Dustin SuchorFAA DPE Services · Phoenix area

FAA Designated Pilot Examiner

Hello, I'm Dustin Suchor.

Airplane and helicopter practical tests across the Phoenix area (Scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa and nearby airports), and the certificates that don't need a flight, by video call: military competency, foreign pilot, flight instructor renewal, ground instructor, student pilot and remote pilot.

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Military aviators: your FAA certificate by video call, from anywhere →

1999 private pilot2004 flight instructor2014 Designated Pilot Examiner

Testing atFalcon Field, Mesa KFFZScottsdale KSDLChandler KCHDDeer Valley KDVTand other Valley airports

Military aviators · § 61.73

Your FAA certificate by video call, from anywhere.

A commercial certificate with instrument rating, or a flight instructor certificate, from your military qualifications. No travel, about 30 minutes.

Start my military competency

How it works

From first contact to test day, every step happens online.

  1. 1RequestTell me the rating, your aircraft, your school and the dates that work.
  2. 2Intake formI send a link. You upload your documents and sign the fee policy from your phone.
  3. 3Verified and bookedI check everything, request FAA authorization in DMS and confirm the date.
  4. Test dayYour status link shows the time, the address and what to bring.

Services

In person in the Phoenix area · Video call from anywhere

Services

What I can do for you

Each page lists the FAA requirements, what to bring and how the appointment works. Every one ends with a Request button that starts the process.

In person · 14 CFR part 61

Airplane and helicopter practical tests

Recreational, private, instrument and commercial certificates and ratings in airplanes (single-engine land) and helicopters, plus flight instructor and instrument instructor helicopter ratings for current CFIs.

TestAirplane SELHelicopter
Recreational pilotYesYes
Private pilotYesYes
Instrument ratingYesYes
Commercial pilotYesYes
Flight instructor (CFI)NoAdditional rating only
Instrument instructor (CFII)NoAdditional rating only

"Additional rating only" means you already hold a flight instructor certificate and are adding the helicopter or instrument helicopter rating. Initial CFI tests are not offered.

Recreational pilot

An applicant for the recreational pilot practical test must, under 14 CFR part 61:

  • Be at least 17 years of age.
  • Be able to read, speak, write and understand English. If there is doubt, AC 60-28, English Language Skill Standards, applies.
  • Have passed the recreational pilot knowledge test since the beginning of the 24th month before the month of the practical test.
  • Have the training and aeronautical experience required by 14 CFR 61.98 and 61.99.
  • Hold at least a current third-class medical certificate.
  • Have an instructor's endorsement for training received and logged within the 2 calendar months before the month of the application.
  • Have an endorsement that you've been trained in the areas you missed on the knowledge test.
Private pilot

An applicant for the private pilot practical test must:

  • Be at least 17 years of age.
  • Be able to read, speak, write and understand English (AC 60-28).
  • Have passed the private pilot knowledge test since the beginning of the 24th month before the month of the practical test.
  • Have the training and aeronautical experience required by 14 CFR 61.107 and 61.109.
  • Hold at least a current third-class medical certificate, or meet BasicMed.
  • Have an instructor's endorsement for training within the 2 calendar months before the month of the application.
  • Have an endorsement covering the areas you missed on the knowledge test.
Instrument rating

An applicant for the instrument rating practical test must:

  • Hold at least a private pilot certificate, or be applying for one at the same time.
  • Be able to read, speak, write and understand English (AC 60-28).
  • Have passed the instrument rating knowledge test since the beginning of the 24th month before the month of the practical test.
  • Have the training and aeronautical experience required by 14 CFR 61.65.
  • Hold at least a current third-class medical certificate, or meet BasicMed.
  • Have an instructor's endorsement for training within the 2 calendar months before the month of the application.
  • Have an endorsement covering the areas you missed on the knowledge test.
Commercial pilot

An applicant for the commercial pilot practical test must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Hold at least a private pilot certificate, or meet its requirements and pass the private pilot knowledge and practical tests.
  • Have passed the commercial pilot knowledge test since the beginning of the 24th month before the month of the practical test.
  • Have the training and aeronautical experience required by 14 CFR 61.127 and 61.129 for the category and class.
  • Hold at least a current third-class medical certificate.
  • Have an instructor's written statement that you received training within the 2 calendar months before the month of the application, are ready for the test, and have been trained in the areas you missed on the knowledge test.
  • Be able to read, speak, write and understand English (AC 60-28).
CFI and CFII helicopter, additional rating

A flight instructor adding a helicopter or instrument helicopter rating must:

  • Hold an effective pilot certificate with ratings appropriate to the instructor rating sought.
  • Have at least 15 hours as pilot in command in the category and class appropriate to the rating sought.
  • Have passed the knowledge test for the instructor rating sought since the beginning of the 24th month before the month of the practical test.
  • Have an instructor's written statement that you received training in the areas of operation in 14 CFR 61.187 within the 2 calendar months before the month of the application, are ready for the test, and have been trained in the areas you missed on the knowledge test.

14 CFR 61.191 · 61.187(a)

Video appointment · 14 CFR 61.73

Military competency

Military pilots can get an FAA commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, and military instructor pilots a flight instructor certificate, based on their military qualifications. Pass the military competency knowledge test, show the right records, and I issue the certificate.

Questions and answers
Documents for pilots
  • An official U.S. Armed Forces aeronautical order of flight status as a rated military pilot.
  • An official U.S. Armed Forces form or logbook showing flight status as a rated military pilot.
  • An official U.S. Armed Forces aeronautical order showing graduation from a U.S. Armed Forces undergraduate pilot training school and a rating as a military pilot.
  • An official U.S. Armed Forces record showing you passed a pilot proficiency check and an instrument proficiency check in an aircraft as a military pilot.
Documents for instructors
  • An official record or order documenting your current or past qualification as a U.S. Armed Forces instructor pilot or pilot examiner for the instructor rating sought.
  • An official record or order documenting completion of a U.S. Armed Forces instructor pilot or pilot examiner training course, with an aircraft qualification appropriate to the rating sought.
  • An official record or order showing you passed an instructor pilot or pilot examiner proficiency check in an aircraft appropriate to the rating sought.

Acceptable records by service

ServiceRecord
U.S. Air ForceIndividual flight crew record (computer printout); AF Form 8, Certificate of Aircrew Qualification
U.S. ArmyDA Form 759, Individual Flight Record and Flight Certificate, Army
U.S. Coast GuardOPNAV Form 3710-31, Aviator's Flight Log Book; instrument qualification is in the "Qualification and Achievements" section
U.S. Marines and U.S. NavyOPNAV Form 3760-31, Aviator's Flight Logbook; OPNAV 3710/2, NATOPS Instrument Rating Request; or OPNAV 3760/32, NATOPS Flight Personnel Training and Qualification Jacket

The knowledge test

Pilots take the Military Competency (MCN) test; instructors take the Military Competency Instructor (MCI) test. Study material, testing requirements and testing centers are on the FAA Airmen Testing pages.

Getting your certificate

  1. Complete an application in IACRA for a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, or for a flight instructor certificate. Keep your FTN and password somewhere safe; you'll need them on the call.
  2. Request an appointment below. I'll send an intake link to upload your records and test report.
  3. We meet by video, I review your records with you, and you receive your temporary certificate.
In person · 14 CFR 61.75

Foreign pilot certificate

Pilots from ICAO countries can use their own license to get a U.S. private pilot certificate, and add an instrument rating by passing an FAA knowledge test. I also process bilateral agreement (BASA) and EU Part-FCL conversions.

Step 1 · License verification

Your foreign license must first be verified by the FAA. Complete the application for verification on the FAA's website. The FAA contacts your country's aviation authority to confirm your license is valid and current; this normally takes 45 to 90 days. When you receive the verification letter, you have 6 months to come to the United States and apply.

Step 2 · Before our appointment
  • Complete an airman certificate application in IACRA.
  • Be able to speak, read, write and understand English at ICAO Level 4 (AC 60-28B).
  • Hold a current FAA medical certificate (third class or higher), or a current medical license from the country that issued your pilot license (14 CFR 61.75(b)(4)).
  • To convert your instrument rating too, pass the FAA foreign instrument knowledge test and bring the report.
Step 3 · The appointment

We meet in person for about an hour. I check your verification letter, license, medical and identity, and issue your temporary U.S. private pilot certificate.

Going further: commercial or ATP
  1. Before flight training in the U.S., get the right visa and complete the TSA vetting process. A local flight school can help.
  2. Use your private pilot certificate to meet the requirements of 14 CFR 61.123, 61.125, 61.127 and 61.129.
  3. Pass the FAA knowledge test for the certificate and rating you want.
  4. Take the commercial pilot practical test, which I can give in airplanes and helicopters. For balloons and gliders, find an examiner with the FAA designee search.
Video appointment · 14 CFR 61.197

Flight instructor renewal

Keep your flight instructor privileges current with a flight instructor refresher course (FIRC) graduation certificate or a military instructor check.

To use your flight instructor privileges, you must have met one of the recent experience options in 14 CFR 61.197(b) within the preceding 24 calendar months. Certificates issued on or after December 1, 2024 have no expiration date. If yours was issued before then, meet one of these before its expiration month (61.197(e)).

  • A FIRC graduation certificate. You completed an approved refresher course within the preceding 3 calendar months. I process this one.
  • A military instructor check. Within the preceding 24 calendar months, you passed a U.S. Armed Forces instructor pilot or pilot examiner proficiency check. I process this one too.
  • A practical test for a rating on your flight instructor certificate or an additional flight instructor rating.
  • A record of training students. In the preceding 24 calendar months, you endorsed at least 5 applicants for a practical test and at least 80 percent passed on the first attempt. Done through your local FSDO.
  • A record of evaluating pilots. You served as a company check pilot, chief flight instructor, check airman, or in a similar position regularly evaluating pilots. Also through the FSDO.
  • An FAA pilot proficiency program (such as WINGS) under its stated conditions. Also through the FSDO.
Finish the FIRC within the 3 calendar months before your current 24-month period ends to keep the same month. If the period has already ended, privileges are reinstated under 14 CFR 61.199 instead.
  1. Complete the application in IACRA.
  2. Request an appointment below and upload your FIRC certificate or military check record on the intake form.
  3. We meet by video and I sign it off.
Video appointment · 14 CFR 61.213

Ground instructor certificate

Basic, advanced and instrument ground instructor certificates. There's no practical test: pass the knowledge tests and I issue the certificate.

To be eligible for a ground instructor certificate you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
  • Pass the Fundamentals of Instructing knowledge test, unless you're exempt under 14 CFR 61.213(b), such as a current flight instructor or a certificated teacher.
  • Pass the knowledge test for the rating you want: basic (BGI), advanced (AGI) or instrument (IGI).
  1. Complete the application in IACRA.
  2. Request an appointment below and upload your knowledge test reports.
  3. We meet by video and you receive your certificate.
In person or video · 14 CFR 61.83

Student pilot certificate

Learning to fly is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It takes work, time and money, and it starts with a student pilot certificate.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age, or 14 for a glider or balloon.
  • Be able to read, speak, write and understand English. If a medical reason prevents one of these, the FAA may place an operating limitation on the certificate.
  1. Complete the student pilot application in IACRA.
  2. Request an appointment below. We can meet in person or by video; either way, have your government-issued photo ID with you.
  3. I verify your identity and submit the application. The FAA mails your plastic certificate, usually in about three weeks.
Video appointment · 14 CFR 107.61

Remote pilot certificate

Your temporary certificate to fly small unmanned aircraft (under 55 pounds) commercially. A DPE processes the application on the spot, so there's no waiting on the FAA if you need to fly soon.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age.
  • Be able to read, speak, write and understand English. If a medical reason prevents one of these, the FAA may place a limitation on the certificate.
  • Be in a physical and mental condition that would not interfere with safe operation of a small UAS.
  • Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test, or hold a part 61 pilot certificate with a flight review in the previous 24 months and complete the FAA's part 107 online training course at FAASafety.gov.
  • Be vetted by the Transportation Security Administration.
In person · 14 CFR 67.413

Special medical flight test

A flight test that shows whether you can safely fly with a medical condition, leading to a medical certificate and, where it applies, a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA).

The FAA's Aerospace Medical Certification Division authorizes this test. You'll need its authorization letter before we can schedule.

  • The FAA's letter authorizing the medical flight test.
  • Government-issued photo ID and your pilot certificate, if you hold one.
  • An aircraft appropriate for the test described in the letter.

Upload the letter on the intake form so I can plan the test around exactly what the FAA asks for.

Fees and policies

What it costs, and how payment works

The fee is for my time and doesn't depend on the outcome. You'll sign this policy on the intake form.

Fees

ServiceFee
Practical test, by ratingQuoted when you request
Military competency, filed in IACRA$250
Military competency, paper 8710$350
Foreign pilot certificate, BASA or EU conversion$325

Payment

I accept cash (in person), Zelle, Cash App and Venmo. Credit card payments carry a surcharge of up to 3%, never more than my card processing cost. No surcharge on debit cards.

For a practical test, the fee is due before the test begins. For administrative services (certificate conversions, ground instructor, flight instructor renewal, remote pilot and other applications), the fee is due when I finish processing your paperwork.

Rechecks, cancellations and no-shows

  • The test fee covers the oral and flight portions of one test.
  • A recheck fee applies only if the test is not passed (Notice of Disapproval).
  • There's no extra charge to finish a test discontinued for weather, a medical issue, a mechanical problem or anything else outside your control.
  • Cancelling or rescheduling with less than 48 hours' notice, not showing up, or arriving with an applicant or aircraft not ready to begin the test may be charged the cancellation fee.
Practical tests

Prepare for your checkride

Most delays on test day come from paperwork. Use this list with your instructor the week before.

Two weeks before
  • Complete your application in IACRA and have your instructor sign it.
  • Fill in the intake form I send you and upload your documents. Missing items show on your status link.
  • Confirm the aircraft is available and its inspections will be current on the test date.
What to bring
  • Government-issued photo ID.
  • Your pilot certificate (student or higher) and medical certificate, or BasicMed.
  • Your knowledge test report, if this test requires one.
  • Your logbook and training records, with every required endorsement.
  • Your IACRA username, password and FTN.
  • The aircraft's maintenance records and documents (ARROW), the POH or AFM, and weight and balance.
  • Current charts and Chart Supplement, a plotter, and an E6B or flight computer.
  • Your cross-country plan for the scenario I send.
  • Headset, sunglasses, water and something to eat.
  • The examiner fee.
On the day
  1. I check your documents, logbook and the aircraft records.
  2. Pretest briefing, then the oral portion.
  3. Preflight briefing and the flight.
  4. Debrief. You leave with a temporary certificate, or a notice with the areas to retrain and the 60 days to come back.
Flight schools

For flight schools

Partner schools get their own sign-in to request test days, see upcoming applicants and what each one still needs, and upload documents for their students.

Already a partner school?

Sign in with your email and password. Your school's page opens right after.

School sign-in

Become a partner school

Who sends applicant paperwork?

By sending you agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

How school days work

Request a day through your sign-in and choose how many slots you need. I approve it, each slot gets an applicant, and your office or the applicant fills in the intake form. You'll see each applicant's missing items until test day.

Request

Request a checkride or appointment

Tell me what you need and when. I'll reply with an intake link to upload your documents, then confirm a date.

Who's filling this in
What you need
Applicant
Training
When

By sending this request you agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy. Text messages are only sent if you check the box above.

Applicants

Check my status

Once you're scheduled, you get a private status link by text and email. It shows your date and time, the address with directions, which documents I still need, and what to bring.

Lost your link?

Enter the email you gave me and I'll send it again.

What the page shows

  • Your test date, time and place
  • Directions to the airport or FBO
  • Documents: needed, received or checked
  • Your progress, from scheduled to test day
  • What to bring
About

Dustin Suchor

Designated Pilot Examiner since 2014 · flight instructor since 2004 · pilot since 1999.

I've been a private pilot since 1999, a flight instructor since 2004 and an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner since 2014. I'm an avid believer in promoting aviation safety and in raising the quality of future pilots by supporting the aviation community.

My job on a checkride is to see that you meet the standard, fairly and consistently. My job before it is to make sure nothing about the paperwork, the aircraft or the schedule gets in the way of that.

Authorizations

  • Private, instrument and commercial: airplane single-engine land and helicopter.
  • Flight instructor and instrument instructor, helicopter (additional ratings).
  • Military competency, foreign pilot, ground instructor and flight instructor renewal.
  • Remote pilot certificate and special medical flight tests.