The FAA last week committed to immediately address the industry’s growing shortage of designated pilot examiners available to give checkrides for all categories of pilot certificates. The Flight School Association of North America says some of the areas hardest hit by DPE shortages include “Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Texas, the Carolina’s and areas in the Northeast.”
FAA Commits to New DPE Policy to Provide More Pilot Examiners
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA is immediately addressing a growing nationwide shortage of Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) that has led to significant delays in pilot checkrides, particularly in high-demand states.
- Key policy changes include eliminating DPE geographic boundaries, allowing students to directly schedule CFI practical tests, and replacing the current DPE selection board with a more flexible National Appointment Process.
- These changes, developed in collaboration with industry groups, aim to improve the timely availability of practical tests across the U.S. while ensuring safety, with many expected to begin within 30 days.
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