Matthew Eichel

Matthew Eichel is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and flight instructor based in Pikeville, North Carolina. With a 13-year background in the United States Air Force as a Weapons System Officer in the F-15E Strike Eagle, Eichel brings military-grade precision to the civilian aviation sector. He serves as the President and Assistant Chief Instructor of MIL2ATP, Inc., where he specializes in helping military pilots transition to commercial airline careers. His commitment to high-quality instruction earned him the 2021 AOPA Flight Training Experience Award for best flight instructor in the Southern region.

Eichel holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a highly qualified flight instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI). Having logged thousands of hours, his expertise focuses on instrument procedures, multi-engine operations, and risk management. Eichel is known for his safety-oriented mindset, often participating in industry discussions regarding training standards and regulatory compliance. As a DPE, he is committed to ensuring that candidates are not only technically proficient but also possess the sound judgment required for professional aviation.