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Designated Flight Examiner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

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... instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the ... As a designated key position, the term "key" as it is used here relates to the ART program that ...

... 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 ...

Apply Early

... 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 ...

Apply Early

... 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 ...

Apply Early

$131K/yr

... examinations to demonstrate flight proficiency. ECA 23 JAN 2015 in concurrence with DWM Chief ... is designated as a mobility position. The incumbent must be willing to move/transfer to another ...

$131K/yr

... examinations to demonstrate flight proficiency. ECA 23 JAN 2015 in concurrence with DWM Chief ... is designated as a mobility position. The incumbent must be willing to move/transfer to another ...

$131K/yr

... examinations to demonstrate flight proficiency. ECA 23 JAN 2015 in concurrence with DWM Chief ... is designated as a mobility position. The incumbent must be willing to move/transfer to another ...

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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 Jul 5, 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, and why are they important?

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 are Designated Flight Examiners?

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.
More about Designated Flight Examiner jobs
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:
What job categories do people searching Designated Flight Examiner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Designated Flight Examiner jobs are:
Infographic showing various Designated Flight Examiner job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,362 per year, or $29.5 per hour.
SUPERVISORY AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

SUPERVISORY AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

US Department of the Air Force

Dover Air Force Base, DE

$140K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
Air Reserve Technicians are full-time civilian employees who are also members of the Air Force Reserve unit in which they are employed. In addition to their civilian assignments, they are assigned to equivalent positions in the Reserve organization with a Reserve military rank or grade. Appointee's civilian assignments will consist of the following duties.Qualifications:THIS IS AN AIR RESERVE TECHNICIAN OFFICER POSITION.
This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) Officer position located at 512 OPERATIONS SUPPORT FT with the military rank of Lt Col/ O-5, AFSC: 011M3S. For questions concerning military eligibility please contact the Air Force Reserve Qualification Center at 1-800-257-1212.
EXPERIENCE:
No specific length of experience required. The qualifications of Airplane/Helicopter Pilots or Airplane/Helicopter Flight Instructors in an Air Force active duty and Reserve force are directly related to the completion of prerequisite training and number of flying hours rather than years of experience.
GS-13:Must have logged 2,000 or more total pilot time (i.e., accumulation of primary, secondary, instructor, evaluator, simulator and student time), or 1,300 hours Primary Flight Time (i.e. primary, secondary, instructor, and evaluator time) or Instructor Pilot time. Must be instructor qualified in unit aircraft.
(Note: For position requiring the piloting of fighter jet aircraft (e.g., F-16, A-10, F-15, F-22), each hours as First Pilot and/or Instructor Pilot in a fighter jet aircraft may be counted as two hours of flying time when determining total hours of pilot time or primary and/or instructor pilot time. Training aircraft (T-37/T-38) should be considered when giving double credit but only for those hours in which candidates logged either instructor/evaluator pilot or primary pilot time. Flying hours logged as a student pilot will be credited one-for-one when calculating total time.)
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:
1. Knowledge of and skill in the application of rated aviator expertise, as a pilot.
2. Knowledge of flying and mission operations; and capabilities, limitations, and techniques for employment of
various aircraft.
3. Knowledge of and ability to formulate plans and policies pertaining to flying operations and unit flying training
activities.
4. Knowledge of the relationships of the various Air Force Reserve entities, other MAJCOMs and HQ Air Force in
overall planning and execution of military operations and evaluations.
5. Ability to plan and organize workload and activities, and to manage multiple taskings.
6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Other significant facts pertaining to this position are:
1. Must be highly knowledgeable in the capabilities, limitations, and techniques for employment of aircraft.
2. This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) officer position. The incumbent is required to meet and maintain Air Force Reserve requirements. Work schedule will be aligned to allow the incumbent to fully participate in unit training assemblies. The incumbent's regular assignments are primarily ART duties; however, the incumbent may also be assigned non-ART duties, generally not to exceed 30 percent of total responsibilities.
3. This is an AFRC management position, in which, the incumbent is required to formulate, determine, and/or influence policies. Must be highly knowledgeable of the AFRC mission and responsibilities. As a designated key position, the term "key" as it is used here relates to the ART program that defines the position as critical to mobilization capability (i.e., formulates, determines or influences policies of the unit to which assigned), and has no relationship to the term "key" as defined in AFI 36-507.
4. Periodically, as prescribed by regulations, must take and pass standardization/evaluation flight examinations which consist of both written tests and actual flight performance to demonstrate flight knowledge and abilities required by the position. Incumbent must participate in regular, frequent flights, as directed by the supervisor, over and above the flights required by the position. The incumbent is subject to the normal pressures, deadlines, and other conditions inherent in this position and others found in the aircrew occupation. May be exposed to gravity forces of three to seven depending upon aircraft to which assigned.
5. This position is designated as a mobility position. Incumbent must be willing to move/transfer to another unit/location on a lateral or promotion basis as directed by HQ AFRC. AFRC command-wide geographic mobility is a condition of employment for all ART Officer positions. The employee must sign a mobility agreement.
6. In order to meet special or essential unscheduled activities, may be required to work an uncommon tour of duty with brief advance notice.
7. The incumbent must possess demonstrated leadership and managerial abilities essential to successful accomplishment of responsibilities inherent in this position.
8. The incumbent may be required to fly in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments (TDY) away from the normal duty station. Represents the Air Force Reserve to dignitaries and high ranking personnel during unit visits and while performing duty at or away from home station.
9. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control
Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not
perform the duties of this position.
11. The incumbent must obtain and retain a Top-Secret security clearance level designated for the position.
12. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The employee is subject to random drug testing. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing and participation in random drug testing as a condition of employment. Drug Test requirement was modified with AFI 90-508, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, 28 August 2014; Certified Current 18 December 2015 which supersedes AFI 44-107, 7 April 2010. Positions covered by this SPD must be reviewed for proper "Testing Designated Position (TDP)" coding to comply with the AF Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program (AFI 90-508). Drug testing is a condition of employment.
13. The incumbent may be required to work overtime to meet workload demands.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE:
Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
RETIRED MILITARY ARE USUALLY INELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE AIR FORCE RESERVE. RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL WHO HAVE ACTIVE AIR FORCE RESERVE ASSIGNMENTS MAY APPLY PROVIDED THEY SHOW ASSIGNMENT (POSITION AND UNIT) ON THEIR APPLICATION.Employment Type: OTHER