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Christopher "Chase" Cothran is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and the Chief Flight Instructor at Oklahoma Aviation, based out of Bethany and Stillwater, Oklahoma. His aviation journey began in 2010 at Oklahoma State University, where he earned his initial pilot certificates and ratings. Between 2014 and 2023, Cothran served as a flight instructor and eventually the Assistant Chief Flight Instructor at OSU. His contributions to flight center operations and curriculum redevelopment were so significant that he received the 2023 Creativity and Innovation Award from the OSU College of Education and Human Sciences.
Cothran holds an impressive array of FAA certifications, including Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) privileges and instructor ratings such as CFI, CFII, and MEI. In addition to his piloting expertise, he is a certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic, having graduated from MetroTech in 2016. Currently, he balances his examiner duties with his role as Second-in-Command (SIC) in the Citation Sovereign+. This combination of mechanical knowledge and high-performance turbine experience provides him with a unique, comprehensive perspective on aviation safety and aircraft systems.
With thousands of flight hours and an impeccable safety record, Cothran is highly regarded for his thorough and fair evaluation style. His background as both a career educator and a technician informs a safety-first mindset that emphasizes technical proficiency and sound decision-making. Today, he remains a cornerstone of the Oklahoma aviation community, dedicated to ensuring that the next generation of pilots meets the highest standards of the Federal Aviation Administration.