Definition
The section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that authorizes the FAA to designate qualified private individuals as representatives of the Administrator to perform specific functions on the FAA's behalf, including the examination, testing, and certification of pilots, aircraft, and other airmen. Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) derive their authority from this part.
Plain English
The federal rule that lets the FAA appoint trusted private individuals — like Designated Pilot Examiners — to act on its behalf when there aren't enough FAA staff to do every checkride and certification directly.
Context Anchor
Seen when learning why a Designated Pilot Examiner has authority to conduct a practical test for a pilot certificate or rating.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations — the official collection of U.S. government rules. Title 14 covers Aeronautics and Space. 'Part 183' is one numbered section within Title 14, specifically titled 'Representatives of the Administrator.'
Why Pilots Care
It defines the legal authority of the examiner who will conduct a pilot’s practical test and decide whether a certificate is issued.
Intuition Check
“Part” here does not mean a physical piece of something. It means a numbered section of the federal aviation rules. A Designated Pilot Examiner is not acting as a regular instructor during the test; they are acting as an FAA representative for that authorized duty.
Example Sentence 1
Under 14 CFR part 183, the FAA designates qualified private examiners to conduct practical tests for pilot certificates.
Example Sentence 2
Applicants review 14 CFR Part 183 to understand what an examiner is permitted to do during the checkride.