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Ryan Marshall Hile is a highly accomplished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and professional aviator based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Serving the Nashville FSDO region, Hile is widely recognized as the co-owner and Chief Pilot of the Tennessee Seaplane Company. Operating from the Duncan Boat Dock on Fort Loudoun Lake, he has spent over 16 years mastering the nuances of water-based aviation and mountain flying, making him a cornerstone of the East Tennessee flight training community.
Hile holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and maintains a strong background in multi-engine and single-engine operations. With a wealth of experience contributing to a combined 17,000 flight hours within his professional team, he specializes in Single-Engine Sea (SES) ratings, amphibious transitions, and advanced mountain instruction. His deep technical knowledge of the Cessna floatplane fleet and local geography allows him to provide a unique, high-level perspective during both instruction and evaluation.
In his capacity as a DPE, Hile conducts checkrides for Private, Commercial, and Instrument ratings with a focus on practical proficiency and a safety-first mindset. His specialization in demanding flight environments—such as restricted mountain terrain and water takeoffs—informs a rigorous approach to pilot certification. Hile remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of the FAA while fostering the growth of skilled, safety-conscious aviators throughout the Tennessee Valley.