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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:
Designated Flight Examiner jobs near you
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.

Aviation Safety Inspector (AC - Flight Oversight) - Assistant Aircrew Program Manager (AAPM)

Career Fields | Federal Aviation Administration

Watkins, CO

$118K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

The Assistant Aircrew Program Manager (AAPM) serves as a full assistant to an Aircrew Program Manager (APM) and is responsible for the adequacy of aircrew ground and flight training/testing and standards for specific aircraft of an assigned air carrier. Assists in the management of programs on assigned aircraft including designated examiners and/or Aircrew Program Designees (APD).Qualifications:

General Requirements for All Positions:

  1. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years;
  2. Valid State driver's license;
  3. Fluency in the English language;
  4. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; andHigh school diploma or equivalent.

Medical Requirements for All Positions:

Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner, and must meet all of the following requirements:

  1. Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted) without strain;
  2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted);
  3. Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others or that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.

In addition, applicants for positions that require participation in the operation of aircraft must:

  1. Possess a valid second-class medical certificate in accordance with Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) regulations; and
  2. Pass recurrent medical examinations as prescribed by the FAA.

Applicants not requiring valid second-class medical certificates who are tentatively selected will be required to:

  1. Provide documentation from a board-certified physician certifying that they meet the minimal medical requirements; or
  2. Individuals who do not meet the minimum medical requirements but who are otherwise qualified will receive an individualized assessment to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position.

Applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector, (Flight Oversight) positions must meet all of the following requirements.

  1. At least 1 year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight.
  2. Not more than 2 flying accidents during the last 5 years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved.
  3. Three years of experience working in an organization with an air carrier, commercial operator, or air agency certificate, an organization whose work led to the certification of individual airmen, or an organization that operated aircraft. At least one year of this experience must be with an organization that also operated multi-engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum takeoff weight.
  4. Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
  5. Minimum 1,500 total flight hours.

To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience at the FV-H, FG/GS-12 level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience must demonstrateconducting flight crew training and testing required by appropriate FARs, FAA-approved training programs, and current testing standards. Conducting enforcement investigations and preparing final reports and recommendations on disposition. Monitoring assigned air carrier ground and flight training.

Education:

Not applicable.

Employment Type: OTHER

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