Definition
A pilot examiner authorized by the FAA to conduct practical tests (checkrides) and issue pilot certificates and ratings on the agency's behalf. Designated examiners are private individuals, not FAA employees, who meet specific experience and training requirements and operate under FAA oversight.
Plain English
A qualified pilot whom the FAA has appointed to give checkrides and issue pilot certificates instead of having an FAA inspector do it.
Context Anchor
You will see this term when scheduling or discussing a pilot practical test, often called a checkride.
Derivation
"Designated" comes from the Latin designare, meaning "to mark out" or "appoint." The FAA "designates" — formally appoints — qualified individuals to act on its behalf, which is why these examiners are called designated rather than simply employed.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot must pass a practical test administered by a designated examiner to earn or upgrade a certificate or rating.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just “any examiner.” A designated examiner is specifically appointed or authorized by the FAA for this role.
Example Sentence 1
After completing her training, she scheduled her private pilot checkride with a designated examiner at the local airport.
Example Sentence 2
After the flight, the designated examiner issued the temporary certificate because all tasks were completed to standard.