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Michael Bruce Traud is a highly distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and aviation educator based at Sacramento Mather Airport (KMHR). With over four decades of immersion in the aviation industry, Michael has earned the prestigious Master CFI designation nine times, a testament to his long-term commitment to instructional excellence. His diverse background includes serving as a pylon judge for the Reno National Championship Air Races for thirteen years and acting as the Safety Officer for the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Air Squadron. These roles, alongside his ownership of MT Aviation Services, underscore a career built on technical precision and a deep-rooted passion for Northern California's aerospace community.
Specializing in initial and recurrent training for technically advanced piston and turbine aircraft, Traud is a pivotal figure in the Sacramento FSDO. As an examiner, he is widely recognized for a "by-the-book" evaluation style that strictly adheres to the Airman Certification Standards (ACS). His impeccable safety record and leadership in law enforcement aviation support reflect a safety-first mindset that he instills in every applicant. By mentoring newly certified flight instructors and conducting rigorous practical tests, Michael continues to uphold the highest standards of pilot proficiency and professionalism.