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Scott Alan Eslinger is a highly regarded FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and aviation safety advocate based at the Columbia Regional Airport (KCOU) in Columbia, Missouri. Serving the Kansas City Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) region, Eslinger has dedicated his career to flight training and evaluation, amassing thousands of flight hours across a wide array of aircraft. He holds elite certifications, including Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) and Gold Seal Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII/MEI) ratings, which serve as the foundation for his authority in conducting checkrides for private, instrument, and commercial pilot certificates.
In addition to his work as an examiner, Eslinger is a frequent panelist for FAASTeam safety seminars, where he provides expert guidance on risk management, hazard identification, and common deficiencies in pilot performance. His professional background is rooted in high-standard flight instruction, having mentored countless pilots before transitioning into his regulatory role. Eslinger is known for maintaining an exemplary safety record and for his commitment to a fair, standardized evaluation process that emphasizes the practical application of aviation regulations to ensure every pilot he certifies is prepared for the complexities of modern flight.