USA– Epic Flight Academy has been granted FAA self-examining authority for Private Pilot and Instrument Rating checkrides, allowing the school to conduct in-house examinations under its Part 141 certification. The approval marks a significant operational milestone for what is recognized as the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the United States.

• The authority enables Epic to conduct in-house checkrides, reducing reliance on Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs).

• Benefits to students include:

  • Faster scheduling of checkrides, avoiding long wait times caused by limited DPE availability.

  • Cost savings, with examinations administered directly by the academy’s check airmen.

  • Seamless integration of training and evaluation, ensuring consistency in safety and assessment standards.

• Benefits to the academy include improved scheduling flexibility and streamlined operations, particularly during periods when large numbers of students are ready for testing.

• Several senior instructors are already designated to conduct exams, with additional staff set to qualify as the academy expands testing capacity.

Statements

• “Epic can now set checkride dates and times internally, avoiding delays caused by limited DPE availability. This reduces bottlenecks when many students are ready at the same time. Also, instructors and check airmen align training and testing closely, which promotes a uniform safety and evaluation culture,” said Shane Williams, Director of Flight Operations.
• “Students can now avoid long wait times for a DPE and can schedule their checkrides soon after they’re ready. There is also a cost savings for students,” added Ray Altmann, Chief Flight Instructor.

Source: Epic Flight Academy