Dan Graves is a highly experienced aviation professional with more than 45 years in the airline industry, bringing extensive operational, training, and leadership expertise to Sentinel Aviation Transition Group (SATG).  Over the course of his career, he has served as an airline captain, check airman, instructor, training manager, and Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) instructor, accumulating more than 20,000 flight hours across a broad range of aircraft and operational environments.

Dan currently serves as Manager of Flight Standards and Training overseeing all aspects of airline training operations including Crew Resource Management (CRM), initial qualification training, recurrent training, and upgrade training programs for the Boeing 767 fleet.  In addition, he serves as an FAA-authorized Aircrew Program Designee (APD) for the Boeing 767, as well as Training Center Evaluator (TCE) and ATP-CTP ground and simulator instructor under Part 142 operations.  His operational background spans both Part 121 and Part 135 aviation.  From 1980 to 1986, Dan flew in Part 135 operations before transitioning into Part 121 airline operations, where he served from 1986 through 2023 as an airline pilot and captain.  Since 2023, he has continued in senior airline management and training leadership roles, helping shape pilot standards, training effectiveness, and professional development programs.  

Throughout his career, Dan has played a central role in airline interview processes, pilot evaluation, standards development, and advanced training oversight.  His experience gives him a unique understanding of what major airlines expect from pilots entering today’s operational environment.  

Based in Orlando, Florida, Dan will oversee the ATP-CTP process for Sentinel Aviation Transition Group.  He will assist transitioning military and civilian aviators in preparing for successful airline careers.  His leadership and mentoring philosophy are grounded in professionalism, discipline, operational excellence, and real-world airline readiness.  

A lifelong aviator, Dan has dedicated his career to developing the next generation of professional pilots.  Aviation is also a family passion, as both of his sons have followed the aviation path as professional aviators.