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FSANA Asks Pilot Examiners for Help Clearing Test Backlog

Memorizing the check ride is not the same as having the skills required to be a pilot.[Courtesy: Wayman Aviation]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The Flight School Association of North America (FSNA) is concerned about a nationwide backlog of pilot applicants awaiting practical tests, which is slowing pilot production and increasing costs for students.
  • The backlog is largely attributed to the limited, part-time availability of the approximately 950 Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) who conduct these essential tests.
  • FSNA is urging DPEs to conduct more tests, particularly in April and May, and asking flight training providers to ensure applicants are fully prepared to prevent cancellations and unused testing slots, thus helping to clear the backlog.
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The Flight School Association of North America is worried about the backlog of applicants nationwide still waiting for their check rides to prove they meet the FAA standards for a given pilot certificate. FSNA said last week in a news release that, “This backlog is affecting the pilot production pipeline nationwide. Waits for practical test scheduling in many locations are more than a month, causing flight training providers to limit student intake and applicants to spend more to remain current and proficient as they await testing availability.”

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

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