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. Paid by card through a secure Stripe link once you're qualified, before the appointment. What DPEs charge across the board:
the DPE cost breakdown → · New to examiners?
What a DPE is →
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.
Full guide →
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. On a type rating earned in a simulator it's the §61.64(g) limitation — the “subject to pilot in command limitations” line — and it comes off once you've logged 25 hours of PIC duties in type under the observation of a pilot type-rated without the limitation, each flight attested in writing. The FAA may also issue a new CFI certificate with an SOE limitation requiring a set amount of supervised instruction. Either way, once the supervised time is logged and attested, a DPE removes the limitation administratively — no additional checkride. Your document page lists exactly what to send (logbook entries with the supervising pilot's attestations, your current certificate, photo ID, IACRA application).
Full guide →
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 actions FAA guidance keeps face-to-face are listed under Eligibility above.
Can a DPE do a checkride remotely?
No. A practical test (checkride) is conducted in person. Remote technology covers administrative actions only — the functions marked
Remote Technology Authorized on the examiner's own Certificate Letter of Authority (CLOA). Daytona DPE's CLOA carries it for CFI recent experience (renewal), military competency (MCE / MIE), ground instructor certificates, SOE limitation removal and ATP limitation removal (R-ATP to unrestricted ATP).
How it works →
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. You're only asked to pay once your documents have been reviewed and you're qualified — by card, through a secure Stripe link, before the appointment. 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.
