nobertadil

If you know of anyone that is wanting to obtain their Airframe and/or Powerplant rating soon, please let them know that the FAA is getting ready to make some drastic changes to the Oral and Practical examinations. They have added a lot of more difficult projects and are changing how the exam is given. These new projects are going to require the DME's to purchase a lot more equipment and they are already talking about having to raise their prices as well. The new exam will start being given in the early fall in some regions.
The new DME standards will start in October if the dates stay true to the latest schedule. Be ready for your DME to quit unless they can find equipment to do things like helicopter weight and balance, troubleshoot a master caution system etc, etc. Of the 106 or so DME's in the whole country, about 15% say they'll shut down if the new change gets pushed through. FAA has gone outta their heads and are only making it more difficult for the average guy to get his ticket. Seriously guys, how many FBO's in the country even HAVE a helicopter? Also, it will no longer be up to the DME as to what he tests you on. His "test" will be generated from a computer from a bank of possibilities so he will have no choice as to what he asks you to perform or answer. The DME's have argued their points but much like our current administration, it all falls on deaf ears. Good luck to anyone trying to get a certificate after 1 October.