Daniel Foster

Daniel Foster is an Orlando, Florida-based FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) associated with the Orlando Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). He holds designations as a Private Pilot Examiner, Commercial and Instrument Rating Examiner, and Competency Examiner, restricted exclusively to the helicopter (rotorcraft) category. He does not conduct airplane checkrides. His FAA airman credentials include Private, Commercial, Instrument, Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificates, all within the rotorcraft category. Candidates can contact him at (941) 238-8493 or [email protected].

Beyond administering practical tests ranging from Private Helicopter Add-ons to advanced flight instructor (CFI) exams, Foster represents the helicopter community on the FAA's Airman Certification System Working Group (ACSWG), which reports to the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC). Representing the International Aerospace Intelligence Organization (AeroSpaceIntel), he collaborates with industry leaders to draft and align FAA Handbooks, Airman Certification Standards (ACS), and Practical Test Standards (PTS) for rotorcraft. His committee involvement is documented in ARAC/ACSWG meetings spanning from March 2022 through March 2025.

Foster also contributes to local aviation safety as a FAASTeam guest speaker for the Orlando FSDO, presenting on safety seminars since at least August 2014. His seminar topics have addressed Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM), loss of control on landings, common weak areas observed during checkrides, and the differences between fixed-wing and helicopter flight training. His own flight background includes operational helicopter experience in demanding offshore environments, including night operations and landing on ships.