I just completed the FAAs yearly DPE recurrent training at the FSDO and I thought I'd share a couple of things.

First, the FAA is increasing oversite of all DPEs.  While that's not a big deal (at least for me it isn't), one of the things you might get is a phone call from an FAA inspector asking several questions about your checkride experiance.  It's not a big deal, so don't worry about it at all.

Second.  The New Private & Commercial Airplane PTS will be effective June 1st.  There are several changes and clairefications.  If you're a CFI or a student, I'd recommend spending some time reading it so there won't be any big suprises.

On anouther subject, take some time and read Rod Machado excellent article "In defense of stick-and-rudder training" in the April edition of AOPA magazine.  Here's a link for it.  http://www.aopa.org/members/files/pilot/2012/april/license.html


 

New Practical Test Standards have been released for the Private and Commercial Airplane Checkrides.  Please take a look as there are some major changes!  The new PTS become effective June 1, 2012.  You can download them from:  http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/airmen/test_standards/pilot/