Christopher Robert Kaplan

Christopher Robert Kaplan is a veteran FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and aviation professional based at Cable Airport in Upland, California. Raised in an aviation family in Hawaii, Kaplan’s career began with a distinguished 26-year tenure in the United States Coast Guard piloting C-130 aircraft. He later transitioned to the commercial sector as an airline pilot, flying Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft for UPS. This extensive background in military and heavy-jet operations provides him with a deep well of experience that he brings to every evaluation.

With thousands of flight hours and ATP, CFI, CFII, and MEI certifications, Kaplan specializes in Private, Commercial, and Multi-Engine checkrides. As the chief instructor of VMC Aviation, he emphasizes airline-style standardization and meticulous checklist management. His safety-first mindset is paramount; he is known for a rigorous evaluation of emergency procedures and Velocity of Minimum Control (VMC) awareness, ensuring candidates are truly prepared for real-world challenges.

Kaplan is highly regarded in the Southern California flight community for his fair, thorough, and professional examination style. Beyond testing, he remains a dedicated mentor and multi-engine specialist, often utilizing his own Cessna 310 to help pilots transition to complex aircraft while fostering a culture of long-term proficiency and safety throughout the Inland Empire.