DPE application

[crjdude]

does anyone know how to get the process started to become a designated pilot examiner? is there an application i can submit online or do i need to go to the local fsdo?

anyone have any idea what makes someone competitive?
how political is the selection process?

thanks.

crjdude

 

[JAFI]

Crjdude,

You need to become familiar with the FAA web site (www2.faa.gov).

Or to go directly to the Flight Standards site:

http://www2.faa.gov/avr/afs/index.cfm

On the lower left hand side of the page there is a section for the various DE’s.

If you are looking for an 8710-10 application use this link:

http://www2.faa.gov/avr/afs/infoforgeneralaviation/index.cfm

Again on the lower left corner you will see an application for Pilot Examiner. The application describes the steps you need to take.

For the Practical test Standards: (from the General Aviation Index page)

http://afs600.faa.gov/srchFolder.asp?Category=practicalteststandard

PM me if I can be of assistance.


Best of Luck to you,

JAFI

 

[Prof. ATP]

I submitted my application at the end of November, but haven't heard any more about its progress. Is this a typical amount of time to wait?

 

[mizzouguy]

It helps if you have a relationship with your local FSDO. They can get you the application which is how I did it I had an application in for about 8 months but kept in touch with the FSDO. It helps if you are like a chief pilot, check airman, chief flight instructor of a 141 school or have a specialty like seaplane rating in an area where there is no sea plane examiner and a demand for it. The local FSDO decides if there is a need for an examiner, then gets 3 applicants from the pool and decides from there. You have to do at least 10 checkrides each 12 months to maintain your status. They usually give you private first followed by comm/inst. the following year. It also helps if you go to the examiner training school in OKC before hand. They hold it 4 times a year

 

[Prof. ATP]

Just for the record, I got a letter from the FAA today saying that they had reviewed my qualifications and declaring me eligible to take the written. The letter said that I appeared qualified to check everything including ATP, not just private.

The written will be easy, after a little studying, and I have the FSDO's encouragement. My big issue is that I am just on the edge of 300 hrs/yr as PIC, which is required to keep the designation. It's always sumpthin'. (Checkrides given DO NOT count as PIC time, by the way, at least according to the SLC FSDO. I fly about 350 hrs/year, but about 50 of that is as a 135 check airman.)

With a little luck, I will be getting many phone calls at dinner from nervous candidates!

 

[crjdude]

Congrats on qualifying for the written.

What does the written entail? Is there some sort of study guide that you can use to prepare?

I printed the application last night and I'm in the process of filling it out. How long from submission until you heard back from Oke City?

Thanks for the insight.

Good luck.

 

[mizzouguy]

The written is 50 questions from the CFI-A test. Its pretty easy. I heard within about a month of applying that I was eligible. It took about that long to fill out the application. I had a lot of help and encouragement from the KC FSDO so it made it easier. I took the test in like January 2001, went to examniner school in OKC in August 2001 and was appointed in September. It took about a month for all the paperwork to go through. Then you have to go to a DPE meeting every year, and have at least 10 applicants in a 12 month period. Good luck.