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Design Feature Endorsement

Design Feature Endorsement (DFE)

All Courses » Design Feature Endorsement

Unlock advanced aircraft capabilities confidently.

The Design Feature Endorsement (DFE) is a short course that enables pilots to operate aircraft with specific advanced features not included in basic licence training, such as manual pitch propeller control (MPPC) and retractable undercarriage (RU). These endorsements are essential for flying more complex aircraft and are often required for commercial flying, advanced endorsements, and instructor roles.

Your Aircraft

Choose from a diverse fleet of aircraft to complete your Recreational Pilot Licence.

Piper Arrow

The Piper Arrow is a versatile training aircraft featuring retractable landing gear and a constant-speed propeller, making it ideal for learning complex aircraft operations. Its reliability and forgiving flight characteristics make it the perfect platform to introduce design feature endorsements in a controlled and effective way.

Piper Seminole

As a twin-engine aircraft with retractable gear and variable-pitch propellers, the Piper Seminole provides a solid multi-engine training platform while reinforcing key DFE skills. It’s a staple in advanced flight training worldwide.

Vulcanair Partenavia

The Partenavia is a high-wing, twin-engine aircraft, offering excellent visibility and strong handling. It’s especially useful for gaining experience in high-performance, complex aircraft systems in preparation for commercial or charter operations.

Flight Training Fees

At RVAC, we believe in clear and fair pricing. Your flight training investment includes not just aircraft time and instruction, but access to a rich learning environment and club community.

What’s included?

Flight training hours (5.4 Dual Hours, 2.5 Hours Ground Briefings)
Briefings and debriefings before and after each flight
Student support and guidance throughout your training
Access to student resources and Library
MPPC/RU Design Feature Endorsement Issue

Pay as you Go

RVAC uses a pay-as-you-go model, so you only pay for the training you complete. This flexible structure allows you to manage your costs and progress at your own pace.

$3,090

Based on Piper Arrow. Training is competency-based, so the actual number of hours needed may vary depending on individual progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about our PPL Training Program.


Still have questions?

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What comes after the IR?

Design Feature Endorsements (DFEs) equip you with the qualifications to operate aircraft with additional systems such as retractable landing gear and constant speed units. These endorsements are often required for more complex and higher-performance aircraft, making them an essential step for progressing toward advanced commercial operations.

While DFEs expand your aircraft privileges, you must still maintain general recency and proficiency requirements as a licenced pilot.
After completing your DFE, you may choose to continue your professional development with further training such as:

Multi-Engine Class Rating (MEA)
Flight Instructor Rating (FIR)
Instrument Rating (IR)
Night VFR Rating (NVFR)

Begin your Aviation Journey

Ready to start? Fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you with information about how to begin your flight training with us.

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