CHAPTER 3. OPERATING RULES
1. CHANGE OF LOCATION. An AMTS may not make any change in the school’s location unless the change is approved by the FAA in advance. The AMTS is required to notify the FAA in writing at least 30 days before the date change is contemplated. During the change in location, no disruption may be made to student instruction or normal classroom attendance.
Equipment, facilities, and instructors must be at least at the same level as the standards approved for the vacated facilities.
2. TIME AND ATTENDANCE. An AMTS must specify in the approved curriculum the number of instructional hours the school intends to offer. An AMTS must ensure typical time loss items do not affect approved curriculum hours. Student attendance requirements are specified in section 147.31(a). Some typical time loss items are as follows:
a. Instructors ill or on leave. In small schools, this could result in canceled classes or students sent to a study room.
b. Teachers’ strikes.
c. Weeks scheduled for private study and/or testing outside of the approved curriculum.
d. Class outings, not related to aviation maintenance, that take time away from instructional hours.
e. Student achievement days, sports days, and special event days.
f. Teachers’ meetings and grading days.
g. Student absences beyond those permitted in the FAA-approved curriculum.
h. Classroom or laboratory and shop time spent on noninstructional activities such as school administrative work and pep rallies, cleaning, painting, and preparation of instructional aids.
i. Any other activity that intrudes on instructional time.
3. ENROLLMENT. An AMTS applicant cannot have more students enrolled than the number stated on the certificate application. As enrollment increases or decreases, an AMTS may choose to change either the number of certificated or noncertificated instructors or the subjects to be taught by each. However, when instructors are changed or if enrollment exceeds the FAA- approved figures, the school must notify the FAA in advance.
4. RECORDS, TRANSCRIPTS, AND GRADUATION CERTIFICATES. An AMTS must maintain and, upon request, make available to the FAA documents that show records on each student. (New AMTS applicants must also show the proposed method of meeting FAA records requirements.)
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a. Records. Records must make it clear which tests, quizzes, and practical projects are required, and which ones are optional. Student records should clearly distinguish between successful performance and unsuccessful performance. The record should show how credit was granted for previous experience and/or previous instruction. Progress records or charts do not need to show student grades for practical projects or laboratory work if those grades are available in another record at the school. Student attendance records should show the number of hours of absences. Section 147.33 requires schools to retain student records for 2 years. This does not refer to each student’s personal tests but to the grades received on tests given to the student for each subject. Examples of the forms used for these records should be in a document such as the curriculum.
b. Transcripts. Grade transcripts must be authenticated by an official of the school.
Transcripts must contain a complete record of the courses, grades, and dates of completion, and must be made available to the student regardless of whether the student graduates.
c. Graduation Certificates or Certificates of Completion. These must be authenticated by an official of the school and may be issued only if all the curriculum requirements have been completed (either by taking or passing the specified courses or by being properly credited with them). All students meeting the AMTS graduation or completion requirements must be issued the appropriate certificate. The certificates should contain the name of the AMTS, its certificate number, the approved course name, and date of graduation.
5. MAINTENANCE OF FACILITIES. Under part 147, an AMTS is required to continuously maintain the same standards as those under which it was certificated originally. This includes the maintenance of all facilities and equipment required for initial certification.
6. MAINTENANCE OF INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS. After an AMTS is certificated or has added or dropped a rating, the AMTS must continue to provide an appropriate number of instructors with the ratings and certificates required by the FAA. The AMTS must continue to provide at least 1 FAA-approved instructor for each 25 students in each laboratory or shop class.
7. MAINTENANCE OF INSTRUCTIONAL AIDS. An AMTS must continue to maintain all instructional aids and equipment in good working order and in a condition for safe operation.
Broken or deteriorated instructional aids must be repaired or replaced. The school must continue to provide sufficient instructional aids so that there will not be more than eight students per instructional aid unit at any one time.
8. MAINTENANCE OF TECHNICAL DATA REFERENCE MATERIALS. An AMTS should provide a system that identifies the person responsible for updating the technical data/reference materials. The procedure must clearly show the methods for maintaining and upgrading the data.
9. MAINTENANCE OF SHOP EQUIPMENT. Shop equipment should be maintained in good working order and be in a condition for safe operation. A system should be in place for routine preventive maintenance and component replacement on all shop equipment.
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10. MAINTENANCE OF TOOLS AND SPECIAL TOOLS SUPPLY. The school must continue to provide all tools and special tools specified in the FAA-certificated tool list. During school operation, tools may not be removed from the AMTS inventory without being replaced.
A system should also be in place to maintain special tools in satisfactory working condition.
11. MAINTENANCE OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS. The AMTS must continue to provide required materials specified in the instructional materials list.
12. MAINTENANCE OF QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION. An AMTS must continue to provide instructions of the same quality as it demonstrated to the FAA during and immediately after certification. The instrument used by the FAA to measure AMTS instruction quality is a document titled “The National Passing Norms.” This norm is a measure of the performance of AMTS graduates from each school who are taking the FAA A&P Mechanic Test measured against the performance of other applicants taking the FAA A&P Mechanic Test. The national norms are available on the FAA Web site.
13. AVAILABILITY OF TYPE-CERTIFICATED AIRCRAFT. Section 147.17(a)(2) requires an AMTS to continue to provide a type-certificated aircraft for student instruction.
Specific requirements are discussed in Chapter 2, paragraph 2-9b.
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CHAPTER 4. CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES
1. GENERAL INFORMATION ON CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES.
a. 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 AMTS certificate. This process ensures the school’s curriculums, programs, policies, facilities, and methods of compliance with the regulations are thoroughly reviewed, evaluated, and validated. A certification schedule flowchart for the AMTS certification process is shown in Appendix 9, Certification Schedule Flowchart. Figure 4-1 provides a certification checklist as an aid to ensure all documents and procedures are complied with and recorded.
Figure 4-1. AMTS Certification Checklist Guide
AMTS CERTIFICATION CHECKLIST GUIDE NAME OF SCHOOL: INSPECTION Date SAT. UNS. NA
1. Initial inquiry to FAA
2. Obtain copy of regulations/FAA Form 8400-6
3. Develop Form 8400-6
4. Submit Form 8400-6 to FAA
5. Preapplication meeting with FAA
6. Develop formal application
• Detailed curriculum
• Grade/credit/record system
• Attendance system
• Library and text requirements
• Tool/instructional aids inventory
• Complete FAA Form 8310-6
• Facility description
• List of instructors/qualifications
• Statement of maximum number of students
7. Formal application meeting
8. Curriculum evaluation
9. by FAA AMTS facility inspection
• Basic facility check
• Instructional aids check
• Shop equipment check
• Special tool/calibration
10. Discrepancy meeting, if applicable
11. FAA certification Par 1 Page 1
b. ess consists of the five separate phases listed below:
spection phase.
d concurrently. As an xample, the document compliance phase may begin as soon as doc uments are e formal application phase.
2. P A where copies of the regulations can be obtained. The applicant must review the requirements and return the completed PASI to the FSDO before a preapplication mee regulations and advisory materials. Before PASI submission, the applicant should consider the personnel, facility, equipment, and regulatory requirements for certification and operation.
The FAA certification proc
(1) Preapplication phase.
(2) Formal application phase.
(3) Document compliance phase.
(4) Demonstration and in
(5) Certification phase.
NOTE: These phases may often o verlap and can procee e received, before or during th REAPPLICATION PHASE.
a. Initial Inquiry. An applicant seeking to develop an AMTS must contact the local FA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) and advise the office of the intent to pursue part 147 school certification. The FAA will provide the school applicant with a copy of FAA Form 8400-6, Preapplication Statement of Intent (PASI) (see Figures 4-2 and 4-3), and explain to the applicant how to complete the form. The FSDO will also advise the applicant which regulations must be met and ting can be scheduled.
b. PASI. An applicant should submit copies of the PASI only after reviewing the appropriate Page 2 Par 1
Figure 4-2. Preapplication Statement of Intent (Front) orm Approve MB No. 2120-000
PREAPPLICATION STATEMENT OF INTENT US Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Agency Display of Estimated Burden: The FAA estimates that the average burden for this report form is 5 hours for the requirements in FAR Part 121.26 and 40 hours for the requirements in FAR Part 121.47 for each response. You may submit any comments concerning the accuracy of this burden estimate or any suggestions for reducing the burden to the Office of Management and Budget. You may also send comments to the Federal Aviation Administration, Air Transportation Division, AFS-200, 800 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20591, Attention: OMB number 2120-0008.
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
1.
5. Management Personnel Name (Last, first, middle) Title Telephone (including area code) 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
• PArt135 • Scheduled Operations • Basic Part 135 Operator
• 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
• Powerplan • Accessory • Part 149 Parachute Loft
- Propeller • Specialized Service
• Radio Section 1D. To Be Completed By Air Operators
8. Aircraft Data 19. Geographic area of intended operations Jumbers and types of aircraf Duche pa pose caper seats by make, model, and series FAA Form 8400-6 (6-95) Supersedes Previous Edition NSN: 0052-00-889-4002 Par 2 Page 3
Figure 4-3. Preapplication Statement of Intent (Back) Section 1A. 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): Date forwarded to Region:
Date:
For: • Action • Information only Remarks Section 3. To Be Completed By Regional Office Received by: Precertification Number:
Date: Date coordinated with AVN-120:
District office assigned responsibility: Date forwarded to district office:
Remarks FAA Form 8400-6 (6-95) Supersedes Previous Edition NSN: 0052-00-889-4002 Page 4 Par 2
c. 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 that he or she may have concerning FAA certification. The following events take place during the preapplication meeting:
(1) FAA personnel brief the applicant on the regulatory requirements and policies regarding certification and operation of an AMTS.
(2) The applicant informs the FAA as to which of the three types of ratings are sought:
airframe, powerplant, or combined A&P.
NOTE: Because of the complex ity and costs involved in certification, many AMTS applicants init ially choose to seek certifica tion for only one rating to reduce certification time and to get classes under way.
(3) The applicant is given copies of FAA Form 8310-6, Aviation Maintenance Technician School Certificate and Ratings Application, to complete. See Figure 4-4.
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AC 147-3А 1/18/05 Figure 4-4. Form 8310-6, Aviation Maintenance Technician School Certificate and Ratings Application Form Approved. OMB No. 2120-0040
AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN SCHOOL CERTIFICATE AND RATINGS APPLICATION US Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration INSTRUCTIONS: Type or print in ink. Submit original and two copies of this form (complete this side ONLY) and two copies of all attachments to the nearest FAA General Aviation District Office or Air Carrier District Office as set forth in Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 147.
2. TELEPHONE NO.
3. ADDRESS (Number, street, city, state & ZIP Code) 4. TRAINING DIRECTOR
5. APPLICATION SUBMITTED FOR (Check as applicable) 6. RATING(S) APPLIED FOR AND TOTAL HOURS PER COURSE 7. MAXIMUM NO. OF STUDENTS ENROLLED AT ANY ONE TIME
ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE RATINGS TOTAL HOURS DAY EVENING
AIRFRAME (A) CHANGE IN RATING (Specify) POWERPLANT (P) A&P CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP (Specify) 7A. MAXIMUM TOTAL CHANGE IN LOCATION, FACILITIES, AND EQUIPMENT (Specify) SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
8. SCHOOL STATUS (Check as applicable) CHANGE IN ENROLLMENT (Specify) PUBLIC PRIVATE - NON-PROFIT OTHER (Specify) ON AIRPORT IN CITY IN SUBURBS
10. COURSE CHARACTERISTICS HOURS WEEKS INSTRUCTION PERIODS PER YEAR ENROLLMENT .......
RATINGS PER WEEK PER COURSE HOURS PER FOR DAY EVENING DAY EVENING
DAY EVENING EVENING EVENING DAY EVENING YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO
AIRFRAME (A)
POWERPLANT (P) A&P
11. ATTACHMENTS (Check applicable items) A. PROPOSED CURRICULUM E. LIST OF REQUIRED PRACTICAL PROJECTS B. LIST OF FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT TO BE USED F. SCHEDULE OF REQUIRED TESTS C. PHOTOGRAPHS OF FACILITIES G. COPY OF STUDENT RECORD SYSTEM D. LIST OF INSTRUCTORS, NAMES, CERTIFICATE NOS., TYPE,
AND RATINGS HELD, AND SUBJECTS TO BE TAUGHT
12. APPLICANT'S CERTIFICATION NAME OF OWNER (Include name(s) of individual owner, all partners, or corporation name giving State and date of incorporation) I hereby certify that I have been authorized by the school identified in item 1 to make this application and that statements and attachment hereto are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
DATE TITLE AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
13. CERTIFICATION ACTION (FOR FAA USE ONLY) ACTION CERTIFICATE NO. ASSIGNED RATINGS DAY INDICATE RATING(S) EVENING APPROVED MAXIMUM DAY ENROLLMENT FOR EVENING
APPROVED AIRFRAME (A) FAA FORM 8310-4 FORWARDED ON POWERPLANT (P)
DISAPPROVED A&P
REMARKS
14. DATE CERTIFICATE ISSUED 15. OFFICE IDENTIFICATION 16. ISSUING OFFICIAL'S SIGNATURE FAA Form 8310-6 ......
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(4) The applicant is given a thorough briefing on required attachments to the formal application. The applicant is briefed on how to comply with these requirements, because the quality of these documents is a positive determining factor in FAA certification review.
NOTE: These attach ments can be pres ented to the FAA in w riting either before or during formal application. The attachment documents should include the following:
(a) A document compliance statement listing each applicable part 147 section. The statement should provide either a brief narrative or, preferably, a specific reference to a manual, curriculum, or other document that describes the manner of compliance with each part of that regulation.
(b) A system for recording student attendance and the student attendance policy.
(c) A system providing procedures for maintenance of precision/special tools.
(d) A letter requesting that the application be processed and indicating when the facilities and equipment will be ready for a formal inspection by the FAA.
(e) Two completed copies of Form 8310-6.
(f) A detailed description of the proposed curriculum. Because the curriculum must be approved by the FAA before the school can be certificated, an applicant can save time and money if the proposed curriculum is submitted before the formal application. Typically, a curriculum may take several FAA/AMTS review sessions before approval is granted. See curriculum requirements in Chapter 2, paragraph 2-6.
(g) A written description of the facilities to be used for instruction. The applicant should also provide detailed drawings, with dimensions of the classrooms, the technical library, and laboratory and shop facilities. Drawings should show the relative location of each school’s facilities to each other. If classrooms or laboratories and shops are located at significant distances from each other, the applicant should describe whether and how travel time will affect required class attendance time.
(h) A proposed inventory of the following items:
• Instructional aids that include the numbers and types of mockups, aircraft, aircraft components, charts, or other visual instruction tools
• All shop equipment
• All special tools
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• Required student handtools (the applicant must list in detail which handtools will be provided by the school and which tools the student will be required to provide)
• Laboratory and shop instructional materials (for example, rivets and sheet metal)
(i) A list of proposed instructors indicating all required certificate number(s) and rating(s), and the subjects to be taught by each instructor. Every subject in the proposed curriculum must be accounted for on the instructor listing. At least 1 FAA-approved instructor is required for every 25 students in each laboratory and shop class. This requirement must be reflected in the list of instructors.
(j) A statement indicating the maximum number of students to be taught for each rating during each enrollment period. This information must be shown on the application form as well.
(k) A written description of the contents and location of the proposed technical data reference area, including the appropriate and current technical data necessary for the ratings sought. The description should contain procedures on how, when, and by whom the technical data will be updated.
(l) A written description of the method the school will use to grant credit to students with previous AMT experience. Section 147.31(c)(3) requires that only documentary evidence and testing may be used to grant credit for experience. Previous experience must be aviation maintenance experience and must be comparable to the required curriculum subjects.
(m) A written description of the method the school will use to grant credit to students for previous AMT training. Section 147.31(c)(1) permits several methods to be used for granting credit for previous training. School transcripts, catalogs, and other course documentation may be used to grant credit.
(n) If it is not specifically included in the curriculum, a written description of the method the school will use to record and maintain student time, attendance, and course grades.
The system must include a method of determining final course grades, which are a combination of classroom, laboratory, and practical project grades. All required practical projects must be completed to at least the minimum grading standards.
(o) A system that indicates how testing and grading security will be maintained
(p) A listing of any texts that will be used in the approved curriculum. These must be appropriate to the instructional material, curriculum, and the FAA ratings sought.
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