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Designated Flight Examiner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Instrument Flight Examiners (IE), Standardization Instructor Pilots (SP), Instructor Pilots (IP ... Contractor pilots in these designated positions shall meet all Army initial aircraft qualifications ...

Instrument Flight Examiners (IE), Standardization Instructor Pilots (SP), Instructor Pilots (IP ... Contractor pilots in these designated positions shall meet all Army initial aircraft qualifications ...

... designation, as well as T-38 ADAIR, T-38 IFF, and any international exchange fighter equivalent aircraft servicing as Pilot in Command, Instructor Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner. Must have ...

... designation, as well as T-38 ADAIR, T-38 IFF, and any international exchange fighter equivalent aircraft servicing as Pilot in Command, Instructor Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner. Must have ...

... designation, as well as T-38 ADAIR, T-38 IFF, and any international exchange fighter equivalent aircraft servicing as Pilot in Command, Instructor Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner. Must have ...

... designation, as well as T-38 ADAIR, T-38 IFF, and any international exchange fighter equivalent aircraft servicing as Pilot in Command, Instructor Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner. Must have ...

Helicopter Pilot

Yakima, WA · On-site +1

$106K - $138K/yr

Serve as Rotary Wing Instrument Flight Examiner to instrument flight evaluations and training ... This position has been designated "Mission Essential". * Execution of aviation duties will require ...

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Designated Flight Examiner information

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$33.5K

$61.4K

$99K

How much do designated flight examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for designated flight examiner in the United States is $61,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Designated Flight Examiner vs Flight Instructor?

AspectDesignated Flight ExaminerFlight Instructor
CredentialsFAA or relevant authority certification, examiner authorizationInstructor certification, CFI license
Work EnvironmentConducts exams, evaluates pilot proficiencyTeaches and trains students
Employer & Industry UsageRegulatory authority, flight schools, airlinesFlight schools, private training

The main difference is that a Designated Flight Examiner is authorized to conduct official pilot exams and certify pilots, while a Flight Instructor focuses on training students and developing their flying skills. Both roles require specific certifications, but their responsibilities and authority levels differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a designated flight examiner?

To thrive as a Designated Flight Examiner, you need comprehensive aviation knowledge, significant flight experience, and usually hold an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) or equivalent credentials. Familiarity with flight testing protocols, FAA or relevant aviation authority regulations, and proficiency in using aircraft instrumentation and assessment documentation systems are essential. Strong observational skills, impartial judgment, and effective communication are vital soft skills for evaluating pilot competence and providing clear feedback. These skills ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and the fair assessment of pilot skills, which are critical for maintaining high aviation standards.

What is a designated flight examiner?

Designated Flight Examiners (DFEs) are experienced pilots authorized by aviation authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to conduct practical flight tests and checkrides for pilot certification. They evaluate candidates' flying skills, knowledge, and adherence to regulations to ensure safety and competency. DFEs play a crucial role in maintaining high standards in aviation by independently assessing aspiring pilots before they are granted licenses or ratings. While they are not direct employees of the aviation authority, they are carefully selected and must meet rigorous qualification criteria.

What are some common challenges designated flight examiners face during checkrides, and how can they address them?

Designated Flight Examiners (DFEs) often encounter challenges such as managing nervous applicants, ensuring standardization in evaluations, and staying current with regulatory changes. To address these issues, DFEs should foster clear communication and a calm environment to help applicants perform at their best. Regularly attending examiner workshops and collaborating with other DFEs can help maintain consistency and stay updated on procedures. Establishing a structured pre-brief and debrief process also ensures transparency and fairness throughout the checkride.
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What cities are hiring for Designated Flight Examiner jobs?

Cities with the most Designated Flight Examiner job openings:

What states have the most Designated Flight Examiner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Designated Flight Examiner jobs include:

Infographic showing various Designated Flight Examiner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,362 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR with Security Clearance

Department of the Air Force

Brenham, TX • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Duties * Serves as an Instructor Pilot for student pilots in academic, flight and flight simulator flight training. * Serves as the Aircraft Commander/Instructor Pilot/Evaluator Pilot on training missions for Unit Instructor Pilots. * Orients newly assigned instructor pilots on mission profiles, flying areas and training flights in the local and non-local areas in which instruction will occur. * Performs other duties related to accomplishment of the unit operational and training mission. Requirements Conditions of employment * U.S. Citizenship Required * Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov * If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/ * This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program * Disclosure of Political Appointments * Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume * Leave accrual may be authorized upon request * Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. * Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. * The incumbent is required to complete a formal flight or simulator instructor course (including training on the spectrum of Immersive Training Devices) and continue to meet and maintain AF requirements to pilot training aircraft and provide (cont'd) * (cont'd) formal flight and ground training instruction on a recurring and regular basis in support of the mission. Must possess and maintain proper qualifications to exercise the privileges for at least a Federal Aviation Administration (cont'd) * (cont'd) Commercial Pilot certificate with airplane single or multi-engine land and Instrument Airplane ratings, or military equivalent. * The instructor will maintain flight line-equivalent proficiency in accordance with all AFMAN 11-202 and AFMAN 11-2(MDS) series regulations. * Must be able to maintain USAF Flying Class II physical standard qualifications IAW DAFMAN 48-123 administered by a properly credentialed DoD flight surgeon (as defined by DAFMAN 48-123). * Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours; schedule may change on a daily basis due to the operational flying schedule. In all cases, the incumbent will adhere to crew duty day definitions and limits (cont'd) * (cont'd) IAW AFMAN 11-202 and 11-2(MDS) series policies when engaging in flight related duties. Duty may include work on weekends and may take place at a location other than home station (Auxiliary fields), and other approved fields during (cont'd) * (cont'd) cross-country or out-and-back sorties including normal flight duties as well as ground duties. * May be required to fly in commercial and military aircraft to perform other duty assignments. * This position has been identified as a designated position under the Air Force Drug Testing Plan. Incumbent(s) of this position is/are subject to the possibility of a random drug testing. * This is a Mission Essential (ME) position performing a Mission Critical Function (MCF) which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions. Qualifications Conditions of Employment Continued: * Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance. Note: Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. Minimum Eligibility Requirements Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions. AND Certificates and Ratings: For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying a multi-engine airplane to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with the airplane, multi-engine, and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings. Positions that require flying or instructing in flying both airplanes and helicopters require a rating in both categories. Only those ratings necessary to perform the work are required. Flight Experience: Candidates must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience. The categories in which candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency relate to (1) the general knowledge and skills to pilot the aircraft, and (2) the specific knowledge and skills related to the particular position being filled. Only that flight experience that is directly related to the work of the position is required for purposes of establishing minimum eligibility. Minimum Flight Hour Requirements: The following flight hour requirements apply to all applicants: * Total Flight Time -- Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For in-service placements actions, up to one-fourth of the total flight hours may by waived for candidates who have demonstrated possession of the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work, provided: * They hold the certificates and ratings required; * They have acquired the pilot-in-command hours and flight hours in other categories essential to performance of the work; * They meet the requirements in terms of level and quality of experience; and * Their flying history indicates they are qualified for the position. * Pilot-In-Command -- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable. Requirements: GS-11 and Above (Hours): * Total Flight Time 1500 * Pilot-In-Command 250 * Flying Time, Last 12 months 100 * Night Flying 75 * For Instructor Time, 500 Instructor hours is required * Instrument 75 * Multi-Engine Airplane 500 HOURS Note: You must submit proof of Flight Hours Note: General Military Flight Experience and Training: Flight experience and training (not to include solely simulator training gained in the armed services of the United States of elsewhere). Applicants who have flight experience and training, may have up to 50% of the total flight hour requirement waived. Complex Aircraft Flight Instructor Experience: Applicants who have experience as an instructor in the operation of complex aircraft, may have up to 20% of the instructor flight hour requirement waived. Multi-engine Aircraft Time: Applicants who have experience flying multi-engine aircraft, may have up to 20% of the multi-engine flight hour requirement waived. Night Vision Device Operations: Applicants who have flown under night vision device operations, may have 20% of their total flight hours waived. Medical Requirements: At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the second-class medical certificate, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. Staff specialists not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test pilots, airspace system inspection pilots, and Customs pilots, all candidates must possess a current first-class medical certificate at the time of appointment. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: * Knowledge of aircraft systems and operating procedures, aerodynamics, flying fundamentals, aircraft instrumentation, aerobatic maneuvers, close formation flying, high-speed low-level flight, ground and flight emergency procedures, and instrument and visual flight rules, as well as knowledge of the operation, characteristics, and limitations of assigned