117. Pro Pilot's Side Quest: What's it Like Being a DPE?

In this episode, we're joined by Seth Lake, SWA Pilot and an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), who shares invaluable insights into the life of a DPE and its potential as a side gig for professional pilots. Seth delves into the current dynamics of the flight training industry, outlines the qualifications necessary to become a DPE, and offers strategic advice to make your application stand out. Beyond the intricacies of becoming a DPE, Seth provides essential checkride tips for student pilots. The episode wraps up with a memorable story from Seth, recounting a humorous experience with a nervous student during a checkride. Links Seth mentions in the interview: Dynamic Regulatory System: Home of the 8900.1, which is the Flight Standards Information Management System. Volume 5, Chapter 2 acts as our guidebook for conducting practical tests as DPEs. 8000.95 Designee Management Policy - Lists the specific qualifications needed by pilots applying to be a DPE in Chapter 2. 8000.2C General Aviation Airman Designee Handbook - Most of this is superseded by the 8900.1 and 8000.95, but we still use Ch 7, Sect 2-11 & 13-21 Designee Management System (DMS) - This website is where we manage our practical tests and where users need to create an account in order to apply to become a DPE. Designee Registration System (DRS) - This website has the online training portal for the DPE training you need to accomplish before being designated. Learn more about Seth Lake's company, VSL Aero Connect with Seth Lake on LinkedIn Join us in supporting the Pilot Mental Health Campaign by making adonating. Listener Rick S will match 21.Five listeners donations up to $1000! 21Five's Youtube Channel Connect with us on LinkedIn Our sponsors: Harvey Watt, offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline's plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Visit harveywatt.com to learn more! Advanced Aircrew Academy enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. We do this by providing high-quality professional pilot, flight attendant, flight coordinator, maintenance, and line service training modules delivered via the web using a world-class online aviation training system. Visit aircrewacademy.com to learn more! Tim Pope is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His financial planning practice provides services to aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans. Tim helps clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, organizing & optimizing resources, planning, implementing, and monitoring their financial plan. Visit https://link.21fivepodcast.com/timothy-pope to learn more. Check out Tim's new podcast: The Pilot Money Podcast Employee Compensation Software That Answers "What's the Going Rate?" The AirComp Calculator™ is business aviation's only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise compensation ranges for 14 business aviation positions in six aircraft classes at over 50 locations throughout the United States in seconds. VAERUS MEANS RIGHT, TRUE, AND REAL.Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, using a true partner, to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales | Learn more about the DC-3 Referral Program Do you have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us info@21fivepodcast.com Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content and to see our collection of aviation license plates. The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.