Is DPE shortage real?

Designated Pilot Examiner Shortage: A Two-Sided Story

The US aviation industry is currently grappling with a significant challenge: a shortage of Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs).

This issue has far-reaching consequences for aspiring pilots and the industry as a whole. Let's explore the reasons behind this shortage and hear from a DPE about the challenges they face.

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What is Designated pilot examiner?

A DPE, or Designated Pilot Examiner, is an experienced pilot who has been selected and vetted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct pilot certification examinations, also known as checkrides, on behalf of the FAA.

Why is there a DPE shortage in the US?

The shortage of DPEs in the United States can be attributed to several factors:

• Uneven distribution: DPEs are unevenly distributed across the country, with some areas facing severe shortages. For example, the southwestern US, where flight training is year-round due to favorable weather conditions, is particularly affected.


• FAA staffing issues: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is experiencing its own staffing shortages, which impacts its ability to oversee and manage DPEs effectively.


• Inconsistent workload: While some DPEs conduct fewer than 20 tests per year, others perform up to three exams daily. This disparity contributes to the overall shortage.


• Complex application process: Becoming a DPE is a lengthy and challenging process. Some applicants wait years for their initial interview, and the qualification process can take months.


• Job insecurity: The role of a DPE is described as "like a contractor without a contract," with the FAA able to terminate designations without cause or notice. This lack of job security deters potential candidates.

A DPE's perspective on current challenges

From a DPE's point of view, the current system faces several challenges:

• Limited availability: Most DPEs have full-time jobs and can only conduct checkrides on weekends or after work hours. This leads to long waiting times for applicants, often 3-4 weeks or more.


• Last-minute cancellations: DPEs frequently experience last-minute cancellations or rejections, often due to applicants being unprepared. This wastes valuable examination slots that others could have used.


• Regulatory constraints: The new Designee Management System (DMS) requires DPEs to give the FAA notice for every checkride, making it difficult to accommodate last-minute bookings or use waiting lists.


• Common issues with applicants: DPEs often encounter problems such as expired GPS databases, applicants not meeting Part 61 requirements, missing endorsements, forgotten documents, and incomplete maintenance records.


• Need for better preparation: DPEs emphasize the importance of "attention to detail" in preparing students for checkrides. Better preparation could help alleviate some of the current system's issues.

While the DPE shortage is a complex problem with no easy solutions, both the industry and individual examiners recognize the need for change.

Proposals such as improving the distribution of DPEs, streamlining the application process, and enhancing FAA oversight are being considered.

Additionally, better collaboration between flight instructors and DPEs could help ensure that applicants are better prepared for their checkrides, potentially reducing cancellations and improving the efficiency of the system.

As the aviation industry continues to grow and demand for pilots increases, addressing the DPE shortage will be crucial for maintaining the pipeline of qualified pilots in the United States.

The DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) shortage significantly contributes to the overall pilot shortage in the United States in several ways:

• Bottleneck in pilot certification: The lack of available DPEs creates a significant bottleneck in the pilot certification process. Aspiring pilots often have to wait weeks or even months to schedule their checkrides, delaying their progress through the various stages of pilot licensing.


• Geographical disparities: The uneven distribution of DPEs across the country exacerbates the problem. Some areas, particularly in the southwestern United States, face severe shortages, making it even more challenging for pilot candidates in these regions to complete their certifications.


• Reduced quality of examinations: Due to high demand and limited availability, some DPEs may be tempted to cut corners or rush through checkrides. This can lead to less thorough examinations, potentially compromising safety standards and the overall quality of newly certified pilots.


• Increased training costs: The long wait times for checkrides can result in additional training costs for pilot candidates. They may need to maintain their skills with extra flight hours while waiting for their examination dates, adding to the already high cost of flight training.


• Discouragement of potential pilots: The difficulties in scheduling checkrides and the associated delays may discourage some aspiring pilots from pursuing their certifications, further contributing to the pilot shortage.


• Strain on flight schools: The DPE shortage puts pressure on flight schools, which struggle to move students through their programs efficiently. This can limit the number of new students they can accept, potentially reducing the overall pilot pipeline.


• Inefficient use of resources: With some DPEs conducting very few tests per year while others are overworked, the system is not optimizing the use of available examiners, further exacerbating the shortage.

The DPE shortage, combined with the FAA's staffing issues and inconsistent oversight, creates what one expert calls a "perfect storm" in the industry.

This situation directly impacts the ability to certify new pilots efficiently, thereby contributing to the overall pilot shortage facing the aviation industry.