A Designated Pilot Examiner (commonly referred to as a DPE) is a senior pilot designated by the FAA to conduct checkrides with pilot applicants to determine their suitability to be issued an Airman Certificate. In the United States the process to become a DPE involves joining a waiting list with the FAA, sometimes for up to 10 years depending on the need of the local FSDO.

Once the FSDO accepts an applicant he/she travels to an FAA training facility for training and testing.

The general guidelines by which DPEs examine pilots are called Practical Test Standards which are published by the FAA, but each Examiner has their own, more specific examining criteria that is kept secret.

DPEs are examined regularly by FAA representatives known as Safety Inspectors by conducting ridealong flights.

Links

• FAA requirements for DPEs