If you are an international student coming to the United States on an M-1 Visa to complete your flight training, one of the most important features to look for in a flight school is whether they have Examining Authority (EA) under FAA Part 141.
⭐ What Is Examining Authority?
Examining Authority allows the school to conduct in-house practical tests (checkrides) using their own FAA-approved internal examiners.
For international students, this is extremely valuable because:
DPE wait times can be long
You must stay on schedule for your visa
You may need predictable completion dates
Airline pathway programs often require strict timelines
Examining Authority solves these issues.
⭐ Why It Matters for M-1 Students
✔ Predictable Timelines
You don’t risk going out of status waiting for a DPE.
✔ Faster Certification
No waiting lists. No cancellations. No travel delays.
✔ Better Visa Management
Your training completion dates match your SEVIS schedule.
✔ Better for Airline Cadets
India, China, Vietnam, Korea and Middle-Eastern cadet programs often require strict timelines — EA helps meet them.
✔ Fewer Surprises
Training, mock checkrides, stage checks, and the final practical test all happen within the same school.
⭐ Who Gives the Exam?
FAA-approved internal evaluators:
Chief Flight Instructor
Assistant Chief Instructor
Check Instructor (per §141.37)
These individuals are trained, overseen, and audited by the FAA.
⭐ Is the Test Easier?
No — the standard is identical to any FAA checkride.
EA simply streamlines the logistics, not the standards.
⭐ How to Check If a School Has Examining Authority
Ask the school:
“Which of your 141 courses have Examining Authority today?”
“Who administers the exams?”
“How quickly can I take my checkride after completion?”
At CFI Academy, we answer transparently and explain exactly how testing works for M-1 students.
⭐ Want a Faster, More Reliable Training Path?
International students choose CFI Academy for a reason:
Predictable scheduling
Faster testing
Structured Part 141 curriculum
Professional instructors
Transparent timelines
📞 916-209-0234
🌐 CFIAcademy.com
Click here to read the detailed article on Examining Authority as it pertains to all flight training students.
