Youngest DPE?

Bernoulli Fan

Controller
Wondering how old the youngest DPE you guys have ever encountered was. I'm ready to move on from flight instructing, and I'll definitely be changing locations soon. I don't have any pilot jobs lined up and I'm waiting on an ATC class date.

I have all the minimums to become a private pilot examiner, but I'm a tad younger than the usual DPEs I've seen (like thirty years younger). Any ideas on whether I'd have enough cred (1700 dual given, bunch of students passed checkride first time) to get some side work as an examiner at a relatively young age? I could dye my hair grey...

I'll also be moving to an area where I understand examiners are in a little shorter supply than here, so at least that's an advantage.

Any thoughts appreciated; I'm just trying to make a plan for life that involves aviation and keeps me out of the poor house. :rolleyes:
 
As long as you neet the mins and throw your name on the list with each area FSDO, you'll get an interview somewhere. What stinks is that they no longer pay for the trip to OKC. I believe that changed in the last 5 years or so.

I thought about applying as well, and received some good support from DPEs I worked with; but, I never followed through because I didn't believe I had enough experience even though I met the mins. YMMV.
 
I'd think that multiplying your TT by about 5 would be a good start. I've though about it, but with 3500 dual I still don't even think I'm close.
 
As far as time goes, I know a DPE who had 1600 TT (and a few marks on his record) when he started.

Wow! That must have been a FSDO in need. I don't think I need 5x as many teachings of how to do a stall as I have now before I can evaluate it, but 1600 TT is pretty low.
 
I know of one guy who became a DPE at the age of 23. His family owns big flight school (an airport or two)...so go figure.
 
I'm pretty sure becoming a DPE is a political game more than anything. It is about who you know and your ass kissing experience.
 
I'm pretty sure becoming a DPE is a political game more than anything. It is about who you know and your ass kissing experience.

Unfortunately, I've realized I'm a really poor ass kisser. Something about a type A do-things-your-own way personality is what one superior told me. Maybe I can learn.:bandit:
 
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