Definition
Private citizens authorized by the FAA to administer practical tests (checkrides) and issue pilot and instructor certificates on the agency's behalf. They are not FAA employees, but they act under FAA authority when conducting these tests.
Plain English
People the FAA has approved to give the flight tests and sign off the certificates that an FAA inspector would otherwise give. They work in private practice but carry FAA authority during the test.
Context Anchor
Seen when discussing flight instructor qualifications, student preparation for practical tests, and the final check before a pilot certificate or rating is issued.
Derivation
Designated means appointed or chosen for a specific task. Examiner comes from Latin examinare, to weigh or test. Together: someone specifically chosen to test pilots on behalf of the FAA.
Why Pilots Care
They conduct the checkrides that decide whether a pilot receives a certificate, directly affecting training completion and career progression.
Intuition Check
Do not read designated pilot examiner as simply “an experienced pilot who gives tests.” In this FAA context, it means a person specifically authorized by the FAA to conduct practical tests.
Example Sentence 1
After her instructor endorsed her for the practical test, she scheduled her checkride with a local designated pilot examiner.
Example Sentence 2
Flight instructors often advise applicants on which designated pilot examiners are known for thorough yet fair evaluations.