Lex Crosett

In addition to practical tests, Lex Crosett holds a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) Letter of Authorization for administrative actions. These actions issue certain certificates, ratings, and authorizations through a documents-and-eligibility review, without a practical test or in-flight evaluation. The table below summarizes the administrative services Lex offers.

How to Tell If Lex Is the Right Examiner for You

If you need any of the services above, such as a foreign license conversion, a military competency certificate, a ground instructor certificate, an administrative CFI renewal, an SIC type rating, SOE limitation removal, or remote pilot administrative work, Lex can likely help you directly.

Lex also gives practical tests. If you need a Sport Pilot, Private Pilot, or Commercial Pilot Single-Engine Land practical test, or an Instrument Rating Airplane practical test, see the Designated Pilot Examiner Services home page for tests, fees, and scheduling. To get started with an administrative action, email and Lex will respond with a Google Form to confirm your eligibility.†

† The Foreign License Conversion and Military Competency Certificate are the only two administrative actions that require an in-person meeting; the fee for each of these services is $400 as a result. Remote Pilot administrative actions are $100. All other administrative actions listed above are $200.

Payment for Administrative Actions

For remote (video) appointments, Lex accepts Venmo or Zelle. For in-person appointments, Lex accepts cash, check, Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle.

This FAQ is general guidance, not official FAA policy. Your eligibility is determined when Lex reviews your documents. The regulations in 14 CFR Part 61 and current FAA orders control.

Can this be done by video, or do I need to come in?

Most administrative actions can be done by secure video call. These include CFI renewal, ground instructor certificates, SIC type ratings, SOE limitation removal, and remote pilot actions.

Foreign license conversions and military competency certificates require an in-person meeting. The FAA does not allow virtual appointments for foreign license conversions (FAA DPE Foreign Pilot Informational Letter).

What documents do I need for my service?

Every applicant needs a government-issued photo ID, any current FAA certificates, and an IACRA application. Lex will send a checklist for your service with the Google Form. The main items are:

• CFI renewal: Evidence of your §61.197 basis, such as a FIRC graduation certificate, a list of endorsed applicants and results, or your WINGS records.
• Ground instructor: Your knowledge test report(s).
• SOE limitation removal: Logbook entries and signed attestations for each supervised flight.
• Military competency: Military ID or discharge papers (DD-214), official military flight records, and your Military Competency knowledge test report.
• Foreign license conversion: Your foreign license, foreign medical, FAA Verification of Authenticity letter, and evidence of English proficiency.

Do I need an IACRA account and FTN before we talk?

You need both before your appointment. Register at iacra.faa.gov to get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN). You can send your first email without one. Lex will tell you which application to start and when to send him the application ID.

How soon can I be scheduled, and how long is the appointment?

Lex schedules the appointment once your documents check out. Every appointment must be entered in the FAA Designee Management System (DMS) before it takes place, so same-day appointments are not possible. Most remote appointments take about 30 minutes. In-person foreign and military appointments take longer.

My CFI doesn’t expire anymore. Why do I still need a DPE?

The certificate no longer expires, but your instructor privileges still depend on recent experience. Under 14 CFR §61.197, you must establish recent experience every 24 calendar months. A DPE or FSDO processes that action in IACRA.

If your certificate was issued before December 1, 2024 and still shows an expiration date, establish recent experience before that month. If it lapses, you will need reinstatement under §61.199.

Is a FIRC the same as a CFI renewal?

No. The FIRC is training. It is one way to qualify, and you must complete it within the 3 calendar months before you apply. The DPE action reviews your documents, processes your IACRA application, and issues your temporary certificate. You need both.

What if I turn out not to qualify? Do I still pay?

Lex reviews your documents before scheduling, so most problems are found early. If a problem is found at the appointment, Lex will explain what is missing and how to fix it. No fee is charged if the appointment cannot be completed because you are not yet eligible.

Can I combine two actions in one appointment, like SOE removal and a CFI renewal?

Often, yes. List every action you need in your first email so Lex can confirm what fits in one appointment. Each action is a separate IACRA application. Ask Lex about fees for combined actions.

For foreign pilots: when should I book travel?

Do not book travel or an appointment until you have your Verification of Authenticity (VOA) letter from the FAA Airmen Certification Branch. The FAA says processing takes about 45 to 90 days (FAA Foreign License Verification).

Your foreign license and medical must be in English or include an English transcription signed by your aviation authority. Lex will schedule the in-person meeting once your VOA letter is issued and your file is complete.

For military pilots: which records count, and do I need the knowledge test first?

Under 14 CFR §61.73, you need:

• A military ID or discharge papers (DD-214) showing your status.
• Official military records showing either a military pilot and instrument proficiency check, or at least 10 hours as a military pilot, in the category, class, and type sought.
• Your military pilot rating.

Yes, you must pass the Military Competency knowledge test first. Bring the test report to the appointment.