A Dozen Recommendations Were Submitted To ARAC

The DPE Reform Working Group, which is chaired by EAA, recently submitted a recommendation report to the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) with a number of proposed changes to the designated pilot examiner system.

In total, 12 recommendations were submitted to ARAC and ultimately will address DPE selection, standardization, mentorship, and a more efficient and effective landscape for scheduling a practical test across the country. Innovative use of technology and known best practices were all part of the 12 recommendations now heading back to the FAA for implementation.

The Recommendation Report notes that, "DPEs are vital to the overall Airman Certification process and these recommendations represent reform that will enable the current cadre of DPEs to continue to provide both expertise and a level of safety assurance for GA. The work done in developing these recommendations represent not only improvements to current state aspects but also future long term development of the resource as a whole. The FAA, aviation community stakeholders, and the public have a compelling interest in a DPE community that provide an accurate and meaningful assessment of an applicant’s fitness to operate safely in the National Airspace System."

EAA and the 25 members of the DPE Reform Working Group will be a key resource to the FAA as the agency looks to implement these recommendations moving forward.

FMI: www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/committees/documents/media/ARAC%20DPEWG%20Final%20Recommendation%20Report%20June%202021.pdf