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2.8.3.2 Technical Data. An AMTS should provide suitable technical data reference access. The technical data should be appropriate to the AMTS ratings and to the instructional equipment used by the school. At a minimum, the technical data should include the following:
• Title 14 CFR parts 1 through 199.
• Aircraft, engine, propeller, and Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS) and specifications.
• Airworthiness Directives (AD).
• Aircraft maintenance manuals, relative to the equipment used by the school.
• Supplemental Type Certificates (STC), relative to the equipment used by the school.
• ACs.
• Other instructional materials, such as textbooks on basic physics, math, hydraulics, powerplants, etc.
2.8.4 Additional Training Locations. Section 147.15 allows the AMTS to provide training at additional training locations. Additional training locations are any fixed location other than the school’s primary location. The additional location must meet all part 147 requirements and be listed in the AMTS OpSpecs, pursuant to § 147.15.
Note: If an AMTS is, or will be, conducting training at a location different from the address listed on the AMTS Air Agency Certificate and OpSpec A001, the school must consider these locations as additional training locations and notify the FAA to add these locations to the AMTS OpSpecs. Buildings co-located on a campus do not need to be considered separate training locations.
2.8.4.1 Notif y the FAA. Prior to conducting any training at an additional training location, the AMTS must notify the FAA so that the location can be added to the AMTS OpSpecs. Additionally, the facilities, equipment, and materials for each location are included in the AMTS OpSpecs. See paragraph
2.7.1 for additional information.
2.8.4.2 Curriculum Taught at Additional Location. All or a portion of the AMTS curriculum may be taught at an additional training location.
Note: Part 147 states each certificated AMTS must establish, maintain, and utilize a curriculum; both “AMTS” and “curriculum” are stated in the singular. While an AMTS may only have one curriculum, it may have separate curriculum components (i.e., general, Airframe, Powerplant) for the ratings that the AMTS holds.
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2.8.4.3 Procedures. As previously stated, should an AMTS make changes to their FAA-approved QC system, such changes would need to be submitted to the FAA for updated approval.
2.8.4.4 FAA Surveillance. Pursuant to § 147.27, the FAA may inspect each additional training location requested by the AMTS, prior to adding the location to the AMTS OpSpecs.
2.8.5 AMTS Located Outside of the United States. Part 147 does not prohibit AMTS having a primary AMTS location, or additional training locations, from being located outside of the United States.
2.8.5.1 Certification and subsequent surveillance of AMTS primary or additional training locations outside of the United States are subject to fees in accordance with 14 CFR part 187. Refer to AC 187-1, Flight Standards Service Schedule of Charges Outside of the United States, for information on fees.
2.8.5.2 FAA certification and surveillance activities may be a coordinated effort between FAA offices depending on the location of the primary facility and any additional training locations.
2.8.5.3 The Department of Education recognition of accrediting agencies is limited by statute to accreditation activities within the United States as discussed in paragraph 2.5.1.1:
2.8.5.3.1 AMTS having a primary location within the United States and that are accredited within the meaning of 20 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(5) are recognized as having institutional accreditation which carries over to all additional training locations, whether located within or outside the United States
2.8.5.3.2 As previously discussed in paragraph 2.5.1, the Department of Education’s recognition of accrediting agencies is limited by statute to accreditation activities within the United States. As such, AMTS having a primary location outside of the United States must obtain FAA approval of a QC system meeting the requirements of § 147.23. Although the school may hold accreditation, the FAA will not recognize accreditation that is not within the scope of 20 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(5).
2.9 AMTS Instructor Requirements. Pursuant to § 147.5(b)(3), the AMTS must have a description of the manner in which the school will ensure it provides the necessary qualified instructors to meet the requirements of § 147.19. This description will be included in the AMTS OpSpecs. The requirements of § 147.19 include the following areas discussed in paragraphs 2.9.1 through 2.9.3:
Note: The instructor description discussed above may be included in the OpSpecs by reference to a document provided by the AMTS, rather than including the description directly into the body of the OpSpec. In these instances, the
2-30 document’s title, revision level, and revision date will be listed in the OpSpec, and the FAA will retain a copy of the document.
2.9.1 Positive Educational Outcomes. Each school must provide qualified instructors to teach in a manner that ensures positive educational outcomes are achieved, as required by § 147.19(a). Positive educational outcomes to refer to the training standards set forth in § 147.17, which are geared toward ensuring the AMTS provides training of a quality that satisfies the pass rate requirement specified in § 147.25 and equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to be prepared to test for a mechanic certificate and associated ratings under part 65.
2.9.1.1 The AMTS is responsible for ensuring the effectiveness of its instructors. The AMTS may decide to do this by a periodic internal evaluation of the instructor, or by some other method(s).
2.9.1.2 The FAA will assess instructor competency periodically during inspections by observing instructors in their teaching environment. Should the FAA have concerns with an instructor’s abilities to achieve positive educational outcomes, the concerns and observations will be provided to the AMTS to address the concern.
2.9.2 Instructor Qualifications. Section 147.19(b) requires that AMTS instructors either:
• Hold an FAA mechanic certificate, with one or more appropriate ratings; or
• Be otherwise specifically qualified to teach their assigned content.
2.9.2.1 Instructors Holding an FAA Mechanic Certificate. When using instructors that hold an FAA mechanic certificate, the AMTS must ensure that the instructor has the appropriate mechanic certificate rating relative to the specific subject(s) or course content they teach. Additionally, during certification or other FAA inspection, the AMTS must be able to show the FAA that the instructor holds an FAA mechanic certificate, with appropriate ratings.
2.9.2.2 Specifically Qualified Instructors (Instructors Not Holding an FAA Mechanic Certificate). The AMTS must ensure that any instructor who has not been issued an FAA mechanic certificate is specifically qualified to teach their assigned subject(s) or course content. The specifically qualified instructor should have specific qualifications relative to their intended area of instruction. Some examples for showing qualifications include:
• Documentation of practical experience in the procedures, practices, inspection methods, materials, tools, machine tools, and equipment. In most cases, this should reflect aviation maintenance experience.
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• Documented evidence of formal training designed to qualify the applicant for the specific area of instruction (e.g., a specialized course, webinar, or symposium).
2.9.2.3 Qualifying and Authorizing Instructors. The AMTS should make a determination that all of its instructors are competent to instruct students in the areas where they will be assigned teaching responsibilities. The AMTS should ensure it is maintaining and following its description of the manner in which the school will ensure it provides the necessary qualified instructors to meet the requirements of § 147.19. Failure to follow this description could be a violation of AMTS OpSpecs.
Note: During certification and surveillance, the FAA will verify the requirements of § 147.19 for each of the AMTS instructors. It may be beneficial to the AMTS to maintain a list of all instructors, their qualifications, and their assigned teaching content. This documentation may save an AMTS time during FAA inspection; however, a list is not required by regulation.
2.9.3 Student/Teacher Ratios. Section § 147.19(c) requires at least one instructor for every 25 students in any shop class. The AMTS may choose to provide a lower student-to-teacher ratio (i.e., additional instructors, according to the needs of the class or subject).
3-1 CHAPTER 3. OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Operation After Certification. Title 14 CFR part 147 specifies the requirements for the certification and operation of FAA-certificated AMTSs. An AMTS must continue to meet all of the requirements of part 147 following initial certification and after the AMTS has added or removed a rating. Initial certification requirements are continuing and ongoing;
therefore, the certification requirements discussed in Chapter 2 are not repeated in this chapter. The following additional topics are discussed below related to operation following certification:
• Amending the FAA Air Agency Certificate (§ 147.5).
• Other Changes Requiring Application.
• Changes Requiring Notification to the FAA.
• Minimum Passage Rate (§ 147.25).
• FAA-Approved Quality Control (QC) System (§ 147.23(b)).
• Early Testing (§ 147.31).
3.2 Amending the Air Agency Certificate. An AMTS is required to operate in accordance with its AMTS certificate and its OpSpecs, which are issued by the FAA, pursuant to § 147.3. Therefore, should any of the elements that formed the basis for original certification change, the AMTS must apply for an amended certificate. Therefore, the AMTS must submit an FAA Form 8310-6, Aviation Maintenance Technician School Certificate and Ratings Application, in the following situations:
• When there is a requested change in the AMTS rating(s) (i.e., adding or removing a rating);
• Change of location of the primary school location;
• Change of name of the AMTS;
• Changes of ownership, if the AMTS is requesting a new certificate number.
Note: The AMTS is responsible for submitting proposed amendments to the FAA, while allowing the FAA a reasonable amount of time to evaluate and respond to the changes, based on the scope of the proposed amendment(s). The FAA recommends that the AMTS contact its responsible FAA office to coordinate a reasonable timeframe for evaluation of the proposed amendment.
3.2.1 Adding/Removing Ratings.
3.2.1.1 The ratings issued to an AMTS are displayed on the FAA-issued Air Agency Certificate. Therefore, either adding or removing a rating results in an amendment to the certificate. When adding a rating, § 147.5(c) states the application must only include the information necessary to substantiate the
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3.2.1.2 The school’s operations specifications (OpSpecs) will list the AMTS ratings.
Therefore, changes to AMTS ratings will also require revision to OpSpec A003 by the FAA.
3.2.2 Change of AMTS Primary Location.
3.2.2.1 The address of the primary location of the AMTS is displayed on the FAA-issued Air Agency Certificate. Therefore, changing the location of the AMTS primary location requires an amendment to the certificate. When changing the primary location, § 147.5(c) states the application must only include the information necessary to substantiate the change; the school does not have to submit information regarding other training locations not relevant to the change.
3.2.2.2 The school’s OpSpecs will list the physical address of the school’s primary location. Therefore, changes to the AMTS primary location address will also require revision to OpSpec A001, Issuance and Applicability, by the FAA.
3.2.3 Change of AMTS Name. The name of the AMTS is displayed on the FAA-issued Air Agency Certificate. Therefore, changing the AMTS name results in an amendment to the certificate. When changing the name, § 147.5(c) states the application must only include the information necessary to substantiate the name change.
3.2.3.1 Each of the school’s issued OpSpec paragraphs include the name of the school. Therefore, the FAA will reissue all OpSpecs paragraphs upon change of an AMTS name.
3.2.3.2 Additional business names (doing business as (DBA)) are also displayed on the FAA-issued Air Agency Certificate. Therefore, requests for addition or removal of a DBA results in an amendment to the certificate, and the AMTS must make the request by submitting FAA Form 8310-6.
3.2.4 Change in Ownership/Sale or Transfer of Assets. There is no express provision in part 147 that addresses a change of ownership of an AMTS. A change of ownership does not require application for a new certificate if there has been no change to location, facilities, or personnel. If the new owner amends the Air Agency Certificate rather than obtaining a new certificate, that owner could be held responsible for regulatory noncompliance that occurred by the air agency under the original owner.
3.2.4.1 Change of AMTS Certificate Number. When there are changes in AMTS ownership that include a change of location, facilities, equipment, materials, personnel, or curriculum, the FAA recommends that the new owner request a new certificate number by undergoing the certification process. Doing so would ensure the new owner is not subject to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and liability issues.
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3.2.4.1.1 If a new owner requests to retain the existing certificate number, that owner could be held responsible for any actions that were taken by the air agency under the original owner. New owners will be asked to stipulate in writing that they clearly understand the potential of release of information under the FOIA.
3.2.4.1.2 A request for a new Air Agency Certificate number requires amendment of the AMTS certificate and the owner will be directed to make the request on FAA Form 8310-6. The request will be reviewed by the FAA to ensure the air agency continues to meet all part 147 requirements.
3.2.4.1.3 If the new owner elects to retain the original certificate number, and is permitted to do so, the revised FAA Form 8000-4, Air Agency Certificate, will show the original certification date in the “Date issued” field.
3.2.4.1.4 If a new certificate number is issued, the Air Agency Certificate will show the issuance date of the new certificate number.
Note 1: The “Date issued” should always reflect the original certification date of the certificate number on the Air Agency Certificate.
Note 2: The FAA will reissue all OpSpecs following an approved change of the certificate number.
3.3 Changes Requiring Notification to the FAA.
3.3.1 Adding Training Locations. When adding training locations, a certificated AMTS is not required to submit FAA Form 8310-6, because adding locations is neither an initial certification nor an amendment to a certificate. However, § 147.15 requires each additional training location to be listed in the AMTS OpSpecs. Therefore, the AMTS must notify the FAA of its additional location being requested. The school may not use an additional training location unless the FAA has listed the location on OpSpec A008, Additional Training Locations.
3.3.1.1 The AMTS should expect the FAA to conduct inspections to determine the additional location meets all part 147 requirements prior to adding the location to OpSpec A008.
3.3.1.2 Additionally, the AMTS must provide a description of the facilities, equipment, and materials for each location as required by § 147.5(b)(1); this description will be included in the AMTS OpSpecs. Therefore, the AMTS must provide descriptions (or reference to those descriptions) of the facilities, equipment, and materials, for each location, to the FAA for inclusion in OpSpec A015, Facilities, Equipment, and Materials (see Chapter 2, paragraph 2.4).
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3.3.2 Changes to the AMTS Description of Facilities, Equipment, or Materials. Since a description of AMTS facilities, equipment, and materials are included in the AMTS OpSpec, and because an AMTS may not operate contrary to its OpSpecs pursuant to § 147.3, any changes to the AMTS facilities, equipment, or materials must be submitted to the FAA so that the OpSpecs can be revised.
3.3.3 Changes to the AMTS Description of Curriculum. Since a description of the AMTSs’ curriculum is included in the AMTS OpSpec, and because an AMTS may not operate contrary to its OpSpecs pursuant to § 147.3, any changes to the AMTS curriculum description must be submitted to the FAA so that the OpSpecs can be revised.
3.3.4 Changes to the AMTS Description on Instructors. Since a description of how the AMTS ensures it provides the necessary qualified instructors is included in the AMTS OpSpec, and because an AMTS may not operate contrary to its OpSpecs pursuant to § 147.3, any changes to the AMTS instructor description must be submitted to the FAA so that the OpSpecs can be revised.
3.3.5 Transfer of a Part 147 Certificate Oversight. Transfers of certificates can occur as a result of an AMTS request, or could be FAA initiated. Transfers between FAA offices typically occur if the AMTS changes its location; however, other instances could also result in a transfer of FAA office of responsibility.
3.3.5.1 Whenever there is a change to the AMTS location that results in a change to the responsible Flight Standards office, the AMTS should coordinate with its current responsible office to outline a plan for the transfer that ensures school operations and the impact on students is minimal.
3.3.5.2 If the transfer is the result of an AMTS location change, the responsible Flight Standards office will coordinate with and forward a copy of the application (FAA Form 8310-6) and the plan to the receiving responsible Flight Standards office.
3.3.5.2.1 The receiving responsible Flight Standards office will review the application for a change in location and is responsible for the reissuance of the Air Agency Certificate and OpSpecs, if required.
3.3.5.3 When transfers occur for reasons other than a change to AMTS location, the AMTS should coordinate with both its current and new office to ensure a smooth transition of information between offices.
3.3.6 AMTS Exemptions. Exemptions that are granted to and/or used by an AMTS will be listed in the AMTS OpSpecs.
3.3.6.1 Exemptions to 14 CFR requirements cannot be granted by the responsible Flight Standards office. The AMTS must make a request for exemptions using the procedures outlined in 14 CFR part 11. The AMTS should notify its responsible Flight Standards office of any exemption issued to the AMTS so that it can be added to the AMTS OpSpec A005, Exemptions.
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3.3.6.2 Prior to listing an exemption in OpSpec A005, the FAA will ensure the school has appropriate procedures developed to ensure compliance with any specified conditions and limitations of the exemption, as necessary.
3.3.6.3 The FAA will add the exemption number to the AMTS assigned exemptions and issue OpSpec A005, prior to the school using the exemption.
3.3.6.4 Exemptions typically expire every 2 years. The AMTS must make a request for an extension (as specified in part 11), and be granted an extension to the exemption. This will result in a revised exemption number; therefore, the AMTS must again notify the FAA of the exemption grant, and request the update to OpSpec A005 prior to using the exemption extension.
3.4 Minimum Passage Rate. AMTS must meet the minimum passage rate requirements of § 147.25. The minimum passage rate is an important indicator of whether the school’s curriculum content is sufficient, if curriculum design and delivery methods are appropriate, and if instructors are providing quality instruction.
3.4.1 Pass Rate Metric. A certificated AMTS shall maintain a pass rate of at least 70 percent of students who took a written, oral, or practical (or any combination thereof) FAA mechanic test within 60 days of graduation for the most recent 3-year period.
3.4.2 Pass Rate Reports.
3.4.2.1 The passage rate is based on the results of FAA tests; therefore, the FAA will provide quarterly reports based on 3 years of test data, for each AMTS. The reports will be publicly available on https://www.faa.gov.
3.4.2.2 Students that fail a test within the 60-day window after graduation, and then retest and pass that same test within the same 60-day window, are counted as passing students towards the AMTS pass rate.
3.4.3 Noncompliance With Pass Rate.
3.4.3.1 Because § 147.25 requires a data collection period of 3 years, compliance with the pass-rate requirement will be evaluated after there is 3 years of data collected on the school’s students who are testing within 60 days of graduation.
Note: While an AMTS is required to meet the pass rate in § 147.25, an AMTS is also generally required to ensure students have the knowledge and skills necessary to be prepared to test for a mechanic certificate and associated ratings, pursuant to § 147.17(a)(3). As part of the FAA’s general inspection authority in § 147.27, the FAA may review an AMTS’s pass rate data as a whole, not only as it pertains to those students who test 60 days after graduation, to ensure that students are prepared with the knowledge and skill to test for the applicable certificate and/or rating.
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3.4.3.2 As with any regulatory noncompliance, the FAA may take compliance, administrative, or legal enforcement action as appropriate to the specific details of the noncompliance. Investigative personnel follow the FAA compliance and enforcement policy located in FAA Order 2150.3, FAA Compliance and Enforcement Program.
3.5 Records. An AMTS with an FAA-approved QC system must maintain the records described within that system, as required by § 147.23(a)(2). Additionally, the AMTS must allow the FAA access to the records that are a part of the school’s FAA-approved QC system, as required by § 147.27.
3.5.1 Student Records. The AMTS must maintain student records in accordance with the procedures and retention timeframes described in their FAA-approved QC system. The records should:
• Show attendance, tests, quizzes, and practical projects grades received on subjects required.
• Clearly distinguish between successful performance and unsuccessful performance.
• Show how credit was granted for previous experience and/or previous instruction.
• Show the practical projects and shop/lab work completed and/or to be completed.
3.5.2 School Records. The AMTS must maintain records for all areas of the QC system, to include records of the school taking corrective action on deficiencies. The AMTS must maintain these records in accordance with the procedures and retention timeframes described in their FAA-approved QC system.
3.6 Graduation Documentation. Section 147.21, Certificate of Completion, requires each AMTS to provide an authenticated document to each graduating student. Graduation can only be attained by completing the curriculum requirements, either Airframe, Powerplant, or Airframe and Powerplant curriculum, as related to the AMTS ratings.
3.6.1 Authentication. Pursuant to § 147.21, an AMTS must provide authenticated documentation to each graduating student; therefore, an official of the AMTS should authenticate all student certificates issued. This should be accomplished by verifying the student has passed the specified courses or has received prior credit based on the AMTS-approved curriculum requirements. The certificate cannot be issued unless all curriculum requirements have been completed. The AMTS must use some method to authenticate the document that is visible on the document itself. For example, an official’s signature or a raised or unique seal are some methods used to demonstrate authentication.
3.6.2 Document Content. The graduation document should include the following information:
• Student name, indicating who the document was issued to.
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• School name and Air Agency Certificate number, to indicate who issued the document and that the issuer is an FAA-certificated AMTS.
• Authentication, using the method of authentication determined by the school to show the document was issued legitimately.
• The student’s date of graduation.
• The name of the curriculum completed by the student (i.e., either “Airframe,” “Powerplant,” or “Airframe and Powerplant”).
Note: The FAA strongly recommends the inclusion of the AMTS Air Agency Certificate number on the authenticated document. A school’s name may not provide the same verification, because some schools, both certificated and noncertificated, may share the same or a similar name. Failure to include this information on the document may prevent or delay FAA testing facilities from verifying the student’s eligibility to test.
3.7 Early Testing.
3.7.1 Title 14 CFR part 65, § 65.75(c). This provision of part 65 authorizes mechanic applicants to take the mechanic general written test prior to meeting the applicable experience requirements of § 65.77, when the applicant can present an authenticated document from a certificated AMTS that demonstrates satisfactory completion of the general portion of the school’s curriculum and specifies the completion date.
3.7.1.1 Part 147 has § 147.31, Early Testing, as a corresponding requirement, which states an AMTS may issue an authenticated document that demonstrates the student’s preparedness to take the mechanic general written test in accordance with § 65.75(c). See paragraph 3.7.1 regarding discussion on authentication.
Note: A student will not be eligible to take the FAA general written test prior to graduation if the school does not issue the document required in § 65.75(c). Schools should ensure that the issuance of an authenticated document that facilitates a student to test early is applied equally and consistently to all qualifying students.
3.7.1.2 An authenticated document used for the purposes of §§ 65.75 and 147.31 should include the following information:
• Student name, indicating who the document was issued to.
• School name and Air Agency Certificate number, to indicate who issued the document and that the issuer is an FAA-certificated AMTS.
• Authentication, using the method of authentication determined by the school to show the document was issued legitimately.
• The student’s date of graduation/curriculum completion.
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• Indicate the document demonstrates completion of the general curriculum content of the AMTS curriculum.
N ote: The FAA strongly recommends the inclusion of the AMTS Air Agency Certificate number on the authenticated document. A school’s name may not provide the same verification, because some schools, both certificated and noncertificated, may share the same or a similar name. Failure to include this information on the document will prevent or delay FAA testing facilities from verifying the student’s eligibility to test.
3.7.2 Section 65.80 Testing. This provision of part 65 allows certain AMTS students, who have not yet graduated from the AMTS, to take the FAA oral and practical tests when the AMTS can show to an FAA inspector that the student:
• Has made satisfactory progress at the school,
• Is prepared to take the oral and practical tests prescribed by § 65.79, and
• Is in the final subjects of training in the AMTS curriculum.
Note: The school should be prepared to show the FAA how the student meets the requirements above to facilitate FAA approval on FAA Form 8610-2, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application. It is recommended that the school develop written procedures that define how the school makes § 65.80 determinations, which would assist the FAA in issuing § 65.80 approvals.
3.7.2.1 An applicant must submit an appropriately completed FAA Form 8610-2 to the FAA for approval to test under § 65.80. This form has specified blocks requiring completion by an official from the AMTS to certify that the above listed requirements are met. If approved, the FAA will sign and return the form to the applicant to proceed with oral and practical testing prior to graduation from the AMTS.
3.7.2.2 Once the student graduates from the AMTS and receives a graduation document, the student is eligible to complete any applicable remaining FAA tests.
Note: The provisions of §§ 65.75(c) and 65.80 are mutually exclusive.
Taking the general written test early under § 65.75(c) does not prevent subsequent testing under § 65.80, and vice versa.