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