FAA Unveils Slick New System for Managing Aviation Designees
Published Date: 9/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA just rolled out Revision E to their Individual Designee Management Policy, switching from the old registration system to a slick new Designee Management System (DMS). This update changes how designees register, train, and get monitored, making things smoother and more automated. If you’re a Flight Standards specialist or work with designees, get ready for new oversight rules and updated contact info—no extra costs, just better tech and clearer steps starting now!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
CFI initial exam per-day limit adjusted
FAA accepted limiting only complete initial Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) practical tests to one per day. The Order removes a prior restriction and allows retests or continuations on the same day as a full exam.
FAA shifts designee records to DMS
The FAA replaced the old Designee Registration System with the Designee Management System (DMS) in Revision E to FAA Order 8000.95. The Order updates how designees register, enroll, and how training completions are tracked and recorded using automated DMS workflows.
Five-hour PIC rule narrowed for complex singles
Revision E requires that before giving a practical test in a single-engine airplane that is turbine-powered or that has Simplified Flight Controls, the designee must have logged at least five hours of pilot-in-command (PIC) flight time in that make and model. The broader five-hour make-and-model requirement for all single-engine airplanes was not adopted.
FAA removes pre-eligibility fee ban
Revision E removes the prior policy that prohibited collecting any fee before determining applicant eligibility. Fee collection policy is addressed elsewhere in FAA Order 8900.1, which remains in effect.
'Reasonable fee' left undefined
Stakeholders asked for a clear definition of "reasonable fee," but FAA decided that providing a specific definition is outside the scope of Revision E and did not add one. FAA noted fee policy remains addressed in FAA Order 8900.1 and acknowledged future consideration is possible.
FAA keeps designee program in place
FAA rejected a proposal to eliminate designated representatives (such as Designated Engineering Representatives) and confirmed there are no plans to discontinue DERs or other designees. The designee-based certification system remains part of FAA operations.
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