Verify All DPE Listings with the FAA
DPE authorizations are issued and managed by the FAA. Designations expire, are suspended, or change without notice in third-party directories. Always verify a DPE's current authorization using the FAA Designee Management System at designee.faa.gov before scheduling any checkride.
What Is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner?
A Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) is a private citizen — typically an experienced aviator and/or flight instructor — authorized by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 183 to conduct practical tests (checkrides) and issue temporary airman certificates on behalf of the FAA Administrator.
DPEs are authorized for specific certificate and rating types. A DPE authorized for Private Pilot ASEL may not be authorized for Instrument Rating. Always confirm the exact authorization.
DPEs in the DFW area are overseen by the Fort Worth FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) and the Dallas FSDO. If a DPE is unavailable, FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) at either FSDO can also conduct practical tests.
The following DPE categories serve the KRBD area. Verify current authorization and availability directly with each examiner. The FAA DPE database is the authoritative source.
Multiple DPEs authorized for PPL-ASEL checkrides serve the KRBD / South Dallas corridor. Your CFI at Parrish Aviation will provide a current referral list and help you schedule based on availability and timeline.
IFR-rated DPEs serving KRBD are typically also IFR-current with the local procedures for KRBD, DAL, and ADS. Several also conduct IFR approaches at nearby controlled fields.
Commercial DPEs in the KRBD area typically operate from KRBD or adjacent fields and are familiar with the complex aircraft requirements for commercial certificates.
Flight instructor checkrides are conducted by DPEs authorized for the appropriate instructor certificate. Parrish Aviation has established relationships with area DPEs for CFI, CFII, and MEI practical tests.
The T67 / Northwest Fort Worth area is served by DPEs operating from T67, KAFW (Fort Worth Alliance), KFWS (Fort Worth Spinks), and KGKY (Arlington Municipal).
Several ASEL-authorized DPEs operate within 20 miles of T67. Parrish Aviation Fort Worth students typically test at T67 or at a nearby controlled field depending on the DPE's preference and aircraft.
IFR checkrides near T67 often utilize nearby KAFW or KFWS approaches, including ILS, RNAV, and VOR procedures in the Fort Worth TRACON environment.
Multi-engine checkrides in the Fort Worth area utilize the Piper Twin Comanche or similar multi-engine aircraft. DPEs for MEI/commercial AMEL must be MEI-authorized.
DPE Fee Ranges — DFW 2026
| Certificate / Rating | Typical DPE Fee (DFW) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private Pilot (ASEL) | $500 – $800 | Most common — 3–5 hrs oral + flight |
| Instrument Rating | $600 – $950 | Includes ILS, RNAV, missed approach |
| Commercial Pilot (ASEL) | $700 – $1,100 | Complex aircraft often required |
| Multi-Engine Add-On | $600 – $900 | Frequently conducted at KRBD or T67 |
| CFI Initial | $800 – $1,200 | Longest checkride — plan a full day |
| CFII | $700 – $1,050 | Focus on instrument approach briefings |
| ATP CTP / ATP | Varies widely | Contact FSDO or ATP school directly |
* DPE fees are set independently and are not regulated by the FAA. Fees above reflect market observations and may not reflect all examiners. Always confirm fees directly with your DPE.
How to Schedule Your Checkride
Your CFI knows which DPEs are currently active, what their fees are, how they conduct the oral, and how far out they're booking. This is always your first call.
Search the FAA Designee Management System (DMS) at designee.faa.gov. Confirm the DPE is currently authorized for your specific certificate type — authorizations expire and are not always updated in other directories.
Active DPEs in DFW book 3–6 weeks out during peak seasons (spring and fall). Contact them as soon as you know your checkride timeline — not the week before.
Confirm the exam fee, cancellation/rescheduling policy, which aircraft they prefer (or require), and any aircraft maintenance documents they want to see in advance.
Create your application in IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) at iacra.faa.gov. Your FTN (FAA Tracking Number) from IACRA is required before the DPE can complete the paperwork.
Your CFI must provide a pre-checkride endorsement in your logbook confirming you've reviewed the written test deficiencies and are prepared for the practical test. This endorsement must be recent.
Key Contacts for DFW Student Pilots
DPE FAQ
How do I find an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner in DFW?
How much does a checkride with a DPE cost in Texas?
Can I use any DPE for my checkride, or does it have to be one associated with my flight school?
What happens if a DPE is not available in my area?
Get a Personal DPE Referral
Parrish Aviation's instructors have established relationships with active DFW-area DPEs. When you train with us, we connect you with the right examiner for your certificate and timeline.