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:

A group of aviation stakeholders alleges that PSI, the sole third-party contractor for FAA knowledge tests, is obstructing pilot certification.
PSI's recent introduction of a new reimbursement structure for third-party testing providers is expected to drastically reduce test availability and access.
Concerns also include PSI's poor test quality, outdated materials, and a lack of transparency regarding testing locations and capacity.
The coalition is urging the FAA to increase oversight, assess the negative impact of these changes on the pilot workforce pipeline, and develop solutions.

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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.