DPEs Report Workforce Shortage as Symposium Approaches

The FSANA event offers resources for pilots interested in becoming designated pilot examiners.

Thursday, September 01, 2022 at 01:47 PM ET

Verified

FLYING contributor Jason Blair, a DPE who attended the symposium last year in Tennessee, says he's curious to hear from the FAA about the number of DPEs that are providing check rides on a regular basis. [Courtesy: Jason Blair]

Key Takeaways:

There is a significant shortage of Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs), making it challenging to schedule pilot check rides despite high demand for new pilots.
This DPE shortage is largely due to most examiners working part-time and an aging DPE population, leading to operational difficulties and long wait times for applicants.
The annual Designated Pilot Examiners Symposium aims to improve the pilot testing process and attract more qualified individuals to become DPEs, offering both financial and professional satisfaction.

See a mistake? Contact us.

If you’ve taken a check ride in the past three years, you probably noticed that getting the appointment with a designated pilot examiner was a bit of a challenge. There aren’t that many to go around—especially when flight schools are churning out applicants to meet the demand of the pilot shortage. If you would like to be a DPE, check out the Designated Pilot Examiners Symposium in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 11 and 12.

DPEs test candidates from the private pilot level all the way up to airline transport pilot, and their services are very much in demand.