Mark Pollard

Mark Pollard is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Walnut Creek, California, primarily serving the Oakland Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) out of Concord Airport (KCCR). Mark’s aviation journey began at a young age, eventually leading him to serve in the United States Navy where he worked on F-18 Hornets. Since transitioning to professional civilian aviation, he has amassed over 8,500 flight hours across more than 30 aircraft types, ranging from commercial airliners and private jets to iconic vintage warbirds like the P-51 Mustang.

As the founder of MP Aviation, Mark specializes in advanced flight training, including tailwheel endorsements, spin recovery, and high-performance aerobatics in his Extra 300. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and multiple instructor ratings (CFI, CFII, MEI). His expertise in aerobatics is central to his safety philosophy, as he advocates for upset recovery training to enhance pilot proficiency and situational awareness. In his role as a DPE, he is highly regarded in the San Francisco Bay Area for his professional approach to Private, Commercial, and Instrument checkrides.