How much does a virtual DPE cost?
$200 flat for every listed service: CFI renewals, SOE limitation removals, R-ATP to unrestricted ATP, ground instructor certificates (BGI/AGI/IGI), Military Competency (MCE) and Military Instructor Competency (MIE). No travel, rescheduling or discontinuance fees, and no charge if you're determined unqualified during the appointment. Credit card, Venmo or Zelle at the appointment.
Can I renew my CFI online with a DPE?
Yes. Under the FAA's Dec 1, 2024 final rule the CFI certificate no longer expires — it carries a Recent Experience End Date (REED), and what most pilots still call "CFI renewal" is officially establishing recent experience under 14 CFR §61.197. It's still an administrative action, the DPE-validated 8710-1 is still required, and Daytona DPE handles it virtually. Qualifying methods: FIRC graduation, graduate-of-students activity, or the new WINGS-based option. The appointment is usually 20 minutes.
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Is a virtual CFI renewal the same as a FIRC?
No — they're complementary. A Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) is the training that establishes your renewal basis under §61.197(a)(1)(i)(A). The DPE appointment is the administrative step that issues the renewed certificate. You need both.
What is an SOE limitation removal?
SOE stands for Supervised Operating Experience. The FAA may issue a new CFI certificate with an SOE limitation requiring a set amount of supervised instruction before it becomes fully unrestricted. Once the supervised hours and endorsements are logged, a DPE removes the limitation administratively — no additional checkride. Your document page lists exactly what to send (logbook entries with supervising-instructor endorsements, your current certificate, photo ID, IACRA application).
How does the R-ATP to Unrestricted ATP process work?
If you hold a Restricted ATP and now meet both the age-23 minimum and the 1,500-hour aeronautical experience requirement, the limitation removal is administrative — no additional checkride. You submit logbook documentation, we verify against 14 CFR §61.159 on the call, sign the IACRA, and the unrestricted ATP is issued the same appointment.
What's the difference between MCE and MIE?
MCE (Military Competency Exam) converts military pilot credentials into an FAA Commercial Pilot certificate. MIE (Military Instructor Competency Exam) converts military flight instructor credentials into an FAA CFI certificate. Many military pilots do both — MCE first, then MIE. Each is $200 flat.
Do I need to fly to Daytona Beach for these services?
No. Every listed service is eligible for virtual processing under FAA guidance and runs over a secure video meeting — pilots have completed appointments from all 50 states and internationally, from home offices, FBO lounges, hotel rooms and crashpads. The only requirement is a stable connection. Practical tests (checkrides) are not offered, and the two administrative actions FAA guidance keeps face-to-face — foreign pilot license verification (§61.75) and SIC type ratings (§61.55) — sit outside the virtual service; see Eligibility above.
Can I book an appointment from outside the United States?
Yes. The video appointment runs the same regardless of location — identity verification, document review, IACRA processing. Time zones factor into scheduling, but pilots based in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific have completed virtual actions through Daytona DPE.
How fast can I get scheduled, and how long does it take?
Most pilots are scheduled within a few business days. Submit the form, send what your document page lists, and once the documents check out we lock in a time. The appointment itself is usually about 20 minutes; inquiry to temporary certificate is typically 3 to 7 business days. A minimum of 24 hours advance notice is required so the appointment can be entered into DMS for FAA oversight.
What if I'm not eligible during the appointment — do I still pay?
No. The $200 is collected only after the appointment is complete and the certificate (or limitation removal) is issued. If you're determined unqualified — missing documentation, hours that don't quite meet the regulation, an issue with your medical — there's no charge and we'll discuss what's needed to come back.
