BECOMING A DPE

摘要

FOR MOST OF US, OUR FIRST CONTACT with a designated pilot examiner (DPE) is during our private pilot checkride, while we are often too busy to notice the role an examiner plays in the process. But over the years, I've observed that most of my examiners have made their job seem easy and fun. I am retiring my DPE wings, and after 19 years of service, I can confirm it isn't exactly the easy and fun "dream" job I first envisioned, but it is a challenging and highly rewarding way to contribute to the future of aviation. With the growing demand for DPEs, this might be a good time to consider taking that next step. As with all pilot certificates and ratings, there are minimum qualifications (see FAA Order 8000.95, Designee Management Policy, on the FAA.gov website). Minimum requirements vary depending on the initial designation being sought, but for private pilot airplane examiners, the DPE applicant must be at least 23 years of age, have at least 2,000 hours' total pilot-in-command (PIC) time (100 during the previous 12 months), and 500 hours' dual instruction given. A current flight instructor certificate and at least a third class medical certificate must be maintained.