Christopher R Hand

Christopher R. Hand is a prominent figure in the New England aviation community, serving as an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based at Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC) in Connecticut. With a career spanning several decades, Hand currently serves as the Senior Vice President for the Northeast Region at Clay Lacy Aviation. In this leadership role, he oversees comprehensive flight operations, maintenance, and aircraft management, bringing a high-level corporate perspective to the pilot certification process. His background in managing one of the world’s most respected business aviation firms informs his rigorous yet practical approach to evaluating new aviators.

Hand holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a seasoned flight instructor with thousands of hours of experience in a diverse range of aircraft, from light trainers to sophisticated multi-engine jets. As a DPE, he is highly sought after for Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Multi-Engine practical exams. He is widely recognized for his "real-world" examining philosophy, which prioritizes risk management and situational awareness over simple rote performance. While maintaining an impeccable safety record, Hand emphasizes a culture of safety and professionalism, ensuring that every pilot he certifies is prepared for the complexities of modern, high-density airspace.