Definition
An FAA-authorized representative qualified to administer practical tests for aviation maintenance technician certificates and ratings on behalf of the FAA. A DME evaluates applicants seeking certification as Aviation Maintenance Technicians (Airframe and/or Powerplant) by conducting the oral and practical portions of the test against published Airman Certification Standards or Practical Test Standards.
Plain English
A person the FAA has authorized to give the hands-on and oral exams that aircraft mechanics must pass to get their certificate. They aren't FAA employees, but the FAA has trained and approved them to test on its behalf.
Context Anchor
Seen in maintenance training, FAA testing, and instructor discussions about how practical test questions or tasks should match required standards.
Derivation
Designated' means appointed or assigned to act on behalf of another — here, the FAA. 'Examiner' is the person who conducts the test. So a designated maintenance examiner is someone formally appointed by the FAA to examine maintenance applicants in its place.
Why Pilots Care
Only a DME can legally conduct and pass the practical tests required for mechanic certification, directly affecting who is permitted to perform maintenance on aircraft.
Intuition Check
DME does not mean distance measuring equipment in this context. Here, it means a person who examines aviation maintenance applicants.
Example Sentence 1
After completing his airframe and powerplant training, the applicant scheduled his oral and practical test with a local DME.
Example Sentence 2
After passing both the oral and practical sections, the DME issued the temporary mechanic certificate.