Designated Control Tower Operator Examiners (DCTO-E)
A Designated Control Tower Operator Examiner (DCTO-E) is an air traffic control (ATC) tower operator employed by a nongovernmental agency who is authorized by the Administrator to accept applications for and conduct written and practical tests necessary for issuing Control Tower Operator (CTO) certificates for that employer under 14 CFR part 183. DCTO-Es are issued authority to conduct evaluations based on the FAA’s need for and ability to manage the DCTO-E. DCTO-E eligibility requirements can be found in FAA Order 8000.95, Volume 10, Designee Management Policy.
Training
- Training will be conducted by an FAA Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service (AOV) Managing Specialist.
Resources
- FAA-Designee Management System
- Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov)
- CTO Information Pamphlet (PDF) *Includes instructions about completing forms.
- CTO-E Checklist (PDF)
- CTO Study Guide
- CTO Facility Rating Test Information (PDF)
- CTO specific Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- To request a replacement CTO contact the Airmen's Certification Branch
- Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers from 14 CFR Part 65
Forms
- Airman Written Test Application, FAA Form 8080-3
- Application for an Airman Certification and/or Rating, FAA Form 8400-3
- Temporary Airman Certificate, FAA Form 8060-4
- Notice of Disapproval of Application, FAA Form 8060-5
Publications
- FAA Order 8000.95 - Volume 10, Designee Management Policy
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Designated Control Tower Operator Examiner.
DCTO-E application website and other resources
- FAA-Designee Management System
- FAA Order 8000.95- Volume 10, Designee Management Policy
Contact Us
Send your questions on becoming a designee to 9-AVS-AWA-AOV-DCTOE@faa.gov
Contact Us
General duty hours are Monday — Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Headquarters
Federal Aviation Administration
Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service
Room 1026, Attn: Credentialing-DCTO-E Program Staff
800 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20591
Telephone: (202)267-8766
Email: 9-AVS-AWA-AOV-DCTOE@faa.gov
DCTO-E Managing Specialists
Email: 9-AVS-AWA-AOV-DCTOE@faa.gov
John A. Lee- Program Manager
Email: john.a.lee@faa.gov
Phone: (202)267-8766
Karla Kalbfleisch- Team Lead
Email: karla.h.kalbfleisch@faa.gov
Phone: (404)474-5152
Gabe Foster
Email: Gabriel.foster@faa.gov
Phone: (404)474-5153
Kim Hodges
Email: kim.hodges@faa.gov
Phone: (432)638-3699
Stephanie Kimmel
Email: stephanie.kimmel@faa.gov
Phone: (404)474-5686
Kyle Stephens
Email: kyle.stephens@faa.gov
Phone: (818)618-9811
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