The small details vary from person to person and company to company, but as a general rule of thumb:

Whenever a line pilot takes any kind of “higher job” (CP/ACP, LCA, sim instructor/evaluator, etc), they assume a higher level of responsibility and accountability than they did as a line pilot. In the case of a chief pilot, they went from just being in charge of the airplane/crew to being in charge of all the pilots in a certain base, and are also a representative of management (which is why many companies require a pilot gives up their ALPA membership in order to take a job as CP). Their job is now to manage, ensure the pilots they oversee are in compliance with regs/SOP’s, and yes, to discipline and reprimand when needed. And since they now answer directly to upper management, they assume as much responsibility and liability if the line pilots are not in compliance or (god forbid) they’re not flying safely as they do. Plus, since the pilots they oversee are flying around the clock, their phones are ringing off the hook 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s a terribly stressful and thankless job that you couldn’t pay me enough money to do.

Now with that said, it’s an unfortunate reality that some people become corrupt when they assume a position of higher authority like that. And those people seemed to have forgotten the golden rule of this career: treat everyone as if they’ll be the ones interviewing you for your dream job. And it WILL come full-circle for them, because even though they may be in a management role now, most of them are just pilots trying to “make it” just like the rest of us. I’ve worked under CP’s who I’d gladly write recs and go to bat for at the next level, and others who I wouldn’t lift a finger for. And I’m sure everyone on this board can say the same.

Bottom line for you is this: show up on time, do what you’re supposed to do (know and follow your SOP’s and other company manuals), know your contract and don’t be afraid to call “foul” when they try to make you break it, and you’ll get through your time at the regionals just fine. And if they’re going to turn into a complete Richard, let them. Like I said, karma.

Sorry for the novel. Hope it helps.

GW