DPE
DPE
Designated Pilot Examiner
A DPE is an experienced pilot appointed by the FAA to conduct checkrides for pilot certificates and ratings. When you finish training, you schedule your checkride with a DPE who tests you against the FAA's Airmen Certification Standards.
Schools with a DPE on staff let you schedule your checkride directly rather than hunting for an available examiner on your own. In many areas, DPE wait times have stretched to weeks or months, so having one on site is a real advantage worth checking for.