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Designated Flight Examiner Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Designated Flight Examiner information

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 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 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.

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 popular job titles related to Designated Flight Examiner jobs in Oregon?

For Designated Flight Examiner jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Designated Flight Examiner jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Designated Flight Examiner jobs in Oregon are:

Wildland Firefighter (Aviation Operations Specialist)

Klamath Falls, OR • On-site, Remote


Forest Service
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 294 rated public sector bodies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers


$72K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Summary
This position is located on a USDA Forest Service Unit within the Pacific Northwest Region, Region 6.
Serves as an assistant to the Forest Aviation Officer in directing the complex aviation management program of the Fire & Aviation Operations on Forest Service unit(s). Incumbent provides leadership, coordination, and direction to aerial projects and fire management activities.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Shalyn Whitson at shalyn.whitson@usda.gov
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Duties
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  • Provides information and technical direction for all planned and continuing Forest aviation operations. Maintains close liaison with the Regional Fire UAS Specialist and the Regional Resource Management UAS Specialist.
  • Develops Project Aviation Safety Plans (PASP/MASP) to support National, Regional, and local UAS projects and missions according to agency policy.
  • Maintains close liaison with other aviation managers, Forest Fire Management Officer(s), Deputy Forest FMO(s), Interagency Dispatch Center Manager(s), and Dispatch Coordinators to exchange information on current aviation operations.
  • Develops and evaluates sensors and data collection and processing of equipment and techniques for UAS activity.
  • Provides input to the regional and forest Aviation Operations and Safety Plan. Assists with the preparation of the Forest level supplements to FSM 5700, the Regional Aviation Management Plan, and the Regional Aviation Mishap Prevention Plan.
  • Coordinates with the Forest Aviation Officer and Regional aviation management on Forest aviation operations, technical guidance, special projects for aviation support personnel, and other aviation related aspects.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
  • Secondary Coverage: Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
  • Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
  • Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-09: You must have one-year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-07 in the Federal service OR a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related; OR an appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level).
Examples of Specialized Experience are: Administrative processing of flight clearances; limited advice to pilots on geographic locations of assignments and related weather conditions; and support duties such as posting and announcing plane arrivals and departures, tracking automated flight following system, maintaining passenger and cargo manifest records, and maintaining flight requests. Applies technical knowledge to mobilize numerous personnel with supporting supplies, equipment, aircraft, and services on short notice in order to effectively and efficiently suppress wildfires.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors.
Government housing and federal day care facilities may be available.
The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates.
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website.
Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Questions should be directed to the Travel Help Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email SM.FS.asc_tos@usda.gov
Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.


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