Long Time Bush Pilot DPE Defrocked by FAA, Sending Local Scene Into Hurry to Retain Airman Ratings

The FAA issued notice that almost 140 pilots will be required to sit for a new checkride in the next 15 days in order to retain their certifications after “defrocking” a longtime DPE in Alaska. 

Pilots who took their Instrument and Flight Instructor checkrides (both initial and add-on) with backcountry aviator Don Lee between July 2018 and May 2022 will be required to be re-inspected to keep those ratings - and complete the re-check within 15 days. From the sound of things up north, locals were not given notice directly, with most finding out about the issue from an FAA notice sent to local offices. The exact rationale behind the change is not given, the FAA merely saying that the competency of so tested airmen is “in doubt”. 

The Christmas surprise includes a passage of particular holiday joy: “Airmen who “cannot complete the exam within 15 days of receipt of the letter must contact the Anchorage FSDO and temporarily deposit their airman certificate in accordance with paragraph 8.” The letter itself is dated December 12th. For foreign airmen who tested during the span, things would be even trickier, requiring them to “appear in the United States at their own expense”, or downgrade their certificate or rating issued by the DPE. 

Airmen must respond to the FSDO within 10 business days of receipt of their letter, which will go to their address of record. (Another reminder to stay current with mailing addresses). The Letter does recognize that, “The inspector should accommodate the airman as deemed necessary and appropriate to the situation, but may not allow the airman to postpone the reexamination indefinitely.” 

Unsurprisingly for a number of working pilots up North, this could prove to greatly disrupt their careers. A quick and likely not-too-accurate search of active fixed-wing DPE’s available in the Anchorage FSDO’s area shows only 6, with some locals stating that 14 should be available in the area. The time crunch is palpable, with almost 140 checkrides required, on terribly short notice, in late December, in Alaska…in 15 days. 

FMI: www.faa.gov