Christopher Bryan Smith

Christopher Bryan Smith is a seasoned FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based at Richmond Executive Airport (KFCI) in Chesterfield, Virginia. With a career spanning several decades, Smith has established himself as a cornerstone of the Mid-Atlantic aviation community. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with multi-engine ratings and is a highly qualified flight instructor (CFI, CFII, and MEI). His professional journey is built upon thousands of flight hours logged in a diverse array of aircraft, ranging from primary trainers to sophisticated multi-engine corporate jets, reflecting a deep level of technical expertise and operational experience.

Smith is authorized by the FAA to conduct practical tests for Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Multi-Engine certificates, as well as Flight Instructor renewals and reinstatements. Known for a thorough yet fair evaluation style, his exams emphasize the practical application of risk management and aeronautical decision-making. His background as a dedicated instructor and evaluator has fostered a rigorous safety-first mindset, ensuring that every candidate he certifies is prepared for the real-world challenges of the National Airspace System. Outside of his examining duties, Smith is a respected mentor for aspiring aviators in the greater Richmond region.