Frequent Questions
Got a question? Hang on, maybe we got an answer for you right here!
Don't worry, our FAA DPE got you covered!
What is a DPE?
In the United States, a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) is a senior pilot who examines applicants for a Pilot Certificate on behalf of the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). The DPE must check applicants’ qualifications, conduct an oral test of their mental skills and judgment, and perform a practical test in flight. DPE's sometimes double as FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors.
A DPE is a senior pilot designated by the FAA to conduct oral examinations and in-flight or flight simulator check-rides (collectively called "practical tests") with pilot applicants to determine their suitability to be issued a Pilot Certificate or additional rating on their Pilot Certificate. Certain DPEs also have authority to issue Flight Instructor Certificates and associated additional ratings. At the completion of the testing procedures, DPEs issue a "Temporary Airman Certificate" (pilot certificate) with the new qualifications or ratings, to be followed by a regular, credit-card-like certificate from FAA Airman Records following review of the certification file.
What services doe your FAA DPE provide?
Aerocadet has a contracted DPE on staff for the EU region. You can request a DPE by sending us an email to info@aerocadet.com and requesting a DPE for any of the following examinations:
| FAA PPL | |
| FAA CPL | |
| FAA CFI | |
| FAA ATPL | |
| Single Engine Rating | |
| Multi-Engine Rating | |
| Tail-dragger endorsement |
Please note: we are currently unable to provide Instrument Rating endorsements.
You can request a DPE if you reside in any of the following areas:
| Anywhere in the European Union | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Switzerland* | |
| Norway* | |
| Russia* |
* Switzerland, Norway, Russia may require a separate FAA approval. This may cause a 1-2 week delay.
Who is our DPE?
Our DPE is Capt. Robert Weaver. Capt weaver has over 20 years of aviation experience, holds FAA ATPL and CFI licenses, and has been appointed by the United States Federal Aviation Administration to serve as a Designated Pilot Examiner for the EU and adjacent regions.
As a DPE, Capt. Weaver is authorized to conduct oral and practical examinations for pilots who meet FAA licensing qualifications and have been signed off by their instructors to take such examinations.
For more information, please contact us via info@aerocadet.com
What would I need to pay if I need an FAA check-ride?
The 2020 cost is:
| Check-ride | $800 USD |
| Other expenses | The examinee will be responsible for all the transportation expenses, including airline tickets, hotels, car rentals and per-diem. |
| Service T&Cs | DPE's number one obligation is to ensure that only those pilots who meet FAA PTS (practical training standards) qualify for the FAA pilot license. DPE maintains high level of professional integrity as an appointed representative of Federal Aviation Administration and will award FAA licenses only to those who meet the published FAA PTS. DPE is under no obligation to pass the examinee, even if examinee paid for DPE's fees and travel expenses. |
Requesting an FAA DPE is easy!
Got a question? Hang on, maybe we got an answer for you right here!
Yes, you can, as soon as you have passed the FAA AFSP authorization and you have an FAA certified CFI.
Yes, you can, as soon as you have an FAA CFI sing-off and an FAA DPE to conduct your check-ride.
You do not. You will need to show your birth certificate or passport to the DPE before the check-ride begins.
You will need an AFSP authorization or US passport, logbook, instructor endorsement, FAA written exam pass certificate, and an FAA medical certificate.
Yes, you can. Our DPE will need to apply for one-time authorization to conduct your check-ride. Once the authorization is obtained, your check-ride may be conducted. This process may delay your check-ride request by 1-2 weeks.
If you fail your check-ride, you can re-take either a full check-ride, or a specific portion of the check-ride that you did not complete or failed. Depending on your arrangement with the DPE, you can either do a quick session of mitigation training with your instructor and request to re-take the check-ride the day after, or you can arrange for the DPE to come back for a re-take.
If you had to discontinue your check-ride due to weather, air-traffic, technical malfunction, TFRs or any other reason beyond your control, the DPE will allow you to re-take the check-ride from the point you left it out. You can arrange a continuation of your test with our DPE.
You can review the full Frequently Asked Questions section here >>>