Wanda Charity Collins

Wanda Charity Collins is a distinguished aviation professional based in Madisonville, Texas, where she serves as an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and a Captain for United Airlines. With a career spanning over three decades, she currently commands Boeing 777 aircraft and has significant experience flying the Boeing 757 and 767. Her extensive background is rooted in long-term flight instruction, having served as an active Certified Flight Instructor for nearly 30 years before receiving her DPE appointment in 2016. She is widely recognized in the Houston and Huntsville regions for her commitment to pilot development and rigorous evaluation standards.

Beyond her airline career, Collins is the founder of The Lazy 8 Flight School, specializing in advanced stick-and-rudder skills, including tailwheel and aerobatic training. A former performer on the airshow circuit, she leverages her expertise in upset prevention and recovery to instill a deep safety mindset in her students and checkride applicants. She holds ATP, CFI, CFII, and MEI certifications and conducts practical tests for Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine ratings. Her reputation as an examiner is defined by a professional, calming demeanor that prioritizes real-world safety and risk management over mere procedural perfection.