Shawn Raker
President, Chief Executive Officer
Shawn L. Raker is president and chief executive officer of Flight Training Services International (FTSI), a leading global corporation for the advancement of training and services for the aviation industry. Flight Training Services International is the parent company to the following subsidiaries: Commercial Airline Pilot Training (CAPT) Program which strives to equip the aviation industry with qualified and experienced pilots for the future growth of the industry; Tactical Flight Services, Inc. (TFS) a worldwide provider of specialized aircrew and engineering services to the military aerospace industry; Careers in Aviation a non-profit organization with the objective of inspiring, educating and assisting youth in obtaining successful careers in the aviation/aerospace industry; and Jackson Group Consulting, an experienced team focused on general aviation analysis and results delivery and student centric administrative record keeping for post secondary education.
Raker is responsible for the strategic direction of FTSI and its subsidiaries. He leads new business development for all of the companies with the driving goal to prepare and equip the aviation industry for the record projected growth of the industry globally.
Raker began his professional career in the Alaska Air National Guard and later the United States Air Force Reserve and served for 10 years. Raker joined Delta Air Lines in 1990 where he achieved over 10,000 flight hours and became type-rated in several aircraft. In addition to his position as Proficiency Check Pilot with Delta Air Lines, Raker was VP of Business Development for Delta Connection Academy, Production Control Scheduler, Developer Instructional System Design and Crew Resource Management Facilitator/Developer.
Raker is recognized internationally as a leader in the aviation industry. He is a frequent speaker on aviation topics.
A native of Bay Springs, MS, Raker holds a B.S. in Aeronautical Studies Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
William (Bill) W. Petit
Chief Pilot
Bill leads the company’s training efforts both as FTSI’s Chief Pilot and as President of Tactical Flight Services II (TFS) a FTSI subsidiary which provides Test Pilots, Air Crews and training/certification services for various international and government contracts.
Along with his corporate duties, Major Petit is an Air Force Instructor Pilot for the Reserves. Currently he is responsible for instructing Air Force pilots to fly and tactically employ the C-130H aircraft in combat and in night NVG operations.
He has over 3500 hours of flight time which include over 65 hours of Combat time. A graduate of Auburn University, he received a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, he also has an M.B.A. from Middle Tennessee State University.
Bill was Top Graduate from SUNT and SUPT as well as a two time recipient of the coveted Air Force AETC Commanders trophy and Air Force Flight Training Award. He was also distinguished graduate from USAF instructor pilot school. He brings over five years of L-39, air show performance, and jet war bird experience to the FTSI team.
