Is the DPE Shortage a Myth? PilExOS CEO Adam Shimmens Reveals What's Really Happening

Is the DPE Shortage a Myth? PilExOS CEO Adam Shimmens Reveals What's Really Happening

Author: Brandon Martini & Carson Vasquez February 14, 2026 Duration: 43:36

Is there really a DPE shortage, or is aviation facing an efficiency problem? And how is technology transforming flight training and check rides? ✈️

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson sit down with Adam Shimmens, CEO of PilExOS and 20-year private pilot, to explore the intersection of aviation technology and flight training. From the DPE scheduling crisis to AI-powered cockpit tools, this conversation digs into what's really happening behind the scenes in general aviation:

  • The DPE shortage myth—why roughly 400 examiners are doing over 80% of check rides nationwide, and why the real issue may be efficiency, not capacity
  • How PilExOS is building centralized software to streamline check ride scheduling, quality management, and DPE operations for flight schools and pilot examiners
  • Part 141 modernization and examining authority—the pros, cons, and quality control challenges of flight schools conducting their own check rides
  • The evolution of EFBs, glass cockpits, and aviation software from 2006 to today, and what student pilots gain (and risk) from modern technology
  • AI and the future of aviation—predictive maintenance, VR-based flight simulation, adaptive weather routing, and what the next 5–10 years could look like in GA
  • Career advice for student pilots: why exploring beyond the airlines could lead to your dream flying job

🚀 Whether you're a student pilot preparing for your first check ride, a flight school owner improving operations, or a general aviation enthusiast curious about where aviation technology is headed, this episode delivers real-world insights and expert perspectives you won't want to miss.

🔗 Connect with Adam Shimmens & PilExOS: 🌐 Website: https://pilexos.com 💼 Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-shimmens-0895ab113/ 💼 PilExOS on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pilexos/

🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.


Every Friday, Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez settle in for a conversation that feels like hanging out in the best kind of pilot lounge. Their Aviation Mentors podcast is built on the idea that the world of flight is vast, connecting everything from engineering and history to personal stories and global culture. They bring their own perspectives as active aviators, mentors, and entrepreneurs to each discussion, creating a space that’s as welcoming to a first-time student pilot as it is to a seasoned airline captain or someone who just loves the sound of a radial engine. You’ll hear episodes that dive into the nuances of technique, the stories behind iconic aircraft and airports, and the broader ways aviation shapes our society and sense of place. It’s a weekly exploration driven by genuine passion, moving far beyond textbook talk to capture the real conversations aviators have when they’re just sharing their love for flying. Tune in for thoughtful, wide-ranging dialogues that remind you why the aviation community is so uniquely compelling.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Aviation Mentors
Podcast Episodes
Why Student Pilots and CFIs Should Attend AeroSummit 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:04
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down everything you need to know about AeroSummit 2026, happening May 20 through 22 at the JW Marriott Turnberry in Aventura, Florida. From the se…
Is an Aviation Degree Still Worth It? Plus Drones and Flight Fear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:53
Do you really need a degree to fly for a major airline, or is that advice completely outdated? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle a packed listener Q&A covering some of the most…
The Smelly Cockpit Problem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:45
Hygiene in the cockpit — it's the conversation nobody wants to have, but every pilot, CFI, and flight school owner eventually faces. 🛩️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle the awkwar…
War, Fuel Prices, and GPS Spoofing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:37
War, fuel prices, and GPS threats—how is global conflict reshaping general aviation right now? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down the real-world impact of rising fuel costs a…
Are Pilots AI-Proof? Answering Your Biggest Flight Training Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:15
Are pilots truly safe from AI replacing their jobs — and how do you actually make flight training work in real life? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle some of the most pressing…
Pizza Delivery to Phenom 300: Shaun Dawson's Pilot Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:07
From delivering pizzas as a teenager to earning a Phenom 300 type rating — Shaun Dawson's pilot journey is one every GA pilot needs to hear. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon sits down with San D…