In a significant move for pilot training and certification, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to introduce a voluntary nationwide feedback survey for pilots following practical tests administered by Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs). The initiative aims to improve oversight and transparency in the check ride process and help the FAA better understand examiner performance across the nation.
Why the Survey Matters
For the first time, pilots who complete a check ride — whether for an initial certificate or additional rating — may be asked to share structured feedback about their examiner’s conduct and the testing experience. The proposed survey, outlined in a notice published in the Federal Register on December 29, 2025, marks a shift toward standardized feedback collection at a national level.
Under Section 833 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, Congress directed the FAA to enhance its oversight of DPEs, which includes tracking examiner performance and merit. This survey is designed as a key tool in fulfilling that directive.
What Pilots Can Expect
According to the FAA’s proposal:
- The survey would be offered after pilots complete a practical test with a DPE.
- It would consist of about 12 yes-or-no questions covering topics such as:
- Examiner professionalism
- Suitability of the testing environment
- Content and structure of the exam
- Duration of both the ground and flight portions of the test
- The FAA estimates the survey will take around seven minutes to complete and could be answered by roughly 49,000 pilots each year.
The information collected would be used to track trends, identify potential issues, and help the FAA better support consistent, fair examiner conduct nationwide.
Industry Context
The proposal comes amid ongoing concerns in the aviation community around DPE availability, check ride wait times, and examiner fees — particularly as demand for pilot certifications continues to rise. Feedback from pilots and flight schools suggests there is significant variability in how check rides are conducted from region to region. While most exams are professional and rigorous, inconsistent practices have been cited as an area where enhanced oversight could be beneficial.
Until now, the FAA’s oversight of DPEs has relied largely on audits, renewal procedures, and complaint-based reviews. The introduction of routine, structured survey feedback represents a more systematic approach to gathering pilot input.
How You Can Provide Input
The FAA is currently accepting public comments on the survey proposal through February 27, 2026. Pilots, flight instructors, training organizations, and other stakeholders are encouraged to share their perspectives on the information being collected and how it could be improved. Comments can be submitted through the Federal Register docket associated with the proposal, by email, or by mail.
Looking Ahead
If approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) — a required step under the Paperwork Reduction Act — the survey could become a valuable new source of data on examiner performance. Over time, the results may help inform policy decisions, support examiner development, and encourage greater accountability and consistency across the DPE system.
For flight schools, instructors, and students alike, this proposal represents a rare opportunity to influence how pilot certification quality is monitored and improved nationwide.
Source: FAA
The notice posted December 29th, 2025:
“Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Designated Pilot Examiners: Post Activity Survey”
can be found at:
