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
S02E53: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:03
🎙️ The FAA just dropped a game-changer—and we’re diving straight into it. In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson break down the long-awaited MOSAIC rule and why it’s about to shake up general aviation in…
S02E52: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:24
🎙️ From European castles to Oshkosh slip ‘n slides — this episode’s got it all. Brandon spills the highs, lows, and downright bizarre moments from a month-long adventure across Europe, capped off with a wild, rain-soaked…
S02E51: Answering your Questions on Reddit (Part 11) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:44
🎙️ What do student pilots really need—fancy flying clubs or structured schools? How can you build cross-country time without wrecking your wallet? In this high-energy episode, Brandon and Carson tackle the top aviation q…
S02E50: Small Pilot, Big Dreams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:22
🎙️ In this 50th episode, Brandon hands the mic to a surprise guest—11-year-old Rex, son of Stratus’ customer service lead and a long-time flight school regular. From hangar hijinks and airshow thrills to his very first f…
S02E49: You Know You’re a CFI When… (Part 4) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:16
🎙️ Power-on or power-off landings? Mandatory flight following or just a “nice to have”? And should spin training REALLY wait ‘til you’re commercial? In this no-holds-barred episode, Brandon and Carson dive into the great…
S02E48: The Price of Wings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:59
🎙️ Think becoming a pilot means drowning in debt? Think again. In this episode, we break down the real cost of flight training — and how to afford it without selling your soul (or your car).From hidden expenses and smart…
S02E47: Listener Questions (Part 10) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:15
🎙️ Flying into chaos? Brandon and Carson are here to navigate it—with zero oil pressure, surprise coyotes, and some FAA test nightmares along the way. In this no-holds-barred listener Q&A episode, they tackle real pilot…
S02E46: Letter Of Interpretation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:53
🎙️ Ever wondered if you’re logging PIC time the right way—or if your instructor really needs a medical? Buckle up, because in this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson pull back the curtain on FAA Letters of I…
S02E45: Answering your Questions on Reddit (Part 10) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:45
🎙️ Strap in as Brandon and Carson take a nosedive—intellectually—into the wild world of Reddit aviation questions. From mastering radios and taming turbulence to debating AI air traffic controllers and the shocking reali…
S02E44: Taxi Here, But Not There [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:58
🎙️Ever wonder what really happens behind the badge at big airports? ✈️ In this episode, Brandon shares his first-hand adventure getting SIDA badged at Long Beach — from intimidating security tests to why you might get st…