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Charles Edgar Surprenant, commonly known as Charlie, is a highly regarded FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and the manager of Central Maine Aviation, based at the Pittsfield Municipal Airport (K2B7). With a career deeply rooted in the New England aviation landscape, Surprenant has spent over two decades fostering pilot development across Maine. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate and is a seasoned Gold Seal Flight Instructor specializing in both land and sea operations. His professional aviation journey began in earnest in 2001, and since then, he has accumulated thousands of flight hours in instruction and pilot evaluation.
Surprenant is particularly recognized for his expertise in seaplane instruction, utilizing Maine's diverse waterways to teach the "art of creative flying" and enhanced situational awareness. As a DPE within the Portland FSDO jurisdiction, he conducts practical tests for Private, Commercial, and Instrument ratings, known for a testing style that is both rigorous and fair. His approach emphasizes the mastery of Airman Certification Standards and proactive risk management. Throughout his tenure, Surprenant has maintained an exemplary safety record, consistently advocating for a culture of proficiency and professional discipline among the next generation of aviators.