Tom Charpentier & Sean Elliott & Karen Kalishek
Presenters
Tom Charpentier has been with EAA since 2012. His role is primarily focused on aviation safety and regulatory policy. He is a member of the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee’s Safety Analysis Team and its working groups, and is the industry co-chair of the System Component Failure Non-Powerplant Working Group. Successful projects he had led for EAA include the Additional Pilot Program, EAA’s groundbreaking STC projects, and the EAA Flight Test Manual. Tom is also the lead staff member for EAA’s Aeromedical Advisory Council and provides aeromedical counseling services for members.
Following a lifelong interest in aviation, Charpentier earned his private pilot certificate in 2011 and currently has more than 650 hours and a tailwheel endorsement. He is the past president of the EAA Employee Flying Club, and regularly flies the aircraft in its fleet including a Vans RV-6A, RV-12is, Wag-Aero CUBy, and a Cessna 172. He was an active participant in EAA staff Zenith 750 STOL project, focusing on the electrical system and avionics.
Tom also co-founded and remains a regular host on EAA’s bi-weekly podcast, The Green Dot. When not flying he enjoys sailboat racing, woodworking, and wilderness canoe trips.
Sean Elliott ijoined EAA in 1996 as Executive Director of NAFI, a NAFI affiliate at the time. He served as its president and a board member until 2003. In 2001 he became EAA’s Director of Aircraft Operations, later advancing to Vice President of Advocacy and Safety in 2010. He oversees EAA’s aircraft operations, pilot training, standardization, and aircraft maintenance, along with national LHFE and 91.147 historic air tour programs.
Sean also leads EAA’s government advocacy team, managing offices at EAA headquarters and in Washington, D.C. He guides policy review at all levels of government affecting recreational aviation and advocates for EAA members and aircraft builders. He is industry co-chair of the GAJSC and contributes to GA safety initiatives.
He oversees the EAA Pilot Proficiency Center’s year-round training programs, including 12 Redbird AATDs, a crosswind trainer, and multiple classrooms. With more than 10,000 flight hours, Sean is a pilot, instructor, and examiner for much of EAA’s vintage and experimental fleet, including B-17s, B-25s, and B-29s.
Karen Kalishek
Karen Kalishek is a Designated Pilot Examiner, four-time NAFI Master Instructor, and an FAA Gold Seal Instructor with CFI, CFII, MEI, CFI-G, AGI, IGI credentials. She holds an ATP certificate with ASES and Glider Commercial privileges. In 2019, she was named National FAASTeam Representative of the Year.
Karen is actively involved in multiple aviation organizations and serves as a Major in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), acting as a flight instructor, check pilot, examiner, mission pilot, and cadet orientation pilot. She has a passion for antique aircraft and enjoys flying her RV-6. Before becoming a full-time instructor, Karen had a career in banking and international consulting, providing services in 37 countries.
