Here are the hard data on checkride efficiency from the FAA. We currently have almost 1100 DPEs nationally (up 12%) who conducted 147,223 checkrides in 2024. Cancellations for causes other than weather were: No-shows: 1,199; Unqualified for endorsements or experience: 8,895; and aircraft mechanical issues: 2,007. The total number of squandered opportunities (12,101) is almost equal to the weather cancellations (12,602)! We can easily fix the non-weather qualification issues with more careful preparation.
Non-Weather “Failure To Qualify!
Everyone is whining about DPE availability but a lot of the problem is these 12,101 cancellations *NOT* caused by weather. The proven verification of these “unqualified,” candidates (approximately 12%) is the responsibility of the CFIs and flight schools endorsing these applicants. (this includes FAA name match) We have lowered the unqualified applicant number somewhat with more examiners requiring a scan of applicant/aircraft documents and endorsements, but this is not a DPE responsibility. The DPE app “Checkrider” has reduced “failure to qualify” down to 2% with their upload utility to verify endorsements and airworthiness.
Pass/Fail Rate
Unsatisfactory checkrides (22,341) represent just over 23% of total evaluations. Each of these unhappy experiences also leads to another required checkride for a certificate or rating (and the FAA is watching these CFIs more carefully). Obviously, more thorough preparation is necessary here too. Just plain “flight test anxiety” can often be the root cause of a failure. We have a SAFE webinar on overcoming flight test anxiety on Jun 15th. This pervasive problem is the root cause of many failures: can’t talk! (or even breathe) when faced with a high-stakes experience like an FAA evaluation.
Proper applicant preparation is *NOT* a DPE responsibility. DPEs are “checking” the CFI preparation, evaluating conformance with the FAA ACS. It is the professional educator that prepares and recommends the applicant. We need CFIs, flight schools, and/or chief instructors to double-check the paperwork and compliance to avoid these “failure to qualify” events. Performing some extra ground (and flight) preparation with a different CFI is a recommended procedure to verify an applicant’s preparation (and resilience). Currently everyone is in too much of a hurry. More thorough preparation will lower both the unqualified and the unsat. numbers. Another set of eyes on all the preparation is always a good idea. There are a lot of complex requirements and skills that have to come together for checkride success.
SAFE Tools for Success
SAFE created a whole set of PDF forms (All-in-One) as well as a complete “Checkride Ready™” landing page for applicants to ensure complete compliance (and proper preparation) before scheduling. Both these tools are available on the FREE “SAFE Toolkit” App. These tools ensure thorough checkride preparation and efficiency with no wasted opportunities. As the training and testing season gets into full speed, let’s all work together to improve checkride efficiency! Fly safely out there (and often)!
Flight test anxiety is one of the most common obstacles to success during an FAA evaluation. It occurs at every level, from initial PPL to jet type ratings! This webinar will offer solutions based on scientific techniques to quiet those test-day butterflies and ensure a better experience. A calm, confident applicant presents their best performance on flight test day!
Tell us what *you* think!