FAA Invites Public Feedback on Proposed Post-Checkride Survey for Rating Pilot Examiners
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made a pioneering proposal to introduce a voluntary survey system. This system would enable pilots to provide feedback on their Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) after they have completed practical tests. This marks the first instance of the agency seeking standardized feedback directly from checkride applicants on a national level.
The proposal, published in the Federal Register on December 29, 2025, is a result of Section 833 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. This act necessitated improved oversight of DPEs. The proposed survey would comprise approximately 12 yes-or-no questions. These questions would cover aspects such as examiner professionalism, the testing environment, exam content, and the duration of both ground and flight portions of the practical test.
The FAA projects that around 49,000 pilots would participate in the voluntary survey each year. The average response time is estimated to be a mere seven minutes. The agency underscores that this initiative will serve as “a data-driven oversight tool” rather than a customer satisfaction exercise. The primary objective is to identify patterns and trends in examiner conduct across the country.
This proposal has been put forth in response to increasing pressure within the training community. Many pilots and flight schools in various regions have reported difficulties in securing checkride appointments due to limited examiner availability. Long wait times have become the norm, and examiner fees have surged as demand has outstripped supply. The FAA will be accepting public comments on the proposed DPE survey until February 27, 2026.