About The Examiner
Christopher Schrodt began his aviation career at the age of 14. He started his Private Pilot training in Mason City, IA with Dwyer Air Service before moving to Charles City, IA a few years later. In 2008 Charles City Aeronautics became the FBO operator at Mason City and Chris continued training with them in Mason City and Charles City. After graduating high school and earning his Private Pilot certificate, Chris attended the University of Central Missouri (formerly Central Missouri State University) where he received his instrument rating, commercial airplane single and multi-engine land certificates, and certified flight instructor, instrument instructor, and multi-engine instructor certificates. Chris graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Aviation Technology specializing in Professional Pilot and a Masters of Science degree in Aviation Safety.
After college, Chris returned to Charles City and went to work for Charles City Aeronautics as a flight instructor. With the company, Chris advanced into a charter pilot and eventually the Chief Pilot. In his new role as a charter pilot and Chief pilot, he was responsible for working directly with the pilots and FAA to maintain high safety standards and efficiency within their operations. As the years progressed, Chris became the Director of Operations for the charter department. He continues to work with the pilots and FAA to maintain a good working relationship and a high level of safety and efficiency. In addition to his normal job duties, Chris strives to develop new, innovative methods and procedures to continue the common goal of increasing efficiency while providing the highest level of safety.
Charles City Aeronautics, Inc, NE Iowa Regional Airport (KCCY)
Charles City Aeronautics
Another duty Chris performs is being a pilot for the flight and charter departments within Charles City Aeronautics. Chris enjoys flying all over the country and beyond the borders of the United States. One of the negatives of this type of work is the unknown schedules and the last-minute changes to best serve our customers and clients. His number one job is to fly charter and managed airplanes, and work with his clients to best serve their needs. Because of this, other aspects of his duties as a pilot, instructor, and examiner suffer and can cause the need for change and adjustment.
In 2020 Chris attended the required courses to become a Designated Pilot Examiner. In 2021 Chris was asked by the Des Moines Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) to interview to be a Designated Pilot Examiner. Chris worked hard throughout his career to be the best instructor and pilot he could be. It was essential to him that students and other aviators wanted to fly and learn from him. It gives him great joy to help anyone wanting to learn about aviation or flying. With all his hard work and the recommendation from other examiners and pilots within the community, the Des Moines FSDO extended an offer to be an examiner which Chris accepted with great honor and enthusiasm. As an examiner, Chris takes great pride in being that last step or hurdle for the applicant in front of him. His goal is to give a thorough, comprehensive, yet fun and laid-back practical test. His goal is for the applicant to feel comfortable during the exam and to offer them the necessary chances and abilities to succeed. His goal is to have the applicant leave the exam having experienced new situations that help them begin to think about other aspects of flying and to be able to correlate their training to real-world situations.
