Aviation Stakeholders Call for FAA to Increase Knowledge Testing Oversight

A new reimbursement structure for aviation knowledge tests could create obstructions to FAA certification, aviation stakeholders told the agency.

Amelia Walsh

Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 02:13 PM ET

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Since 2018, aviation knowledge tests have been administered by testing contractor PSI. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

PSI, the sole contractor for FAA aviation knowledge tests, has implemented a new reimbursement structure that significantly reduces rates for third-party test providers.
Aviation stakeholders warn that this change will drastically decrease the availability of testing centers, creating obstructions to FAA pilot certification and hindering efforts to grow the qualified workforce.
Concerns are also raised regarding the quality of PSI-administered tests and poor customer service, prompting a coalition of aviation groups to urge the FAA to increase oversight and address these issues.

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Recent changes in aviation knowledge testing availability and quality made by a third-party testing contractor are creating obstructions to FAA certification for pilots, according to a group of aviation stakeholders pressing the agency to increase oversight of the process.

Since 2018, aviation knowledge tests have been administered by testing contractor PSI, following a competitive bid to become the sole provider of FAA knowledge exams.