What is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner?

14 CFR Part 183 allows the FAA to designate a private individual to conduct practical tests, issue certificates and conduct other administrative functions on behalf of the FAA. In no way is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner an employee of the FAA, and in no way is a DPE an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) or Aviation Safety Technician (AST).

DPEs are governed by Part 183, 61, 67, 141, 91, FAA Order 8900.2C, 8000.95C, respective PTS/ACS documents and any other applicable national/local rule set forth by the FAA.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-K/part-183

https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards/

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentid/1033969

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1040891