Becoming a DPE?

[stearmann4]

I've read through the FARs, which list basic acedemic qualifications for acting as a DPE. However, how exactly do you go about it besides going to the local FSDSO and saying "I want to sign up to be a pilot examiner?" I've heard something in the past that a FSDO regulates thenumber of DPEs in a given geographic area, etc. In short, is there another publication to reference for more detailed information other than the FARs?

Mike-

 

[PositionandHold]

About there being a limit on DPEs per region, I've heard the same thing. Might want to try discussing the topic with an actual DPE at your local flight school.

 

[NuGuy]

I've read through the FARs, which list basic acedemic qualifications for acting as a DPE. However, how exactly do you go about it besides going to the local FSDSO and saying "I want to sign up to be a pilot examiner?" I've heard something in the past that a FSDO regulates thenumber of DPEs in a given geographic area, etc. In short, is there another publication to reference for more detailed information other than the FARs?

Mike-

Heyas Mike,

Basically, it takes an act of God.

Seriously, while the actual requirements are really quite modest, actually getting a designation is a LOOOONG process, and it takes many years of schmoozing the local FSDO. It's most definately not something you just drop an app in for.

The FAA sets the number of DPEs in a region by activity. People who are interested are welcome to apply, but the people who ultimately get chosen are those who are VERY active in the local avaition community.

A lot of guys start out as ASCs (Aviation safety
councilors). Other guys are 121/135/141 checkairmen who are well known at the FSDO. Sometimes if you have unique qualifications, you can shorten it a bit, but only in rare circumstances (like you have 2000 dual given in blimps, and Goodyear just started a blimp private pilot school at your local airport).

Even once you are all schmoozed up, you need to wait for an opening unless there has been an uptick in activity.

If you are serious, make an appointement with your local fed, and start the process. You can't win if you don't play.

Nu

 

[stearmann4]

Nu,

That makes about as much sense as anything I've heard. Thanks.

Mike-

 

[kmox29]

Nu pretty much hit the nail on the head.

Another point to bring up is that you generally have to be employed full time in an aviation training environment/company. i.e. A First Officer at XYZ airline does not meet qualifications for becoming a DPE.

Our office selects the DPEs, and it is based on a documented need (like Nu's blimp analogy).

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Didn't know it was such a difficult process to become a DE.

It always seemed to me that DE's were hard to schedule and always got paid several hundred per ride.

What can a new vs. experienced DE make a year?

And what other FSDO duties are required of a DE?

 

[kmox29]

Didn't know it was such a difficult process to become a DE.

It always seemed to me that DE's were hard to schedule and always got paid several hundred per ride.

I'm not sure about several hundred (I suppose it depends on the region), but it IS a process to become a DPE. The best way to get the correct information is to call your local FSDO. I work on the Air Carrier side, so I am a little out of the loop on the DPE program.

As far as scheduling DPEs, that might be changing as well. For initial CFI candidates, the responsibility is changing at our office from DPEs to ASIs (Aviation Safety Inspectors). The previous routine had DPEs doing the certifications with overflow to the ASIs. Now the roles will be reversed, with ASIs doing the certification and DPEs handling the overflow.

While this only applies to initial CFI candidates, it might be a sign of things to come.

What can a new vs. experienced DE make a year?

And what other FSDO duties are required of a DE?

What a DPE makes in a year varies a lot. It all depends on region, the amount of activity in that region, and the prices set for examinations. My guess is that you could call 5 different FSDOs and get 7 different answers.

Again, being on the Air Carrier side, I don't have complete details on the DPE program, but as far as FSDO responsibilities, I believe DPEs attend monthly meetings are undergo recurrency checks with designated ASIs.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

The guy who signed my private back in 1998 made a cool $250 at FRG (L.I., NY). I've never not paid less the high 200's for any of my rides. To top it off, they were always booked up so scheduling a ride could be weeks away. This to me translates to big bucks for them. Not a bad deal.

It must feel pretty bad though to have to fail an applicant though.

 

[svcta]

Ten years ago DPEs were making at least $300/ride down here. Some guys more. I paid 500 for my CFI ride if I remember correctly. I knew a guy once that was essentially doing 4 rides a day for a while at 350 each. The feds made him quit that and go back to 2 a day. That still ain't bad....and he was booked months in advance.

Every DPE I've ever seen(though it has been years) was old and about to need replacing. I would think that where I'm from it might be a good time to try to get a designation.

 

[phishn@daves]

The guy who signed my private back in 1998 made a cool $250 at FRG (L.I., NY). I've never not paid less the high 200's for any of my rides. To top it off, they were always booked up so scheduling a ride could be weeks away. This to me translates to big bucks for them. Not a bad deal.

It must feel pretty bad though to have to fail an applicant though.

Was that Frank?

 

[tathepilot]

or Cliff..??

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Bingo Phish!

Smokin' FD...

 

[tathepilot]

Oh, ok.. FD is still around. Still smoking like a chimney..

 

[PositionandHold]

There's a DPE in socal who is a United '85 scab. They're charging 600+ for CFI rides out in SoCal, 450+ for private, etc.

In cash. probably worth the effort of trying to get your foot in the door.e

 

[CaptSeth]

Oh, ok.. FD is still around. Still smoking like a chimney..

Yeah, and he neglected to extend the landing gear on a mooney a few months ago, had to take a ride with the FSDO after that one.

I don't use him for anything.

 

[UndauntedFlyer]

It's far easier to become an internatinal wide body captain that it is to become a DPE.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Yeah, and he neglected to extend the landing gear on a mooney a few months ago, had to take a ride with the FSDO after that one.

I don't use him for anything.

uh oh.

Are you familiar with any of the details of what happened?

Thanks.

 

[CaptSeth]

That's all I've got. I saw him at Bayport a few weeks ago, but I didn't want to pester him as he's cantankerous as it is. From what I heard, it was just a case of complacency.

 

[jea]

I've been a DPE for 4 years, the process was thorough but it started out with filling out an application when you meet the minimum requirements and sending that to OKC. They send you a letter which is an authorization to take a knowlege test. the process goes on and on... at the time of my designation I had just set up a 141 school and had been very involved in training. I was 29 and it has been a great oportunity. I love it when I run into guys at work and i remember doing a ride for them. That is a satisfying impact on aviation. The local FSDO determines how many examiners are needed- and basically it goes like this... someone calls the FSDO and says there arent enough examiners- the FSDO calls all the examiners and asks how far out they are booked.. if all are 2 weeks out- there is need for more. (thats how our FSDO does it) The pay is nice, it is set by each individual examiner- its not regulated by the FSDO, you can only do 2 rides a day (quality control) to do a good ride 2 a day is a long day. I encourage all the CFI's I know to pursue the designation, it is difficult but a great oportunity to meet a bunch of great people.... and yes- we all have some good stories ha ha ha ha.. feel free to pm me if you want more info