FAA Reviewing DPE Regulations

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Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA has initiated a comprehensive review of all policies and regulations pertaining to Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs).
  • This review is mandated by Section 319 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, with the goal of ensuring an adequate number of DPEs are available to meet public demand.
  • A new Designated Pilot Examiner Reforms Working Group is being formed to advise on regulatory and policy changes, and the FAA is currently soliciting nominations for participants.
  • The FAA Administrator is required to act on any recommendations generated by this review within one year of receiving them.
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The FAA has given the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) the task of reviewing all policies and regulations related to designated pilot examiners (DPEs), according to a notice (PDF) issued by the agency last week. The action comes in response to Section 319 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which calls for a full review of DPE regulations and policies. Section 319 also stipulates that the Administrator must take action on any recommendations generated by the review within one year of receiving them.

As part of the review process, members are being solicited for a new Designated Pilot Examiner Reforms Working Group. “The FAA seeks advice and recommendations on regulatory and policy changes necessary to ensure an adequate number of designated pilot examiners are deployed and available to perform their duties to meet the growing need of the public,” the notice reads. The agency says it hopes to include a “wide range of stakeholders to ensure all aspects of the tasks are considered in development of the recommendations.”

The FAA is accepting nominations for working group participants until July 22, 2019, at 5 p.m. EST. Information on how to apply can be found in the notice (PDF).

Kate O'Connor

Kate is a private pilot, certificated aircraft dispatcher, and graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
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