how do you become a DPE?

gomntwins

gomntwins

Well-Known Member
I was curious to know what the requirements for becoming a designated pilot examiner are... does anybody know? I'm a low time pilot... but I think I'd like becoming a DPE years down the road... it just sounds like fun. Does anybody know how difficult it is to become a DPE? Or how many applications are accepted/rejected for these positions? Just curious! Thanks!
 
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Is this the men/women that goes along with you on checkrides?

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Yes it is. A DPE is the person that gives the flight tests.
 
Off the top of my head...

I believe it's 2000 hours, 300 in the last year, there's an application, a national board, if selected you take a written (must get an 80%) then go to OKC for a class.

The rest of the story is that I understand it's typical to be asked to apply. I wouldn't doubt for a second that the local FSDO recommendation would weigh dramatically on one's application.

Also, you can only examine in your FSDO (I'm sure there are exceptions-blimp examiners spring to mind) without permission.

Anyone can feel free to correct me!

-Lostcomm
 
You left out a few things.

1) Once you have the qualifications you can fill out the application, send it to the FAA, receive authorization to take the test, take the test and send in the results and then wait.

2) You can go take the OKC course but it expires in 2 years and you may not be selected by then.

3) You must be selected by a FSDO before you can examine. It does not have to be your home FSDO but it will be the only place you are authorized to examine (initially anyway.)

4) The selecting FSDO also has the right to test you and observe you and as far as I can tell they all do. You will not be "turned loose" until you are observed giving at least two checkrides. You can charge for those checkrides though.

and finally:

5) DPEs are being phased out. There is a new vehicle in the works, called ODAs (Other Designated Authority.) It is a totally new program and not only includes DPEs but also Medical Examiners, Maintenance Inspectors and even Written Test Facilities. I am not up on all the details but I am working on it. It's a pain in the butt because it is a totally new application process and NONE of my DPE stuff counts.
 
The process is not much different than for the airlines. Get your ATP, and get on the waiting list for about 10 years.
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With those qualifications I can get a regional job. No thanks being a DPE.
 
Yeah Brian, you kinda got the wrong idea there.
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Being a DPE and a regional airline FO are two totally completely different things.
 
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The process is not much different than for the airlines. Get your ATP, and get on the waiting list for about 10 years.
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I wouldn't mind waiting for 10 years. I wouldn't make being a DPE a career option... but rather a side hobby/job if I could. I know of a few DPE's that are doing just that... giving checkrides when they have time and flying in other sectors. The only thing I'm really scared of would be all the politics that I hear are involved. From what I'm heard, which may be wrong (but knowing the FAA, I highly doubt it)... there are a lot of hoops to jump through once you're actually a DPE.

I did have a quick follow up... what's this about getting rid of DPE's? I had never heard that before! Does anybody know what the new qualifications are going to be?

Thanks!
 
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I was curious to know what the requirements for becoming a designated pilot examiner are... does anybody know? I'm a low time pilot... but I think I'd like becoming a DPE years down the road... it just sounds like fun. Does anybody know how difficult it is to become a DPE? Or how many applications are accepted/rejected for these positions? Just curious! Thanks!


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one word: CONNECTIONS (this coming from my dad a former DE)
 
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