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Zachary James Loren McNeill, widely known in the aviation community as Zach "Z" McNeill, is a prominent FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and Experimental Aircraft Examiner based in Fairhope, Alabama. A retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander with 20 years of service, McNeill served as a Navy Instrument Check Pilot and NATOPS Check Pilot. His extensive military background includes operating heavy helicopters such as the MH-53 and SH-60, as well as high-performance trainers, which established a career-long foundation of rigorous standardization and aviation safety.
Currently, McNeill serves as a First Officer for a major cargo carrier, operating Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with ratings for single-engine, multi-engine, and rotorcraft-helicopter categories. Additionally, he is a multi-rated Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and a commercial glider pilot. As a DPE serving the Alabama and Florida Panhandle regions, he is authorized to conduct checkrides for certificates ranging from Private Pilot to ATP and CFI ratings.
Specializing in vintage and experimental jets, McNeill holds ratings in iconic aircraft such as the L-39, MiG-17, and P-51 Mustang. He is a founding member of the American Honor Foundation and serves as an FAA liaison for the Classic Jet Aircraft Association. His career is defined by a legacy of elite airmanship, and he remains active in the warbird community, frequently volunteering with organizations like the EAA to mentor the next generation of professional aviators.