An Aircrew Program Designee (APD) is designated to conduct certification within a specifically-approved Aircrew Designated Examiner (ADE) program. An ADE program is associated with an operator which conducts its own program of airman qualification. It is the preferred program for conducting the certification of flightcrew members for complex part 121 and 135 operators.

• APDs are issued authority to conduct various evaluations based on the FAA's need for and ability to manage the APD. The regulatory basis for the designation of an APD may be found in 14 CFR parts 121 and 183. The FAA considers APDs with certification authority to be examiners as the term is used in 14 CFR part 183.

APD Eligibility

An APD candidate must first:

• Meet FAA English language standards as described in Advisory Circular (AC) 60-28, FAA English Language Standard for an FAA Certificate Issued Under 14 CFR parts 61, 63, 65, and 107.
• Be at least 23 years of age.
• Be employed by the air carrier either full-time, part-time, or under contract to the air carrier.
• Be recommended by the operator as an APD candidate.
• Be an FAA-approved, proficiency check pilot or check FE, as applicable, for the air carrier in the aircraft in which the APD candidate is to perform examiner duties.
• Hold the appropriate airman certificate and rating(s) for the authority requested. (A medical certificate is not required for simulator evaluators). 

Individuals that meet the eligibility criteria listed above will be evaluated on the following criteria before proceeding with formal training:

• Have a reputation for integrity and dependability within the industry and the community.
• Have a history of cooperation with the FAA, and a good record as an airman regarding accidents and/or incidents.
• Must possess an above-average level of knowledge, ability, and experience.
• Must have a good record of compliance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).
• Must be an FAA-approved, proficiency check pilot or check FE, as applicable, for the air carrier in the aircraft in which the APD candidate is to perform examiner duties.
• To perform examiner duties in an aircraft in flight, a pilot APD candidate must also be an FAA-approved line check pilot-all seats and proficiency check pilot-aircraft.
• Have served as a check pilot or check FE for a minimum of 1 year (APD candidates – preferably 6 months as a proficiency check pilot) before designation as an APD. Check pilot/check FE experience in other types of aircraft and in service with other air carriers may be credited toward a request for deviation from minimum qualifications.

Information for APDs