3-2 change; therefore, the school does not have to submit information substantiating a rating already held.
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.
4-1 CHAPTER 4. CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES
4.1 General Information on Certification Procedures. The AMTS certification process is an interaction between the AMTS applicant and the FAA. The certification process extends from the initial inquiry by the school applicant to the final issuance of the Air Agency Certificate and operations specifications (OpSpecs). This process ensures the school’s method of compliance with curriculum, policies and procedures, facilities, equipment, materials, and personnel regulatory requirements are thoroughly reviewed, evaluated, and validated.
4.1.1 Five Phases. The FAA certification process consists of the five separate phases listed below:
• Preapplication phase.
• Formal application phase.
• Design Assessment (DA) phase (document compliance).
• Performance Assessment (PA) phase (demonstration and inspection).
• Administrative functions phase (certification).
Note: These phases may often overlap and can proceed concurrently. As an example, the DA phase may begin as soon as documents are received, either before or during the formal application phase.
4.1.1.1 The applicant must maintain an active project. Inactivity of greater than 90 calendar-days may be cause to terminate the certification process.
Additionally, the responsible Flight Standards office may terminate the process when it is clear that continuing the process will not result in approval or acceptance (i.e., multiple failures of the applicant’s submissions).
Figure 4-1. Part 147 Certification Process Flowchart Part 147 Certification Process Flowchart Applicant FAA
4.2 Preapplication Initial inquiry to FAA responsible Form 8400-6, Preapplication Submit completed FAA Preapplication → Are the reapplication —YES- Flight Standards Meeting documents acceptable?
Statement of Intent (PASI) office.
Notify applicant of PASI deficiencies Complete application (FAA Form 8310-6) and develop application attachments as necessary
4.3 Formal Application Submit application and application Formal Application Is the formal application attachments to the FAA Meeting submission acceptable?
Correct deficiencies and return Notify applicant documents for FAA review submission is accepted Conduct evaluation of
4.4 Design Assessment Notify applicant of documentation application Certification?
deficiencies NO Acceptable?
Notify applicant of document acceptability
4.5 Performance Assessment Correct deficiencies Arrange demonstration Conduct inspections Acceptable? •YES and inspection (as applicable) _YES_ Certification? Continue Notify applicant of application deficiencies NO
4.6 Administrative Functions -NO- Terminate Certification Applicant meets all part 147 requirements?
Issue certification documentation -YES- 4-2
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4.2 Preapplication Phase.
4.2.1 Initial Inquiry. An applicant seeking certification of an AMTS under part 147 should contact the FAA responsible Flight Standards office and advise the office of the intent to pursue part 147 school certification. The FAA will advise the applicant that submission of FAA Form 8400-6, Preapplication Statement of Intent, (PASI) (see Figure 4-2, Preapplication Statement of Intent) will place the applicant in the FAA’s certification queue, which ensures that applicant certification requests are processed in the order application is made. Additionally, submission of the PASI notifies the FAA of the applicant’s intent, which allows the FAA to contact the applicant and conduct a preapplication meeting (see paragraph 4.2.3). The form is available at https://www.faa.gov/forms.
4.2.1.1 It is the applicant’s responsibility to be knowledgeable on the regulatory requirements applicable to the FAA certificate requested. The applicant could complete a Letter of Compliance (see Appendix D, Sample Letter of Compliance (i.e., Statement of Compliance, Compliance Statement)) to help facilitate understanding of part 147.
4.2.2 PASI. An applicant should submit a completed PASI only after reviewing the appropriate regulations and advisory materials. Before PASI submission, the applicant should consider the personnel, facility, equipment, and other regulatory requirements for certification and operation.
4.2.2.1 The FAA uses Safety Assurance System (SAS) automation to manage certification activities under part 147. Although not required, applicants may use the SAS External Portal to submit information. The SAS External Portal can be found at https://sas.faa.gov/sas.external.portal/ext/accounts.
4.2.3 Preapplication Meeting. Following receipt of the completed PASI, the FAA will contact the AMTS applicant and arrange a preapplication meeting. During this meeting, the applicant should ask any questions concerning FAA certification. The following events take place during the preapplication meeting:
4.2.3.1 FAA personnel will brief the applicant on the regulatory requirements and policies regarding certification and operation of an AMTS.
4.2.3.2 The applicant informs the FAA as to which of the three types of ratings are sought: airframe, powerplant, or combined airframe and powerplant.
Note: Because of the complexity and costs involved in certification, many AMTS applicants initially choose to seek certification for only one rating to reduce certification time and to get training classes under way.
Figure 4-2. Preapplication Statement of Intent Expiration Date: 34730/202 -orm Approve
PREAPPLICATION STATEMENT OF INTENT US Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration perwork Reduction Act Statement: A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply wit ection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for t Section 1A. To Be Completed By All Applicants
1. Name and mailing address of company 2. Address of principal base where operations will be conducted (do not use post office box)
3. Proposed Start-up date 4. Requested three-letter company identifier in order of preference
2.
Company Email Address Doing Business As (DBA)
5. Management Personnel Name (Last, first, middle) Title Telephone (including area code) and Email Address Section 1B. To Be Completed By Air Operators
6. Proposed type of operation (check as many as applicable)
• Air Carrier Certificate • Part 121 • Passengers and Cargo • Single Pilot Operator
• Operating Certificate Part 125 • Cargo Only • Single Pilot-in-Command Operator
• Part 133 • Scheduled Operations • Basic Part 135 Operator _ Part 135 - Nonscheduled Operations Section 1C. To Be Completed By Air Agencies
7. Proposed type of agency and rating(s)
• Part 145 Repair Station • Part 147 Maintenance Technical School Domestic • Airframe
- Foreign • New • Renew • Powerplant Satellite • Both
• Airframe Instrument
• Powerplant • Accessory
• Propeller • Specialized Service
• Radio —Any other purpose for which the FAA finds the applicant's request if appropriate Section 1D. To Be Completed By Air Operators
8. Aircraft Data 9. Geographic area of Intended operations Numbers and types of aircraft (Include Registration if available) Number of passenger seats or (by make, model, and series) cargo payload capacity FAA Form 8400-6 (05-17) Supersedes Previous Edition Page 1 Electronic Version 4-4
Section 1E. To Be Completed By All Applicants
10. Additional information that provides a better understanding of the proposed operation or business (attach additional sheets, if necessary)
11. The statements and information contained on this form denote an intent to apply for FAA certification.
Signature Date Name and Title Section 2. To Be Completed By FAA District Office Received by (district office): Precertification Number Date: Date Coordinated with AFS-620 Remarks FAA Form 8400-6 (05-17) Supersedes Previous Edition Page 2 Electronic Version 4-5