoroughly prepared for the complexities of modern aviation environments.