Definition
The official tasks performed by a designated pilot examiner on behalf of the FAA, including conducting practical tests, issuing pilot and instructor certificates, and adding ratings to existing certificates.
Plain English
The work an examiner does when testing a pilot and issuing or updating their pilot license or rating.
Context Anchor
Seen when the Airplane Flying Handbook describes the role of a pilot examiner and the official work an examiner performs for the FAA.
Derivation
From Latin 'certificare' meaning 'to make certain' or 'to attest as true.' In this context, it refers to the formal acts that confirm a pilot has met the required standards.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing what these activities involve helps applicants prepare for checkrides and understand the examiner’s focus on safety and compliance.
Intuition Check
Do not read “certification activities” as ordinary training or practice toward a certificate. In this context, it means official FAA-authorized evaluation and record work connected to granting or changing a pilot certificate, rating, or approval.
Example Sentence 1
The designated pilot examiner conducted certification activities for several private pilot applicants that week.
Example Sentence 2
All certification activities must be documented accurately before the examiner can issue a temporary pilot certificate.