What Is a DPE? FAA Designated Pilot Examiner Explained
A DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) is an experienced, FAA authorized pilot who conducts FAA checkrides for pilot certificates and ratings. While DPEs are not FAA employees, they are delegated authority by the FAA to evaluate pilot applicants during oral exams and flight tests.
In simple terms: your DPE determines whether you pass or fail your checkride.
DPEs evaluate applicants using the FAA’s Airman Certification Standards (ACS), assessing knowledge, judgment, risk management, and flight skills for the specific certificate or rating being sought.
What Does a Designated Pilot Examiner Do?
During an FAA checkride, a DPE is responsible for conducting and overseeing the entire evaluation process, including:
• Reviewing logbooks, endorsements, and IACRA
• Conducting the oral exam
• Evaluating flight performance
• Issuing a temporary airman certificate if the applicant passes
• Issuing a Notice of Disapproval if the applicant does not meet standards
Most checkrides follow a similar structure:
Administrative and document review
Oral exam
Flight portion
Post flight debrief and result
Although all DPEs follow the ACS, the experience itself can vary significantly depending on the examiner.
Are DPEs FAA Employees?
No. DPEs are independent contractors, not FAA inspectors or government employees.
They:
• Set their own schedules
• Charge their own checkride fees
• Operate independently under FAA oversight
Because of this independence, the style, structure, and overall experience of a checkride can differ greatly from one DPE to another.
Why the DPE Matters So Much
Two applicants can take the same checkride for the same certificate and have completely different experiences depending on the DPE.
Differences between examiners may include:
• Length and depth of the oral exam
• Areas of emphasis
• Questioning style
• Tolerance for minor errors
• Overall professionalism and demeanor
The goal is not to find an easy examiner. It is to find a fair, predictable, and professional one.
Can You Choose Your DPE?
In most cases, yes. Applicants can choose their DPE. However, availability, location, and scheduling constraints often limit options.
Many pilots simply go with:
• Whoever their flight school recommends
• Whoever is available the soonest
This can lead to unnecessary stress or surprises. Knowing what to expect ahead of time helps applicants prepare more effectively and avoid preventable failures or discontinuances.
How to Prepare for a DPE Checkride
Effective checkride preparation goes beyond memorizing answers.
Strong preparation includes:
• Understanding how a specific DPE conducts checkrides
• Completing mock checkrides
• Reviewing examiner specific expectations
• Ensuring logbooks and endorsements are correct and complete
This preparation is especially important for:
• Private Pilot checkrides
• Instrument checkrides
• Commercial checkrides
Where to Find DPE Reviews and Checkride Insights
Traditionally, pilots relied on:
• Word of mouth
• Informal gouge reports
• Private group chats
That information is often incomplete, outdated, or inconsistent.
Rate My DPE was created to provide transparency by allowing pilots to:
• Read real DPE reviews
• Learn from recent checkride experiences
• Prepare more confidently for oral exams
• Book mock checkrides with experienced instructors
The goal is not shortcuts. It is informed preparation.
Final Thoughts
A DPE plays a major role in one of the most important milestones in a pilot’s career. Understanding how FAA checkrides work and what to expect from an examiner provides a meaningful advantage.
Preparation builds confidence.
Confidence improves performance.