USA – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking pilot feedback on designated pilot examiners (DPEs) by proposing a voluntary post‑check ride survey, responding to growing concerns about examiner availability, consistency, cost, and certification system pressures—a development with significant implications for flight training stakeholders nationwide.

• Published in the Federal Register on December 29, 2025, the FAA has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to implement a voluntary “post‑activity survey” for pilots who complete practical tests with DPEs, introducing standardized feedback at a national scale.

• The proposed survey comprises about a dozen yes/no questions covering DPE professionalism, testing environment, exam content, and the duration of both flight and ground portions. Responses are intended to take approximately seven minutes each.

• The FAA frames the initiative as a “data‑driven oversight tool” mandated under Section 833 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, marking the first routine mechanism for collecting structured examiner feedback directly from check ride applicants.

• The FAA estimates that ~49,000 pilots may complete the survey annually if implemented, offering a large dataset on examiner performance. Public comments on the proposal are open through February 27, 2026.

• The move comes amid mounting industry concern over long wait times for check rides, limited DPE availability, and rising examiner fees, especially in regions where pilots and flight schools report difficulty securing timely practical tests.

• Pilots and instructors have noted variations in check ride structure, conduct, and duration—a mix of generally professional experiences and some that feel subjective or inconsistent. While not directly tied to complaints, the survey aims to enhance oversight beyond sporadic audits and complaint‑driven reviews.

• Concurrently, the FAA is encouraging more Part 141 flight schools to obtain examining authority, allowing them to conduct practical tests internally and issue certificates—an option that can relieve pressure on the traditional DPE system but has seen limited adoption due to administrative challenges.

• Together, the survey proposal and push for expanded examining authority suggest a broader FAA strategy to improve visibility, accountability, and flexibility in pilot certification, rather than solely increasing the number of external DPEs.

Source: FAA