Introduction to Flying

should observe recognized safety practices, as well as serve the public, and must adhere to FAA policies and regulations during all flight operations. procedures in certification matters. The FAA expects the DPE to administer practical tests with the same degree of The student pilot who enrolls in a pilot training program professionalism, using the same methods, procedures, and commits considerable time, effort, and expense to achieve a standards as an FAA ASI. pilot certificate. Students often judge the effectiveness of the flight instructor and the success of the pilot training program Chapter Summary based on their ability to pass the requisite FAA practical The FAA has entered the second century of civil aviation as a test. A competent flight instructor stresses to the student that robust government organization and is taking full advantage of practical tests are a sampling of pilot ability compressed into technology, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite a short period of time. The goal of a flight instructor is to technology to enhance the safety of civil aviation. The Internet train the “total” pilot. has also become an important tool in promoting aviation safety and providing around-the-clock resources for the aviation Role of the Designated Pilot Examiner community. Handbooks, regulations, standards, references, The Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) plays an important and online courses are now available at www.faa.gov. role in the FAA’s mission of promoting aviation safety by administering FAA practical tests for pilot and Flight In keeping with the FAA’s belief that safety is a learned Instructor Certificates and associated ratings. Although behavior, the FAA offers many courses and seminars to administering these tests is a responsibility of the ASI, the enhance air safety. The FAA puts the burden of instilling safe FAA’s highest priority is making air travel safer by inspecting flying habits on the flight instructor, who should follow basic aircraft that fly in the United States. To satisfy the need for flight safety practices and procedures in every flight operation pilot testing and certification services, the FAA delegates he or she undertakes with a student pilot. Operational safety certain responsibilities to private individuals who are not practices include, but are not limited to, collision avoidance FAA employees. procedures consisting of proper scanning techniques, use of checklists, runway incursion avoidance, positive transfer of Appointed in accordance with 14 CFR part 183, section controls, and workload management. These safety practices 183.23, a DPE is an individual who meets the qualification are discussed more fully within this handbook. Safe flight also requirements of the Pilot Examiner’s Handbook, FAA Order depends on Scenario-Based Training (SBT) that teaches the 8710.3, and who: student pilot how to respond in different flight situations. The • Is technically qualified FAA has incorporated these techniques along with decision- making methods, such as aeronautical decision-making • Holds all pertinent category, class, and type ratings (ADM), risk management, and crew resource management for each aircraft related to their designation (CRM), which are covered more completely in Chapter 2, • Meets requirements of 14 CFR part 61, sections 61.56, Aeronautical Decision-Making. 61.57, and 61.58, as appropriate • Is current and qualified to act as PIC of each aircraft for which he or she is authorized • Maintains at least a Third-Class Medical Certificate, if required • Maintains a current Flight Instructor Certificate, if required Designated to perform specific pilot certification tasks on behalf of the FAA, a DPE may charge a reasonable fee. Generally, a DPE’s authority is limited to accepting applications and conducting practical tests leading to the issuance of specific pilot certificates and/or ratings. The majority of FAA practical tests at the private and commercial pilot levels are administered by DPEs. DPE candidates must have good industry reputations for professionalism, integrity, a demonstrated willingness to 1-24