Mark Gregory Etheredge

Mark Gregory Etheredge is a veteran aviator and Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based at the St. Clair County Airport (KPLR) in Pell City, Alabama. With a career spanning over four decades, Etheredge is widely recognized for his significant contributions to the Alabama aviation community. Before becoming a full-time examiner and establishing Etheredge Aviation & Flight Training Service, he served a distinguished tenure with the Alabama State Trooper Aviation Unit. This law enforcement background instilled a disciplined, safety-oriented approach to flight operations that remains a hallmark of his professional reputation today.

Etheredge holds a Commercial Pilot certificate for single and multi-engine land aircraft and is a Gold Seal Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI). He has amassed thousands of flight hours, many of which were earned during high-stakes state police missions and intensive dual instruction. His airmanship was notably demonstrated during a 2002 incident where he successfully landed a Piper Arrow after a mid-air collision on final approach—an event where his adherence to procedures and calm execution prevented a tragedy. As a DPE, he is known for conducting thorough and fair checkrides, ensuring that candidates for certificates ranging from Private Pilot to Flight Instructor meet the highest FAA standards.