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 third-party contractor, PSI, is creating obstructions to FAA pilot certification due to recent changes in aviation knowledge testing.
PSI's new reimbursement structure for third-party providers has significantly reduced rates, leading to concerns about decreased test availability and access for aspiring pilots.
A coalition of aviation stakeholders is pressing the FAA to increase oversight, citing negative impacts on pilot workforce development, and raising concerns about PSI's test quality and transparency.

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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.