I have been a CFI for over 30 years. During this time I ran a flight school using my own aircraft. The FAA check ride process of using Designated Pilot Examiners (DPE’s) has become a very corrupt and vile system. The wait times for a check ride are now anywhere from months to even a year. The costs have gone up to $1,000 to $2,500 for a check ride, and the big flight schools are buying the DPE’s that will pass their students. It is time to have the CFI’s conduct the check rides.