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VOLUME 13 FLIGHT STANDARDS DESIGNEES

CHAPTER 3 DESIGNATED AIRCRAFT DISPATCH EXAMINER

Section 1 Duties and Responsibilities of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

Managing Specialist

13-136 PROGRAM TRACKING AND REPORTING SUBSYSTEM (PTRS) ACTIVITY 

CODES. Operations:

 1555,

 1595, and

 1669.

13-137 INTRODUCTION. This section provides specific inspector guidance on the selection, 

authorization, oversight, training, renewal, and termination of Designated Aircraft Dispatch 

Examiners (DADE). This guidance differs from the designee policy and inspector guidance 

related to the designated examiner types outlined in Volume 13, Chapter 1, Section 1.

13-138 GENERAL. Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 183, § 183.11 

defines who may select a DADE. Section 183.25(f) defines the privileges of a DADE. This 

chapter discusses Flight Standards Service (AFS) polices and procedures regarding the 

designation and oversight of DADEs. For the purpose of this chapter a “Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA) managing specialist” is an individual who authorizes and/or oversees a 

DADE.

13-139 DADE QUALIFICATIONS.

A. Minimum Qualifications. A DADE and a DADE applicant must meet the following 

minimum qualifications:

 Hold an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. This certificate must have been held for 

at least 3 years; and

 Have a total of at least 3 years, out of the last 5 years, experience as an aircraft 

dispatcher for a 14 CFR part 121 certificate holder who holds domestic and/or 

flag authority, or equivalent experience as outlined in subparagraph 13-139B.

B. Equivalent Experience.

1) The FAA managing specialist may grant DADE authority to an individual who 

has experience in accordance with this paragraph, if it is in the public interest and then only after 

obtaining approval from the Air Transportation Division (AFS-200). Some examples of 

equivalent experience include, but are not limited to:

 Experience as a dispatch instructor;

 Experience as a dispatch supervisor or dispatch manager at a part 121 

certificate holder;
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 Experience as a dispatcher for a part 121 supplemental operator that has a 

dispatch center;

 Experience as a dispatch subject matter expert (SME) developing dispatch 

software or policies and procedures at a part 121 certificate holder or 

contractor supporting a part 121 dispatcher operational control system; and

 Experience in a System Operations Control Center (SOCC) as an air traffic 

control (ATC) coordinator or dispatch planner.

2) The most important thing to consider when evaluating equivalent experience is 

whether or not the applicant is in a position to remain knowledgeable of the evolving technical, 

regulatory, and operational control environment. A DADE must maintain this knowledge as a 

condition of continued authorization (renewal).

C. Individuals Employed by or Affiliated with an FAA-Approved Part 65 

Dispatcher Certification Course Operator. A DADE may not be an instructor, owner, or 

contract employee of an FAA-approved part 65 dispatcher certification course operator 

concurrent with their DADE authorization unless approved by the FAA specialist and AFS-200 

(if AFS-200 determines it is in the public interest). This limitation is necessary due to the 

potential for a conflict-of-interest, which could occur based on the requirement under 14 CFR 

part 65, § 65.63(c)(1) for a course operator to maintain an 80 percent pass rate of its graduates, 

on the first testing attempt, as a condition for renewal of a course. The FAA is concerned that a 

DADE employed by such course operator, might not be objective when administering a test to an 

applicant who has graduated from the DADE’s employer or affiliate.

13-140 FAA MANAGING SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS. An FAA managing 

specialist is an aviation safety inspector (ASI) who is responsible for the management and 

oversight of a DADE.

A. Qualifications. The FAA managing specialist with oversight responsibility of a 

DADE will be an Aviation Safety Inspector-Aircraft Dispatcher (ASI-AD), commonly referred 

to as a dispatch inspector. Under limited circumstances, an Air Carrier ASI-Operations 

(ASI-AC-OPS) may have oversight responsibility of a DADE. For information regarding the 

assignment of an ASI-AD or ASI-AC-OPS to manage a DADE, regional Fight Standards 

division (RFSD) managers, Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) managers (for the purposes 

of this guidance, certificate management office (CMO) and certificate-holding district office 

(CHDO) managers), and ASIs will review the guidance contained in Volume 5, Chapter 5, 

Section 10.

B. Knowledge. The FAA managing specialist must be knowledgeable of 14 CFR 

parts 1, 61, 65, 91, 110,119, 121, and 183, and the requirements set forth in this order.

NOTE: The FAA managing specialist, front line manager, and office manager at 

all FAA offices with DADE oversight responsibilities must complete the 

appropriate web-based and instructor-led Designee Management courses offered 

through the electronic Learning Management System (eLMS). For the purposes of 

this chapter, the FAA office with oversight responsibility of the DADE is referred 

to as the CHDO.
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13-141 NEED AND ABILITY TO MANAGE. In accordance with § 183.11(b), a “local 

Flight Standards Inspector” may select a pilot examiner, Technical Personnel Examiner (TPE), 

or a designated aircraft maintenance inspector whenever he or she determines there is a need for 

one. A DADE falls under the category of TPE. A local AFS inspector in this case would be an 

ASI-AD or an ASI-AC-OPS qualified in accordance with subparagraph 13-140A and Volume 5, 

Chapter 5, Section 10.

A. Establishing Need.

1) Section 183.11(b) does not provide criteria for establishing the need for a DADE.

However, some examples of need are listed below. They include, but are not limited to:

 A part 65 dispatcher training course or course located in the geographic area 

of the FAA office;

 Documented cases of students of an FAA-approved part 65 dispatcher training 

course not being tested in a timely manner due to a high student to examiner 

ratio; and

 Unavailability of a previously authorized DADE.

2) After establishing need, the FAA managing specialist must coordinate with the 

office manager of the AFS office to whom the specialist is assigned, to establish whether or not 

that field office has the ability, resources, and qualified personnel to manage the DADE.

B. The Ability to Manage. The office manager must determine if the office has the 

ability and resources to manage a DADE. Determination must be based on criteria such as:

1) Inspector Qualifications. Determine if there is an ASI-AD or ASI-AC-OPS,

qualified in accordance with subparagraph 13-140A and Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10, 

assigned to the office.

2) Ability to Conduct Surveillance. Determine if the current workload of the office 

supports the ability to conduct surveillance of a DADE once authorized.

3) Availability of DADE Applicants in the Office Area of Geographic 

Responsibility. Determine if there are individuals who are interested and qualified to be a DADE 

located in the office’s geographic area. In accordance with subparagraph 13-148B, the authority

and privileges of the DADE may only be granted within the CHDO geographic area of 

responsibility, which will then be the DADE’s area of responsibility.

13-142 SOLICITATION OF APPLICANTS. Once the need and the ability to manage a 

DADE are established, it is important to solicit the most qualified applicant(s) available. The 

following are suggested avenues for soliciting applicants:

 Ask the local FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) to advertise the designated opening at 

safety seminars or in safety newsletters.

 Advertise a DADE opening at local part 121 air carriers.
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 Notify professional aircraft dispatcher organizations, such as the Airline Dispatchers 

Federation (ADF) and the International Federation of Airline Dispatchers’

Association (IFALDA).

 Contact the Airmen Certification Branch (AFS-760) and request they run a query of 

all certificated dispatchers located in a particular zip code range, city, or region.

A. Application Package. Those individuals responding to the solicitation must submit 

an application package to the office manager of the AFS office soliciting the applications. The 

application package must contain:

 A completed Examiner Designation and Qualification Record (FAA

Form 8710-6),

 A brief résumé that describes the applicant’s knowledge, skill, and experience 

appropriate to the position, and

 At least two letters of recommendation attesting to the professional qualifications 

of the applicant.

B. FAA Form 8710-6, Examiner Designation and Qualification Record. FAA Form 

8710-6 must include the applicant’s Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate number, as well as any other 

airman certificates and designee appointments held by the applicant.

13-143 PREREQUISITES AND COORDINATION REQUIREMENTS.

A. Prerequisites. This task requires knowledge of parts 1, 65, 91, 110, 119, 121,

and 183.

B. Coordination. This task may require coordination between the managing FAA office 

(the CHDO), the RFSD, and/or AFS-200.

13-144 REFERENCES, FORMS, AND JOB AIDS.

A. References (current editions):

 Title 14 CFR parts 1, 61, 65, 91, 110,119, 121, and 183.

 Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.).

B. Forms:

 FAA Form 8000-5, Certificate of Designation.

 FAA Form 8000-36, Program Tracking and Reporting Subsystem Data Sheet.

 FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate.

 FAA Form 8060-5, Notification of Disapproval of Application.

 FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating.

 FAA Form 8710-6, Examiner Designation and Qualification Record.
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C. Job Aids:

 Figure 13-9, Sample Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner Initial Designation 

Checklist.

 Figure 13-10, FAA Form 8000-5, Certificate of Designation.

 Figure 13-11, Sample Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner Letter of Authority.

 Figure 13-12, Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner Checklist.

 Figure 13-13, Sample Practical Test Tracking Form.

 Figure 13-14, Sample Annual Meeting Agenda.

 Figure 13-15, Sample Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner Surveillance 

Checklist.

 Figure 13-16, Sample Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner Renewal Checklist.

13-145 SELECTION PROCESS.

A. Review the Application Package. The office manager will select an ASI-AD or 

ASI-AC-OP, who meets the requirements of subparagraph 13-140A and Volume 5, Chapter 5, 

Section 10, to be the FAA managing specialist of a DADE. Once selected, the FAA managing 

specialist will review all DADE application packages submitted in response to the solicitation

and verify the information contained therein.

1) Review the information contained in the applicant’s completed FAA 

Form 8710-6, Examiner Designation and Qualification Record.

2) Review the applicant’s résumé.

3) Verify any airman certificates held by the applicant in the Safety Performance 

Analysis System (SPAS) Multi-System Access Tool for Airman (MSAT-A) database to:

 Ensure accuracy of the information provided by the applicant, and

 Review any records such as those contained in the PTRS associated with the 

applicant’s airman certificates.

4) Verify any other FAA designation authorizations held by the applicant in the 

Enhanced Vital Information Database (eVID) or by accessing the National Vital Information 

Subsystem (NVIS) located in SPAS.

5) Review any letters of recommendation submitted by the applicant.

6) Through the review of the letters of recommendation and applicant’s résumé,

verify there is no conflict-of-interest as described in subparagraph 13-139C.

B. Select an Applicant to Interview. The FAA managing specialist must select the 

most qualified applicant to interview while considering the applicant’s availability to administer 

Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Tests. If an applicant’s availability to administer tests does not meet 

the demand for testing, the FAA managing specialist should solicit additional applicants. When 
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there are multiple applicants the specialist should select up to three to interview based on their 

qualifications and availability for testing.

C. Conduct the Interview. The FAA managing specialist will interview DADE 

applicants, preferably in a panel with at least the office manager or his /her designee in 

attendance. Other panel members may be any FAA personnel who have some knowledge of 

designee management and/or airman testing.

1) Prior to conducting the interview, the FAA managing specialist will familiarize 

him/herself with each applicant’s résumé and application package.

2) During the interview, the FAA managing specialist will ask pointed questions 

about the candidate’s experience and background.

D. After the Interview. After completing the interview, the FAA managing specialist

will meet with the interview panel to discus observations and opinions. When considering an 

applicant, the FAA specialist and the interview panel will take into account the applicant’s past 

performance (both negative and positive) in the aviation industry, as an FAA designee, or as a 

former FAA employee.

E. Selection of the DADE Candidate. The office manager, in coordination with the

FAA managing specialist, makes the final determination and selects the most qualified applicant 

to be a candidate for a DADE.

13-146 TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATE.

A. Training. In accordance with Volume 13, Chapter 3, Section 3, the FAA managing 

specialist will conduct FAA policy and procedures training for each DADE candidate. Prior to 

authorizing the candidate as a DADE, the FAA managing specialist must evaluate the 

candidate’s knowledge of the training and verify that that he or she understands his or her duties 

and responsibilities. If the FAA managing specialist cannot satisfactorily verify the candidate’s 

knowledge, the specialist must either provide the candidate with additional training or reject the 

candidate.

B. Qualification. Once a DADE candidate satisfactorily completes the training in 

subparagraph 13-146A, he or she must administer an Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test in 

accordance with the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards, as part of the qualification 

process. The FAA managing specialist must observe the candidate administer the Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test to an applicant for certification. The specialist will pay careful attention 

to the candidate’s testing methods and level of professionalism, and evaluate the DADE 

candidate’s performance during the administration of the test. The DADE candidate does not 

have the authority to issue a certificate to the applicant; however, the FAA managing specialist 

may allow the candidate to fill out the appropriate paperwork while the specialist observes. The 

FAA managing specialist will sign a Temporary Airman Certificate or Notice of Disapproval, as 

appropriate, and issue it to the applicant.
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C. Determination by the FAA Managing Specialist. After observing the DADE 

candidate administer the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test to an applicant for certification, the 

FAA managing specialist will make one of the following determinations:

1) The DADE candidate’s performance was satisfactory;

2) The DADE candidate requires additional training and observation; or

3) The DADE candidate must be rejected.

D. PTRS. The FAA specialist will select the PTRS activity number 1555 and complete a 

PTRS entry after the administration of the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test regardless of 

whether or not the result was satisfactory.

1) Enter the PTRS activity code in the Flight Service Automation System (FSAS);

2) Select “183” in the CFR field;

3) Enter the appropriate “Start” and “Closed” dates;

4) Enter the DADE candidate’s name and airman certificate number in the 

appropriate fields (Name and Examiner);

5) Check the appropriate box for “Pass” or “Fail,” depending upon the result of the 

test;

6) Enter the “1524,” which corresponds to the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test, in 

the field titled “Exam Kind;”

7) Check the box titled “Observed by Inspector;”

8) Enter any comments as appropriate by expanding the “Comments” area and 

clicking on the “Add New Comment” bar;

9) Select “J-Crewmembers” from the “Primary Area” dropdown menu;

10) Select code “783” for designees in the “Keyword” dropdown menu; and

11) Enter your “Opinion Code” and “Comments” as appropriate.

13-147 INITIAL DESIGNATION. FAA managing specialists may use the Sample Designated 

Aircraft Dispatch Examiner Initial Designation Checklist (Figure 13-9) to ensure that the initial 

designation process is complete. When issuing an initial designation, the specialist:

 Prepares the DADE file (see Volume 13, Chapter 1, Section 2, paragraph 13-32 and 

paragraph 13-150 of this section for complete file information);

 Enters the DADE’s information into the VIS and ensures a control number is 

assigned;
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 Prepares FAA Form 8000-5, Certificate of Designation, (see Figure 13-10) and the 

letter of authority (LOA) (Figure 13-11) for the office manger’s signature; and

 Forwards the authorization documentation to the DADE.

13-148 LOA. The FAA managing specialist will prepare an LOA on behalf of the CHDO 

office manager who will sign the letter. The LOA must describe the specific privileges, 

limitations, and conditions of the DADE’s authority along with the validity period of the 

authorization and the FAA specialist contact information. See Figure 13-11 for a sample LOA.

A. Responsibility to Maintain the LOA. The DADE must keep the LOA in his or her 

immediate possession at all times he or she is acting under its authority because it contains all of 

the privileges, limitations, and conditions associated with that authority. The DADE must 

maintain the LOA in good condition so that it can be reviewed upon request by an FAA 

inspector or applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. The LOA will expire on the last day

of the month, one year from the date of the designee authorization. For example, if the DADE’s 

appointment was granted October 21, 2011, it will expire October 31, 2012. 

B. Geographic Limits of Authority. A DADE’s authority and privileges are limited to 

the CHDO geographic area of responsibility. A CHDO may extend the DADE’s authority to an 

area beyond its geographic responsibility on a case-by-case basis, only after obtaining approval 

from AFS-200 who will ensure that extending the DADE’s geographic area of responsibility

does not conflict with the duties of other FAA offices. AFS-200 will not approve a CHDO to 

extend a DADE’s geographic area of responsibility unless AFS-200 can establish the following:

 The CHDO is able conduct oversight of the DADE outside of their own 

geographic area; or

 An FAA AFS office located in the extended geographic area can provide support 

by conducting oversight of the DADE on behalf of the CHDO, and that oversight 

is conducted by an ASI-AD or ASI-AC-OPS qualified in accordance with 

subparagraph 13-140A and Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10.

13-149 FAA DIRECTIVES BOOK.

A. Description. The FAA managing specialist will develop an FAA Directives Book 

that contains the appropriate FAA directives, forms, policies, procedures, guidance, and 

regulations, and issue it to each DADE. The CHDO must retain a copy of the book as part of the 

DADE’s designee file. 

B. Contents. The contents will include at least the following:

1) Certificate of Designation (see Figure 13-10);

2) LOA (see Figure 13- 11);

3) FAA managing specialist contact information;

4) Applicable FAA Web sites;
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5) A statement of the FAA CHDO policies regarding the duties and responsibilities 

of the DADE to include:

a) Privileges and limitations,

b) Conduct as representative of the Administrator including promptness, 

courtesy, and professionalism,

c) Guidelines regarding the conduct of the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test in

accordance with the current practical test standards (PTS), and

d) The requirement to submit complete and accurate certification packages to the 

supervising CMO/FSDO within 7 calendar-days of conducting a test.

6) Sample PTRS Form (at the discretion of the FAA managing specialist);

7) The Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards (FAA-S-8081-10);

8) Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner Checklist (see Figure 13-12);

9) Practical test tracking forms (may be developed locally, see Figure 13-13);

10) Copies of FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate;

11) Copies of FAA Form 8060-5, Notification of Disapproval of Application;

12) Copies of FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or 

Rating; and

13) Instructions for the completion of the appropriate FAA forms.

13-150 DESIGNATED EXAMINER FILE. Examiner records should be used to collect and 

analyze information to allow a risk based approach in determining the continued designation of a 

DADE and the quality of certification work done by the DADE (see Volume 13, Chapter 1, 

Section 2, paragraph 13-32). All DADE and candidate files will contain at least the following 

information:

NOTE: If any of these items are unavailable, the FAA office should include a 

written notation to that effect in the DADE file.

 Copy of FAA Form 8000-5, Certificate of Designation;

 DADE LOA;

 Original letter of request for appointment;

 Résumé or documentation of experience;

 FAA Form 8710-6, Examiner Designation and Qualification Record;

 Copy of the Enhanced Vital Information Database (eVID) record of the DADE;

 Copies of renewal letters;

 Acknowledgement of responsibilities;
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 Records of discussion and counseling;

 Copies of all official correspondence to and from the DADE; and

 A copy of the DADE’s FAA Directives Book.

13-151 OVERSIGHT OF DADEs.

A. Oversight. Oversight is the ongoing task of assuring that a designee performs within 

established guidelines. Oversight includes review of paperwork submitted by the DADE for 

accuracy and timeliness. Communication with the DADE must be ongoing. The FAA managing 

specialist must conduct direct surveillance by observation as often as he or she deems necessary. 

Oversight must include at least one direct surveillance activity by observation annually. This 

observation must occur while the DADE is administering a complete Aircraft Dispatcher 

Practical Test.

B. Purpose. The direct observation is an opportunity for the FAA managing specialist to 

conduct a performance evaluation and provide feedback to the DADE. After completion of the 

practical test and the departure of the applicant, the FAA managing specialist will debrief the 

DADE on the conduct of the exam.

C. Consistency. Several practical tests should be observed throughout the year to ensure 

consistency and compliance with the PTS and this order. Inspectors may use the sample 

Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner Surveillance Checklist (Figure 13-15) to ensure that 

surveillance is complete and documented. The FAA managing specialist will record his or her 

surveillance of a DADE by using PTRS activity code 1669.

D. Annual Meeting. In accordance with Volume 13, Chapter 1, Section 2,

paragraph 13-34, the FAA managing specialist must conduct a Standardization Meeting and 

FAA Briefing for each DADE under his or her jurisdiction at least once a year. These meetings 

can be held concurrently as long as the requirements of Volume 13, Chapter 1, Section 2, 

paragraph 13-34 are met. At the discretion of the specialist, these meetings may also be 

combined with a DADE’s annual recurrent training in accordance with Volume 13, Chapter 3, 

Section 3. Each event is a separate event and must be recorded separately in PTRS. The 

specialist will prepare an agenda for each meeting, including a recurrent training syllabus if 

recurrent training is conducted in combination with the Standardization Meeting and FAA 

briefing. Copies of the meeting agenda and training syllabus will be placed in each attending 

DADE’s designee file by the FAA managing specialist. If an FAA managing specialist or CHDO 

has oversight responsibility of multiple DADEs, those DADEs should attend the annual meeting 

together if practicable. This would help ensure consistency and standardization in the DADEs’

activities on behalf of the Administrator. A sample meeting agenda is depicted in Figure 13-14.

13-152 SURVEILLANCE.

A. Prior to Surveillance. The FAA managing specialist should review the past 

activities, recordkeeping, and the SPAS record prior to the surveillance event.

B. Additional Surveillance. Some of the following circumstances may cause the FAA 

managing specialist to conduct additional surveillance:
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1) The DADE’s passing rate exceeds 90 percent.

2) The DADE conducts more than two full practical tests a day (excluding retests) in 

accordance with Volume 13, Chapter 3, Section 4, paragraph 13-223.

3) The DADE’s paperwork error rate exceeds 10 percent.

4) An interview of an applicant by the FAA managing specialist regarding the 

administration of the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test by the DADE reveals issues that are 

negative or questionable.

C. Required Areas. The following areas, at a minimum, must be evaluated during 

surveillance to determine continued compliance:

1) The DADE is knowledgeable of, and administers the practical test in accordance 

with, the current regulations, guidance, and PTS.

2) The DADE administers the test in accordance with the Plan of Action, mandated 

by the PTS. 

3) In accordance with Volume 13, Chapter 3, Section 2, paragraph 13-176, the 

DADE does not:

 Examine any applicant he or she has provided instruction to on the subjects 

contained in part 65 appendix A.

 Perform designee activities outside his or her area of responsibility, unless 

approved by the FAA managing specialist and AFS-200 (see also 

subparagraph 13-148B).

 Administer more than two full practical tests per day (excluding retests).

 Administer more than one practical test at a time.

 Administer the practical test to more than one applicant at a time. 

 Administer the practical test to individuals who have not graduated from an 

FAA-approved 14 CFR part 65 course aircraft dispatcher certification course 

unless approved by the FAA managing specialist and AFS-200, when 

appropriate. (See also Volume 13, Chapter 3, Section 4, paragraph 13-224 and 

Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 10, paragraph 5-1366).

 Have an affiliation with an FAA part 65 aircraft dispatcher certification course 

as an owner or an employee without specific written permission from the FAA 

managing specialist and AFS-200. (See also subparagraph 13-139C).

D. Quality and Compliance Check.

1) At any time, the FAA managing specialist may elect to issue a temporary airman 

certificate to an applicant for the purposes of getting direct feedback regarding the administration 

of the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test by a DADE. A brief interview of an applicant regarding 

the DADE’s conduct and testing methods can be used as a quality check for verifying a DADE’s 
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continued compliance with the PTS, the provisions, limitations, and conditions of the LOA, as 

well as the guidance contained in this Order and the FAA Directives Book.

2) When the FAA managing specialist elects to issue a temporary airman certificate 

to an applicant, he or she will notify the DADE in advance. The DADE must then notify the 

applicant that the FAA will be issuing the temporary airman certificate.

13-153 RESULTS OF SURVEILLANCE.

A. Satisfactory Performance. The FAA managing specialist will enter the results into 

the PTRS if the outcome of the surveillance is satisfactory.

B. Unsatisfactory Performance. If the outcome of the surveillance is not satisfactory, 

the FAA managing specialist will discuss any negative findings with the DADE and determine 

the next appropriate action which may include:

 Counseling of the DADE;

 Additional surveillance;

 Temporary withdrawal of some or all privileges of the DADE’s authorization 

pending further training; or

 Termination of the DADE’s authority for cause, in accordance with Volume 13, 

Chapter 1, Section 2, paragraph 13-40.

NOTE: The FAA managing specialist will determine the appropriate action 

based on the severity of the negative findings

C. Documentation. The FAA managing specialist will document surveillance of the 

DADE with PTRS activity code 1669—SURVL/AIRM/AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER/EXMNR.

13-154 TERMINATION AND APPEAL. Termination of a DADE must be accomplished in 

accordance with Volume 13, Chapter 1, Section 2.

A. Termination for Cause. Grounds for termination for cause can be found in 

Volume 13, Chapter 1, Section 2, paragraph 13-40. The process for termination of, and appeal 

by, a DADE is contained in Volume 13, Chapter 1, Section 2, paragraph 13-41.

NOTE: Non-renewal of a DADE must not be used in lieu of termination. If the 

DADE’s performance justifies termination, then he or she must not be allowed to 

continue administering tests.

 The FAA managing specialist must completely document the termination process 

in PTRS.

 If a DADE chooses to voluntarily surrender his/her DADE appointment when 

termination is pending, the DADE may do so, but the FAA specialist must still 

make the appropriate remarks in PTRS regarding the grounds for the pending 

termination and that the privileges were surrendered voluntarily.

 Voluntary terminations are not appealable.
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B. Termination Not-For-Cause. Termination not-for-cause can be for any reason not 

specific to the DADE’s performance. Some examples of not-for-cause include, but are not 

limited to:

 Lack of continued need of the FAA office for a DADE;

 Lack of ability of the FAA office to manage the DADE (e.g., no qualified 

inspector to be a managing specialist); and

 Voluntary surrender by the DADE.

NOTE: Termination not-for-cause is not appealable.

NOTE: The FAA managing specialist must specifically state the purpose of 

termination as being either “For cause” or “Not-for-cause” in their remarks in 

PTRS.

13-155 RENEWAL. A designation authorization is valid for 1 year and may be renewed by the 

FAA managing specialist and the office manager of the CHDO if:

 The need for the DADE still exists,

 The CHDO maintains the ability to manage the DADE, and

 The DADE continues to meet the minimum qualification requirements in 

paragraph 13-139.

NOTE: The FAA managing specialists may use the Sample Designated Aircraft 

Dispatch Examiner Designation Renewal Checklist (see Figure 13-16) to ensure 

the renewal process is completed properly.

A. Application for Renewal. If the DADE wishes to be renewed, he or she must submit 

an application for renewal at least 60 calendar-days, but not more than 90 calendar-days, before 

the DADE authorization expires. Renewal may be delayed if the CHDO receives the application 

within 60 days of expiration. A DADE may not exercise the privileges of the authorization 

beyond the expiration date. An application for renewal must contain:

 A letter from the DADE addressed to the office manager and copied to the FAA 

managing specialist, requesting renewal of his or her DADE authority, and

 A completed Examiner Designation and Qualification Record (FAA 

Form 8710-6).

B. FAA Managing Specialist Action. When reviewing the designee’s renewal 

application the FAA managing specialist will:

1) Review the DADE file and eligibility criteria to determine whether the DADE

may be renewed. The specialist will continue to review the need and ability to manage the 

DADE in collaboration with the office manager.

2) If the FAA managing specialist determines continued eligibility and qualification 

of the DADE, he or she will prepare a new LOA and present it to the office manager for 
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signature. The FAA managing specialist will then issue the new LOA to the DADE. The 

specialist does not need to issue a new Certificate of Designation (FAA Form 8000-5).

3) In accordance with FAA Order VS 1100.2, the FAA managing specialist will 

ensure that upon renewal, the DADE acknowledges that designation is a privilege, not a right, 

and is subject to termination at any time for any reason at the discretion of the Administrator.

4) If the DADE’s authority is not renewed because the CHDO no longer has a need 

for or lacks the ability to manage the DADE, the CHDO must notify the DADE that he or she is 

being terminated not-for-cause, in accordance with subparagraph 13-154B and Volume 13, 

Chapter 1, Section 2, subparagraph 13-40A2).

NOTE: Whenever a DADE is terminated, whether for cause or not-for-cause, the 

FAA managing specialist or other appropriate CHDO personnel will make the 

appropriate entries in to eFSAS (eVIS and PTRS).

13-156 Retention of Designee Records. The CHDO must retain records of activities including,

but not limited to, authorizations, inspection reports, periodic reports, and related correspondence 

pertaining to individuals other than FAA employees designated (or who have made application 

for designation) to act for or on behalf of the Administrator in conducting and evaluating 

applicant performance in the various practical phases of examinations leading to the issuance or 

revalidation of airmen certificates of all types, in accordance with the current edition of FAA 

Order 1350.15, Chapter 11, Flight Safety.
15

Figure 13-9. Sample Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner Initial Designation Checklist

DADE Name: Certificate Number:

Previous Experience:

DATE INITIALS CHECKLIST ITEM NUMBER

___________ ___________ 1. Letter(s) of Recommendation

___________ ___________ 2. FAA Form 8710-6 (Application) Received

___________ ___________ 3. SPAS Airman Information Checked

___________ ___________ 4. Complete FAA policy/procedures training

(1595) PTRS# _____________________

Observation of Candidate by FAA Specialist

Date: __________

1669 Completed (DADE Surveillance) PTRS #: ______________________________________

___________ ___________ 5. VIS File Established/Updated in local

FSAS

___________ ___________ 6. 1555 (Approval) PTRS #

___________ ___________ 7. Back of 8710-6 (Application) Completed

Character and Reputation

Professional Ability

Justification

Designation (Other)

Date-Office No-Inspector Signature

8. FAA Form 8000-5 (Certificate) Issued or

Mailed to designee.

9. Letter of Authority (LOA) Issued or Mailed

to designee.

DADE DESIGNATION EXPIRATION DATE: ________________

RENEWAL DUE: __________________

(60 days before expiration)
16

Figure 13-10. FAA Form 8000-5, Certificate of Designation
17

Figure 13-11. Sample Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner Letter of Authority

April 26, 2009

Ms. Mimi Cashe

423 Hemlock Ave

Anytown, State 11726

Dear Ms. Cashe:

This letter authorizes you to perform activities as a Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner (DADE), as a 

representative of the Administrator and the XYZ Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), to conduct 

Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Tests in accordance with the current edition of the Aircraft Dispatcher 

Practical Test Standards (FAA-S-8080-10).

As a representative of the Administrator, you are required to comply with FAA Order 8900.1, Flight 

Standards Information Management System (FSIMS). Your designation as a DADE is subject to the 

continuing need of the XYZ FSDO and your continued compliance with the following privileges, 

limitations, and conditions:

Privileges:

1) Accept applications for, and conduct, Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Tests in accordance 

with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 183, § 183.25(f)(1) and FAA-S-8081-10, 

Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards (current edition).

2) At the discretion of the FAA managing specialist, issue temporary Aircraft Dispatcher

Certificates to qualified individuals in accordance with § 183.25(f)(2) and the eligibility requirements of 

14 CFR part 65.

3) Issue Notices of Disapproval.

4) Issue Notices of Discontinuance.

Each privilege above is separate and may be withdrawn or suspended at any time by the XYZ FSDO.

Limitations:

1) Your authority is limited to conducting tests for graduates of ABC Dispatch Academy, 

and XYZ Aviation Training School, and only within the geographic area of responsibility of the XYZ 

FSDO, unless otherwise approved by the Air Transportation Division (AFS-200).

2) You must notify the assigned FAA managing specialist at least 48 hours prior to 

conducting any Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test.

3) You may only conduct retests after prior coordination with the FAA managing specialist.

4) You may only administer the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test to one applicant at a time.
18

5) You may not conduct more than two Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Tests per day 

(excluding retests) without prior approval from the FAA managing specialist.

6) You may not test any applicant who has not attended, or successfully completed, an 

FAA-approved part 65 aircraft dispatcher certification course without permission from the FAA 

managing specialist.

7) You may not issue Letters of Aeronautical Competency.

8) To avoid a conflict-of-interest, you may not be employed by, or own equity in, any 

part 65 dispatcher certification course operator concurrent with your DADE designation without the 

written approval from the FAA managing specialist and AFS-200. Any such approval granted must be in 

the public interest. This limitation is necessary due to the potential for a conflict-of-interest which could 

occur based on the requirement under § 65.63(c)(1) for a course operator to maintain an 80 percent pass 

rate of its graduates, on the first testing attempt, as a condition for renewal of a course. The FAA is 

concerned that a DADE employed by such course operator, might not be objective when administering a 

test to an applicant who has graduated from the DADE’s employer or affiliate.

9) If AFS-200 grants a deviation allowing you to be employed by and/or affiliated with an 

FAA-approved part 65 certification course operator, you may not, at any time, administer the Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test to any applicant you have provided instruction to in any of the subjects 

contained in part 65 appendix A.

Conditions:

1) This letter of authority (LOA) becomes void if your Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate is 

suspended or revoked.

2) Requests for annual renewal are your responsibility. If you want to have your DADE 

authorization renewed, you must submit your request to this office at least 60 days, but not more than 

90 days, before the expiration date of this authorization. Your authorization renewal may be delayed if

your request for renewal is received less than 60 days prior to expiration. You may not exercise the 

privileges of this authorization beyond its expiration date. 

3) You are a representative of the FAA Administrator when exercising the privileges of 

your designation. Authorization as a DADE is a privilege, not a right, and your authorization may be 

terminated by the Administrator at any time for any reason. Any fraudulent use of your designation or any 

actions by you which discredit the FAA may result in termination of this authorization.

4) While exercising the privileges of your authorization as a DADE, you are subject to all 

pertinent FAA policies and procedures, and guidance contained in FAA Orders.

5) This LOA is valid for a period of one year and expires on month, date (last day of the 

month), year, unless terminated sooner.

6) You must carry this LOA at all times when exercising your privileges as a DADE.

7) You must maintain this LOA, keep it in good condition, and allow it to be examined upon 

request by any FAA inspector or applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate.
19

This designation may be renewed, allowed to expire, or terminated early at the discretion of the 

Administrator. Further, Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.) § 44702(d)(2) states “The 

Administrator may rescind a delegation under this subsection at any time for any reason the Administrator 

considers appropriate.”

You will be evaluated in accordance with the FAA Air Transportation Designee Job Aid (APD, TCE, 

DADE, DFEE and ADE Program), Flight Standards Evaluation Program (FSEP) (current edition).

In accordance with FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 13, Chapter 1, Section 2, paragraph 13-40, your 

designation authority can be terminated for the following reasons:

1) For cause, due to the following deficiencies:

 Unsatisfactory performance in any phase of designee duties or responsibilities, 

including the inability to accept or carry out the managing FAA office instructions;

 Any actions by the designee that may reflect poorly on the FAA, such as misuse of 

the designation or failure to maintain a reputation for integrity and dependability in 

the industry and community;

 The inability of the designee to work constructively with the FAA office, personnel,

or the public;

 Evidence that the designee’s general and/or professional qualifications and 

requirements were not met at the time of the original designation or at any time 

thereafter;

 The designee’s inability to demonstrate satisfactory performance during a knowledge 

and skill evaluation, or during an initial or recurrent training seminar; or

 The designee’s failure to maintain, or inability to demonstrate, qualifications for any 

certificate, rating, or examiner designation held.

2) Not-for-cause:

 A lack of need for the designee by the managing FAA office.

 Voluntary surrender by you.

Enclosed is FAA Form 8000-5, Certificate of Designation.

If you have any questions in connection with your DADE authority and responsibilities, please contact 

your FAA point of contact and specialist, Inspector Mel McNeil at 555-555-5555, extension XXX.

Sincerely,

John Mineola

Office Manager
20

Figure 13-12. Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner Checklist

Scheduling Practical Tests

Schedule practical tests with course representative or candidate.

Notify FAA of date practical is scheduled along with number of applicants, this includes re-tests.

Prepare written Plan of Action in accordance with PTS for each candidate.

Check to see if renewal is due and apply in writing to the FAA 60-days prior of expiration of your authorization your intentions 

regarding renewal.

Candidate Eligibility

Age-minimum age 21.

Original ADX Knowledge Test results showing satisfactory results (good for 24 calendar-months 14 CFR § 65.55).

Complete and sign FAA Form 8400-3 “Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating.”

Course certificate or written statement of graduation (valid for 90 days § 65.70).

or

Meets eligibility requirements of § 65.57(a).

NOTE: Documentary evidence of eligibility must be presented to the FAA managing specialist and 

permission to test must be granted by the specialist.

If under 23, FAA will issue a Letter of Aeronautical Competency to the individual.

Be sure the candidate can read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

If applicant passes:

Turn into the FAA

Program Tracking Reporting Sheet (PTRS).

FAA Form 8400-3, with source of establishing ID indicated.

Written statement of graduation.

ADX Knowledge Test results.

Original, typed, Temporary Airman Certificate if 23 years of age or older.

If applicant fails:

Return ADX Knowledge Test results and written statement of graduation to individual along with a copy of the “Notice of 

Disapproval of Application.”

Turn into the FAA

FAA Form 8400-3 with unsatisfactory areas noted.

Complete PTRS form.

“Notice of Disapproval of Application” and list what was unsatisfactory.

Retest:

Turn into the FAA

FAA Form 8400-3 signed by certificated aircraft dispatcher instructor recommending retest.

Written statement of graduation (valid for 90 days § 65.70).

ADX Knowledge Test results.

Notice of Disapproval of Application or Temporary Certificate, if applicable.
21

Figure 13-13. Sample Practical Test Tracking Form

Practical Exam Tracking Form

Applicant’s Name Examination School Weak Areas Noted Results

Re-exam

Yes/No

Date Given Sat Unsat

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15
22

Figure 13-14. Sample Annual Meeting Agenda

XYZ FSDO Annual Safety Standardization Meeting, FAA Briefing, and Recurrent 

Training Agenda

1) Standardization Meeting.

a) Maintaining desirable standards and effective working relationships.

b) Special Issues/Changes - Any significant regulatory or guidance changes that 

affect the process of FAA airman certification with respect to DADEs.

2) FAA Briefing.

a) Current and new policies regarding the duties and responsibilities of the 

DADE.

b) Review of DADE privileges.

NOTE: This review must include emphasis that the DADE’s authority is a 

privilege, not a right, granted by the Administrator and subject to termination at 

any time for any reason at the discretion of the Administrator.

c) Review of expected conduct as a representative of the Administrator .

d) Review of past year performance issues (negative and positive), industry

business practice changes, as well as technology evolution. 

e) DADE feedback regarding testing, administrative and procedural issues, and 

issues concerning the Part 65 courses whose graduates he or she tests.

3) Recurrent Training (Volume 13, Chapter 3, Section 3, paragraph 13-207).

a) DADE roles and responsibilities.

b) Paperwork discrepancies.

c) Applicable changes to 14 CFR.

d) New FAA policies and procedures.

e) Review of procedures and guidance for administering the practical test.

f) Review and updating test scenarios.

g) Foreign student applicants.
23

Figure 13-15. Sample Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner Surveillance Checklist

Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner

NAME: DATE: Course Operator:

City pair:

Test Start time:

Flight Plan Start time:

Flight Plan End time:

Test End time:

Plan of Action reviewed:

FLIGHT PLAN:

The DADE has at least three flight plan scenarios and changes the information as appropriate.

The flight plan scenario time should be between 90 and 120 minutes to incorporate all the required practical test 

standards (PTS) elements.

Aircraft performance charts and minimum equipment list (MEL) information should be consistent with aircraft type.

KNOWLEDGE:

The DADE asks questions about items that are fair and challenging to the applicant.

The DADE asks questions that make the applicant think and apply knowledge.

The DADE should not coach the applicant.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

The DADE makes sure the applicant removes all course notes.

The DADE explains ground rules of the practical test to the applicant.

The DADE keeps track of the right and wrong answers.

The total test time is not less than 4 hrs or more than 6 hrs.

OTHER:

The DADE is knowledgeable of regulatory and industry changes.

The DADE maintains good records of the candidates tested. The records must include the results of each Aircraft 

Dispatcher Practical Test.

The DADE fills out forms correctly and properly briefs individuals less than 23 years of age.

NOTES:

RESULTS OF SURVEILLANCE:
24

Figure 13-16, Sample Designated Aircraft Dispatch Examiner Designation Renewal 

Checklist

DADE Name: ___________________________________ Certificate Number:

DATE INITIALS CHECKLIST ITEM NUMBER

1. FAA Form 8710-6 (Application) Received

2. SPAS Airman Information Checked

3. Last Safety Standardization Briefing and

Recurrent Training (1595) PTRS#

Observation of DADE by FAA Inspector

Date: ___________ Name of Inspector:_______________________

1669 Completed (DADE Surveillance)

PTRS # _________________________

4. FAA Observation Complete and Satisfactory

5. VIS File Updated in local FSAS

6. 1555 (Approval) PTRS #

7. Back of 8710-6 (Application) Completed

Inspector’s Recommendation

Designation (Other)

Date-Office No-Inspectors Signature

8. New Letter of Approval completed and issued

to DADE

DADE DESIGNATION EXPIRATION DATE: ___________________

RENEWAL DUE: ___________________

(60 days before expiration)

RESERVED. Paragraphs 13-157 through 13-170.