What DPE and CFI Reinstatement Mean After a Certificate Suspension

When the FAA suspends or revokes your pilot certificate, you cannot legally fly. To return to the cockpit, you must work with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) to pass a new checkride, and if you held a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) rating, you must reinstate that separately. The DPE you choose matters because not all examiners conduct reinstatement rides, and the FAA has specific rules about which examiner can test you based on your suspension type and how long you have been grounded.

The reinstatement process is not automatic. You cannot straightforward retake a checkride with any examiner and expect your certificate back. The FAA requires you to demonstrate fitness to hold a certificate again, and the examiner you select must be authorized to conduct reinstatement testing for your particular situation. If you held a CFI rating before suspension, reinstating that certificate involves a separate practical test focused on your ability to teach others to fly safely.

Key Takeaways

  • A DPE must be specifically authorized by the FAA to conduct reinstatement checkrides, and not all examiners hold this authorization.
  • The type of suspension or revocation you received determines which DPEs can test you and what the reinstatement ride must cover.
  • CFI reinstatement is a separate practical test from pilot certificate reinstatement and requires a different examiner authorization.
  • You must contact the FAA's Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) before scheduling any reinstatement ride to confirm your may be able to access and get guidance on which examiners are authorized for your case.
  • The examiner you choose will report the results directly to the FAA, and a failed reinstatement ride may trigger additional restrictions or requirements.

How the FAA Authorizes DPEs for Reinstatement Testing

Not every DPE can conduct a reinstatement checkride. The FAA grants specific authorization to examiners who have demonstrated they understand reinstatement procedures and can properly evaluate whether a pilot is fit to return to flying. This authorization is separate from a DPE's regular checkride authority and is noted in the FAA's database of designated examiners.

When you look for a DPE, you can search the FAA's online DPE registry, but the registry does not always clearly show reinstatement authorization. You must contact the examiner directly or call your local FSDO to confirm that the DPE you are considering is authorized to conduct your specific type of reinstatement. Some examiners may conduct reinstatement rides for pilot certificates but not for CFI ratings, or vice versa.

The FSDO in your region maintains a list of examiners authorized for reinstatement testing and can recommend someone based on your suspension type and location. This is the fastest way to find an examiner who will not waste your time or money by attempting a ride they are not authorized to conduct.

Suspension Type Determines Which Examiners Can Test You

The FAA distinguishes between different kinds of certificate actions: suspensions, revocations, and denials. Each type has different reinstatement rules, and the examiner you choose must be authorized for your specific situation.

If your certificate was suspended (a temporary action, usually for a set period), you may be able to request reinstatement once the suspension period ends or after you meet certain conditions. Some suspensions allow you to request reinstatement before the full period expires if you can show you have addressed the underlying issue. A DPE authorized for suspension reinstatement can conduct your checkride once the FAA confirms you are may be able to access.

If your certificate was revoked (a permanent action), reinstatement is more complex. You must petition the FAA's Administrator or go through a formal hearing process before you can even schedule a checkride. Only after the FAA grants your petition can a DPE authorized for revocation reinstatement test you. This process can take months or longer.

If your certificate was denied (you were refused issuance in the first place), the reinstatement path depends on whether you are reapplying for an original certificate or seeking to overturn a denial. Your FSDO can explain which path applies to you and which examiners are authorized for your situation.

The Reinstatement Checkride: What to Expect

A reinstatement checkride is not identical to a standard checkride. The DPE will focus on whether you are safe to fly again, which means the examiner may ask more questions about the circumstances that led to your suspension or revocation and how you have addressed them.

The practical test portion covers the same maneuvers and procedures as a regular checkride for your certificate level, but the oral examination may be more thorough. The examiner will want to understand what happened, what you have learned, and how you will prevent the same issue from occurring again. If your suspension was related to a medical issue, the examiner may ask detailed questions about your current health and how you are managing it. If it was related to a violation or accident, expect questions about your judgment and decision-making.

You must bring the same documentation as for any checkride: a valid medical certificate (or statement of may be able to access if you do not hold one), your airman knowledge test results, your logbook, and any other documents the DPE requests. The examiner will also need proof that you have met any specific requirements the FAA imposed as a condition of reinstatement may be able to access.

CFI Reinstatement as a Separate Process

If you held a CFI rating before your suspension, that rating was suspended or revoked along with your pilot certificate. Reinstating your CFI certificate requires a separate practical test, even if you pass your pilot certificate reinstatement checkride.

The CFI reinstatement ride focuses on your ability to teach others safely. The DPE will evaluate your knowledge of flight instruction techniques, your ability to recognize and correct student errors, and your judgment as an instructor. This is not straightforward a repeat of your original CFI checkride; the examiner will again focus on whether you are fit to hold the certificate after the action that was taken against you.

You must find a DPE who is authorized specifically for CFI reinstatement. Some examiners are authorized to conduct pilot certificate reinstatement but not CFI reinstatement, so you may need to work with two different examiners. The CFI reinstatement ride typically occurs after you have successfully reinstated your pilot certificate, though in some cases you can schedule both rides close together if the same examiner is authorized for both.

Steps to Find the Right DPE and Schedule Your Reinstatement Ride

Start by contacting your local FSDO before you search for a DPE. The FSDO will confirm your reinstatement may be able to access, explain what you must do to prepare, and provide a list of examiners authorized for your specific type of reinstatement. This conversation also gives you a chance to ask questions about any conditions or requirements the FAA has attached to your reinstatement.

Once you have the FSDO's guidance, contact the DPEs on the list directly. Ask them to confirm they are authorized for your type of reinstatement (pilot certificate, CFI, or both), what their fee is, and how far in advance you need to schedule. Some examiners have long wait times, so plan accordingly.

Before you schedule, make sure you have completed any training or preparation the FSDO recommended. Some reinstatement cases require you to complete a specific course, log additional flight hours, or pass a knowledge test before you can take the practical test. The FSDO will tell you if any of these explore to you.

Once you schedule with the DPE, the examiner will send your test results to the FAA. If you pass, the FAA will reinstate your certificate. If you do not pass, the FAA will notify you of the failure and may impose additional requirements before you can attempt another reinstatement ride.

What Happens if Your Reinstatement Ride Does Not Go Well

A failed reinstatement checkride does not automatically mean you cannot try again, but it does have consequences. The FAA will document the failure, and you may be required to complete additional training or wait a set period before you can schedule another ride with a different examiner.

If you fail, contact your FSDO when ready to understand what went wrong and what you need to do before attempting another ride. The FSDO can recommend a flight instructor or training program to address the areas where you fell short. Some reinstatement cases require you to work with an instructor for a set number of hours before you can retake the checkride.

Do not schedule another reinstatement ride until you have the FSDO's approval and have completed any required training. Attempting a reinstatement ride before you are ready wastes money and can result in additional restrictions on your certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose any DPE to conduct my reinstatement checkride?

No. The DPE must be specifically authorized by the FAA to conduct reinstatement testing for your certificate type and suspension reason. Contact your FSDO to confirm that any examiner you are considering holds this authorization. Not all DPEs are authorized for reinstatement rides, and some are authorized only for certain types of reinstatement.

Do I have to reinstate my pilot certificate before I reinstate my CFI?

In most cases, yes. You must hold a valid pilot certificate before you can hold a CFI certificate. However, you can schedule both checkrides close together with different examiners if needed. Ask your FSDO whether you can take both rides in the same testing period or if you must complete pilot certificate reinstatement first.

What if there are no DPEs authorized for reinstatement in my area?

Contact your FSDO. If no local examiners are authorized, the FSDO may authorize an examiner in a nearby region to conduct your ride, or may direct you to travel to where an authorized examiner is located. In rare cases, the FSDO itself may conduct the reinstatement checkride.

How long does the reinstatement process take from start to finish?

The timeline varies. Confirming your may be able to access with the FSDO may take one to two weeks. Finding an available DPE and scheduling can take another two to four weeks depending on the examiner's calendar. After you pass, the FAA typically issues your reinstated certificate within one to two weeks. If you must complete training first, add several weeks or months.

Will a failed reinstatement ride show up on my permanent record?

Yes. The FAA maintains records of all checkride attempts, including failures. However, a failed reinstatement ride does not automatically disqualify you from future attempts. Work with your FSDO and a flight instructor to address the deficiencies before you try again.