Obtaining a pilot certificate in popular training areas of the southwestern United States may get more expensive as a result of the FAA's decision to limit the number flight tests DPEs will be allowed to administer. FAA spokesman Ian Gregor confirmed to AVweb's Russ Niles that the agency has capped flight tests for DPEs under the authority of the Scottsdale and Las Vegas flight service district office (FSDO).
"The FAA routinely reviews procedures, policies and programs to ensure they are operating safely, efficiently and properly," Gregor said. "A review of our Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) program identified potential issues with DPEs who conduct a high number of pilot flight checks. As a result, the FAA's Western Pacific Region is limiting DPEs in two locations; Las Vegas and Scottsdale to conducting 50 flight checks per quarter, or 200 per year."
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