EAA, along with AOPA, NATA, and NAFI, is asking the FAA, Computer Assisted Testing Service Inc. (CATS), and LaserGrade to re-examine the implementation of a proposed increase in testing fees. Effective April 1, pilots taking an FAA knowledge test could be charged an extra $50 in administrative fees.
The testing companies say they are implementing the fee to cover the costs of transitioning to the Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) as required by the FAA, according to EAA officials.
In a joint letter to the FAA and the CEOs of CATS and LaserGrade, the associations asked CATS and LaserGrade to delay implementation of the fee increase and requested the FAA to begin a review of the new testing requirements. The associations collectively shared that they “are concerned that the increase in fees will have no purpose other than continue to deter people from pursuing flight training. With minimum complexity and little cost, the current knowledge testing system has served the industry well.”
