Chief Pilot Rating Program

Earn your wings as the in-house expert on your favorite aircraft!


Chief Pilot Wings

Pilots who successfully complete their Chief Pilot (CP) rating will concurrently hold the title of "Chief Pilot, <aircraft-type>" in addition to their
normal rank, and will be recognized as the airline expert for any questions pertaining to this aircraft.

The CP program is broken down into two categories:

"A" - for aircraft with a GTOW of more than 12,500 pounds
"B" - for aircraft with a GTOW of 12,500 pounds or less.

* A different exam is required for each.

In order to earn the CP rating, pilots must:

  1. Have logged 50 hours of sim time in their chosen aircraft as attested to by their Hub Manager.
  2. Submit an essay detailing the history and operational specifications of the aircraft type including a bibliography.
  3. Pass a aviation general knowledge exam tailored to category "A" or "B" (listed above).

Once the candidate submits his/her essay to the director of training the CP Panel will review it. When accepted the applicant will receive the appropriate exam.

Once the candidate passes the knowledge exam he/she will be awarded the designation of Chief Pilot (Cat "A" or "B") for his/her chosen aircraft type.

This designation will be reflected on the pilot roster.

If you are interested in participating in the Chief Pilot program, please contact your hub manager or the director of training at SPA.



Some of the topics to be explored are:

The CP Panel consists of the following personnel:


Current Chief Pilots
Pilot Name Chief Pilot Rating Essay
Ken LeMay Dash 8  
Gary Horton ATR 72  
Yoland Grosjean Cessna 208B C208B
Claes Sundström Quest Kodiak 100 Quest Kodiak 100