Local Designated Pilot Examiners
The people who sign off on your certificate when training is complete
Every pilot certificate and rating ends with a practical test, commonly called a checkride. A Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) conducts that test on behalf of the FAA. Below you will find the examiners who regularly serve students in the St. Louis area, followed by an overview of what a DPE does and how they fit into your training.
Contact Information
DPEs Serving the St. Louis Area
Reach out early to check availability. Your instructor will help you decide which examiner is the right fit for your checkride and when to schedule it.
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Scott Saunders
(314) 308-5875 -
Kevin Brown
(573) 872-9041 -
Dennis Taft
(217) 553-6154 -
Matt Conrad
(314) 707-9959 -
Rodney Resch
(618) 332-5015 -
Andrew Dow
(515) 297-0924 -
Steven Goetz
(618) 977-5604 -
Dave Chilenksi
(314) 221-2190 -
Marty Cupp
(660) 247-0656 -
Lindsey Saunders
(314) 308-8700 -
Dan Reed
(314) 497-9829 -
Scott Eslinger
(678) 249-5200 -
Jeff Allen
(309) 221-3577 -
Jeff Suhr
(618) 944-0924 -
Brian Morgan
(417) 689-1034
This list is provided for convenience and is updated periodically. Confirm current availability and fees directly with each examiner.
What Is a DPE?
An FAA Representative for Your Practical Test
A Designated Pilot Examiner is an experienced pilot the FAA has authorized to administer practical tests and issue pilot certificates and ratings. DPEs are not FAA employees. They are independent aviators, usually active flight instructors or professional pilots, who have been selected for their experience and judgment.
Because there are far more student pilots than FAA inspectors, the designee program keeps the certification process moving. When you finish training for your private pilot certificate, instrument rating, commercial certificate, or CFI, a DPE is almost always the person who evaluates you.
Why DPEs Matter
How a DPE Fits Into Your Training
- Independent evaluation
Your DPE has never flown with you before. That fresh perspective confirms you meet the FAA's Airman Certification Standards, not just your instructor's expectations.
- Oral and flight portions
The checkride has two parts. The examiner asks you to explain regulations, aircraft systems, weather, and decision making, then flies with you to see those skills applied.
- Certificate on the spot
When you pass, the DPE issues a temporary airman certificate that day. Your permanent card arrives from the FAA in the mail afterward.
- Local scheduling
Working with examiners who know the St. Louis airspace and our airports makes scheduling easier and keeps your training timeline on track.
Before the Checkride
Your Instructor Prepares You for the Examiner
You will not meet a DPE until your instructor is confident you are ready. Before scheduling, your CFI completes a final review flight, verifies your logbook endorsements, and confirms your knowledge test, medical certificate, and IACRA application are all in order.
At Ideal Aviation we train to the same Airman Certification Standards the examiner uses, so the checkride feels like another flight rather than a surprise. If you have questions about examiner availability or fees, ask your instructor or contact our office.
Got Any Inquiries or Requests?
Give us a call or reach out through our contact form and we will help you plan your path to the checkride.