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William Albert "Bill" Peterson is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Colleyville, Texas, serving the expansive Dallas-Fort Worth aviation community. With a career spanning over four decades, Peterson is a retired Senior Captain and Check Airman for American Airlines, where he specialized in long-haul operations on the Boeing 777. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a veteran flight instructor, possessing thousands of hours of flight time in high-performance and heavy-jet aircraft. His transition from legacy airline leadership to the DPE role has made him a cornerstone of regional pilot certification.
Peterson is highly regarded for his specialization in Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Multi-Engine practical tests. Known for his fair yet rigorous examination style, he emphasizes a safety-first philosophy and a disciplined approach to cockpit management, drawing on his extensive background as a check airman. In addition to his examination duties, he serves on industry advisory boards where he mentors aspiring pilots and helps refine flight training curricula. His reputation for integrity and his impeccable safety record have established him as one of the most respected authorities in the North Texas general aviation circuit.