Randy Whitson Steel

Randy Whitson Steel is a highly regarded FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Redmond, Oregon, with a career in aviation spanning several decades. Serving the Central Oregon aviation community from Roberts Field (RDM), he has become a pivotal figure in pilot certification for the Pacific Northwest. Steel is notably associated with the Hillsboro Aero Academy’s Redmond campus, where he has applied his extensive background in flight instruction and regional operations to mentor and evaluate the next generation of aviators.

Steel holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a seasoned Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII/MEI), often recognized for his expertise in both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft. As a DPE, his authority encompasses a wide range of practical tests, including Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Multi-Engine ratings. Throughout thousands of flight hours, he has maintained an impeccable safety record, with no notable accidents or incidents. His examination style is frequently described by candidates as professional and thorough, with a deep emphasis on Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) and the mastery of technical flight standards.