Welcome Guest. Sign in or Signup

3 Answers

Do DPEs critique younger applicants more than older ones?

Asked by: 3693 views , , ,
Private Pilot, Student Pilot

Hello, Soon I will hopefully be taking my PPL check ride. I am currently 16, but turning 17 in less than a month. Just wondering if FAA DPEs make check rides or oral exams harder on a 17 year old than they would a 35 year old, or be more hesitant to pass a younger applicant, any thoughts are much appreciated!

Ace Any FAA Written Test!
Actual FAA Questions / Free Lifetime Updates
The best explanations in the business
Fast, efficient study.
Pass Your Checkride With Confidence!
FAA Practical Test prep that reflects actual checkrides.
Any checkride: Airplane, Helicopter, Glider, etc.
Written and maintained by actual pilot examiners and master CFIs.
The World's Most Trusted eLogbook
Be Organized, Current, Professional, and Safe.
Highly customizable - for student pilots through pros.
Free Transition Service for users of other eLogs.
Our sincere thanks to pilots such as yourself who support AskACFI while helping themselves by using the awesome PC, Mac, iPhone/iPad, and Android aviation apps of our sponsors.

3 Answers



  1. Chris on Aug 18, 2013

    It’s hard to say I would think that every DPE has a different view and If they have taken alot of checkrides with younger guys and passed them they will expect the same for you. Just remember take a copy of the pts with you and know that if at any time you don’t feel like the examiner is on your side or is looking for a reason to fail you, then you can discontinue and find another DPE.
    Good Luck!

    0 Votes Thumb up 0 Votes Thumb down 0 Votes



  2. John D Collins on Aug 18, 2013

    People are people and individuals may have bias, but in my experience, those of us who are older look at a young person who is entering into the flying community as very refreshing. Good luck with your checkride and don’t worry, just be prepared like all applicants.

    0 Votes Thumb up 0 Votes Thumb down 0 Votes



  3. Elliot Block on Aug 18, 2013

    I am 17 and got my PPL ASEL in April, and my Rotorcraft Helicopter in October of last year.

    Both DPE’s treated me with respect and didn’t take my age into consideration one way or another. Both of them did seem impressed.

    I wouldn’t worry about it, just go in confident and prepared.

    0 Votes Thumb up 0 Votes Thumb down 0 Votes


The following terms have been auto-detected the question above and any answers or discussion provided. Click on a term to see its definition from the Dauntless Aviation JargonBuster Glossary.

Answer Question

Our sincere thanks to all who contribute constructively to this forum in answering flight training questions. If you are a flight instructor or represent a flight school / FBO offering flight instruction, you are welcome to include links to your site and related contact information as it pertains to offering local flight instruction in a specific geographic area. Additionally, direct links to FAA and related official government sources of information are welcome. However we thank you for your understanding that links to other sites or text that may be construed as explicit or implicit advertising of other business, sites, or goods/services are not permitted even if such links nominally are relevant to the question asked.