When you are preparing for your checkride, one of your final tasks is to select a designated pilot examiner (DPE) to administer your practical test. In some of the more remote areas of the country, your choices may be few. But in most areas, you can choose from at least a few DPEs when making that important decision.
How do you decide? Easy—communication is the key. Remember: You are the customer. Talk to your instructor, flight school, other recent checkride applicants—and, most important, the DPEs in your area. You will have a much better chance of receiving a successful, enjoyable and highly rewarding checkride experience.
Of course, everyone wants a no-thrills, no-surprises checkride that they will easily pass. Although a large part of your success comes from thorough and effective training, choosing the right examiner can be a big help. Some flight schools have in-house examiners who provide all of that school’s checkrides. Most other flight schools and individual CFIs have favorite pilot examiners whom they tend to use almost exclusively. Following their advice is often your best bet, and it usually eliminates many of the surprises that might have resulted from using a mystery DPE.
No matter how familiar a particular examiner’s test, be prepared for a few surprises. Knowing that examiners’ tests are thoroughly debriefed by students and their CFIs, the FAA requires that DPEs vary their tests to maximize testing effectiveness. It is still a test of your knowledge and skills, so the outcome ultimately will be determined by your performance.
The practical test standards (PTS) detail the specific content of the checkride. But the way those tasks are tested is left in large part to the discretion of the individual examiner. Even though it is a test, there is no reason why it cannot be low-threat, non-confrontational, non-intimidating, and even fun—as all flying should be. So, the bedside manner of the pilot examiner you select can have a huge influence on how enjoyable the experience will be for you.
Do not hesitate to contact several DPEs in your area to assess their personality and expectations for the test. This is your chance to ask the tough questions. The most accurate way to determine the stress quotient of any DPE is through direct communication. Face-to-face meetings are the best, but these might be difficult to arrange. Phone contact is the next best option, with email or texting your least effective means. If there is any doubt or concern in your mind about how any particular maneuver or topic will be addressed during the test, this is the time to ask. After all, no one knows better than the individual DPEs how each of the various tasks will be tested.
Here are some things to consider during your interview. Is the DPE fully responsive to your questions? Does he or she answer your questions in a friendly, respectful, and complete manner? Does the examiner have any additional helpful thoughts, suggestions, or written materials that might be available to help you prepare for the test? Most examiners have developed a variety of tools that can help ease checkride stress for their applicants and they’re there for the asking.
Don’t ask this question: “What percentage of your applicants passes their checkrides?” This is not the way to shop for your examiner. A good DPE will pass every applicant who meets the PTS requirements and fail each one who does not. But human nature tends to cast the DPE as the bad guy when a failure occurs. And failures do occur, with every DPE. Avoid the temptation to select a DPE who is specifically known for a kind and forgiving nature during checkrides. As strong as the temptation might be to find a Santa Claus, you will be much more gratified in knowing that the new certificate is one you have properly earned. Your family and passengers will thank you. And you’ll be able to sleep a lot better at night, too.
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