Mark Alan Gaines

Mark Alan Gaines is a highly distinguished aviation professional and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Lawrence, Kansas. With over twenty years of experience across military, commercial, and general aviation, Gaines is a prominent figure in the Midwestern flight community. His background includes serving as an Evaluator Pilot and Weapons Officer for the Missouri Air National Guard, as well as a first officer for legacy airlines flying Boeing 757, 767, and Airbus 320 aircraft.

Gaines holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a multi-rated Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI) with expertise in single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument instruction. As a DPE, he leverages his technical expertise to conduct thorough practical tests for various pilot certifications. Notably, he maintains an impeccable safety record with zero FAA or military accidents across more than 35 different aircraft types, highlighting his deep-seated commitment to a safety-first mindset.

Beyond examining, Gaines is the founder of flyG LLC and Aviation Career Experts, focusing on pilot mentorship and career coaching. He is a dedicated volunteer, serving as an EAA Lifetime Member and a mentor for Women in Aviation International. His professional philosophy as an examiner emphasizes a fair, thorough evaluation process rooted in decades of high-stakes operational experience to ensure the next generation of pilots meets the highest standards.