AC 147-3B

Historical

Advisory circular · Certification and Operation of Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools

A newer version is currentThis is a historical version. AC 147-3C is the version in force, approved March 22, 2022.
Approved
June 5, 2015
Last reviewed
September 12, 2024
Cancels
AC147-3A
Cancelled by
AC147-3C
Family
AC 147-3 · 4 versions
Revision
B
14 CFR parts
147

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed November 21, 2025.

Show pages 73–84
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Appendix 9 APPENDIX 9. SAMPLE FACILITY LAYOUT FIGURE A9-1. FACILITY LAYOUT, AREA 1

TAXIWAY

TO RUNWAY

NOTAR FENCE

OR BERM -AIRCRAFT- STORAGE AIR

RUN-UP AREA COMPRESSOR

TEST CELL

AMTE BUILDING ENGINE TEST RUN UP

AIRCRAFT AREA

SERVICE

RAMP SHOP (HANGER) DOOR MAIN STORAGE L

SCHOOL AIRCRAFT

PARKING

ENTRANCE Page 1

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Appendix 9 FIGURE A9-2. FACILITY LAYOUT, AREA 2

GENERAL CLASSROOM GENERAL LAB MEN AIRFRAME POWERPLANT

M CLASSROOM CLASSROON N

NICAD LEAD ACID

BATTERY -BATTERY-J H

BENCHES POWERPLANT

SHEET METAL/COMPOSITE AREA SHOP

AIRFRAME/AIRFRAME SYSTEMS

EQUIPMENT (CLEAN FACILITY)

- - -

D PARTS CLEANING

AND INSPECTION _ __ - J BENCHES

LIBRARY

PAINT BREAK WELDING ADMINISTRATION/

BOOTH ROOM AREA TOOLS MATERIALS RECORDS Page 2

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Appendix 10 APPENDIX 10. CERTIFICATION PROCESS FLOWCHART

CERTIFICATION PROCESS FLOWCHART Pre-application Meeting with FAA -PASI review * Initial Inquiry to FAA → Applicant receives, then submits PASI (Form 8400-6) - 14 CFR explained -Briefed on list of required attachments - Receives Form 8310-6 Application Revise attachments Submit attachments to FAA Formal Application Meeting with FAA Acceptabl -Document review -Form 8310-6 application -Curriculum

- Compliance statement -Facility layout -Instructors -Distance Learning Program (if applicable) -Technical library Identify deficiencies.

If unable to resolve.

terminate (may re-apply) Document Compliance Phase (FAA Review -curriculum -All other attachments Identify deficiencies.

If unable to resolve, Acceptable terminate (may re-apply) Demonstration Phase (On-site Inspection Acceptable yes Meeting with FAA on corrective action Certification Phase Issue Certificate -Prepare certification file Acceptable -Draft/Issue OpSpecs Re-inspection -Populate eVID Termination (may re-apply} Page 1 Page 1 (and 2)

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Appendix 11 APPENDIX 11. DISTANCE LEARNING:

A. Background. A form of information sharing for educational purposes using computer systems instead of the traditional classroom has become known as distance learning (also known as e-learning, home study, self-guided training, virtual classroom, distributed training, computer-based training (CBT), Web-based training (WBT), etc.). Distance learning systems are being effectively utilized by accredited universities and approved air carrier training programs as a low-cost alternative that allows for flexible scheduling and location settings. Distance learning is a welcome addition to any Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) curriculum.

B. Distance Learning Program Requirements. A distance learning program will ensure compliance with all 14 CFR part 147 requirements, including curriculum approval as required by part 147, § 147.37. Issuance of operations specification (OpSpec) A026 is required prior to conducting distance learning. Specifically, an acceptable distance learning program will include written policy and procedures describing:

(1) How the distance learning program will be administered;

(2) A description of the examination and testing process;

(3) Methods for ensuring the integrity of student work and compliance with FAA minimum standards, as listed in part 147 appendices A, B, C, and D;

(4) Procedures for proctoring computer-based exams in a remote location;

(5) Procedures to ensure distance learning course records are kept in compliance with the approved curriculum;

(6) A description of the technology hardware and software to be utilized;

(7) Proper identification of courses available through distance learning;

(8) A sophisticated electronic Learning Management System (eLMS) to track all aspects of the distance learning program, including attendance, participation, and performance (including comparisons to traditional classroom test scores and completion rates); and

(9) FAA “read only” access to the eLMS (to facilitate surveillance).

C. Program Creation.

(1) Not all courses are suitable for distance learning. Criteria for determining what subject matter may be provided through distance learning includes:

• Subjects that have historically been taught through lecture or written papers;

• The level of computer competency required for successful completion of a course delivered via distance learning;

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Appendix 11

• The amount of in-person work required, such as lab work; and

• A system and methods to be used for timely and appropriate interaction between students and instructor(s).

(2) An AMTS may design a combination distance learning and onsite format for courses that require in-person session(s), such as lab work and testing.

(3) Distance learning curriculum may also be made available as an in-person course.

D. Evaluation, Testing, and Assessment.

(1) Testing for students participating in distance learning activity can be a special challenge. Testing can be accomplished through a variety of methods, including:

• Oral evaluation;

• Practical exercises on desktop computers or specialized part-task training devices;

• Paper-based; or

• Computer-based exams proctored by an evaluator.

NOTE: Proctored exams (testing) at a remote location may only be accomplished within the facilities of another active AMTS or accredited educational institution, or through an approved remote proctoring system.

The procedure must be documented in a written agreement between each participating AMTS while holding the originating part 147 school responsible for all aspects of the test.

(2) The testing method used and the types of questions employed should suit the objectives to be tested and the demographics of the target population. Keep in mind that knowledge objectives are typically assessed by written, electronic, or oral testing.

(3) Skill objectives are typically assessed by a combination of written, electronic, oral testing, and through task performance demonstration. Skill elements utilizing specialized tools and equipment or any form of measurement device, therefore, are not suitable for accomplishment within the distance learning approval process.

E. Other Considerations for Distance Learning.

(1) Reliability & Availability. A distance learning system must have sufficient redundancy and fault tolerance capability to provide continuous availability of required training materials 24 hours per day, 7 days per week (barring scheduled system maintenance outages).

(2) Security. Access to the eLMS should be limited to authorized personnel of the AMTS, students, and FAA (read only).

Appendix 11 Page 3 (and 4)

(a) The certificate holder may choose to allow various users to access the system via different methods, links, and times. Access rights must be controlled by a system administrator. The certificate holder’s security plans must describe how the system will recognize and deal with attempted unauthorized access.

(b) Care should be exercised to ensure that system security is adequate to ensure proper protection of materials and users, but not so rigid that it impacts the ability for training management and training development personnel to efficiently accomplish their duties.

Deficiencies found within the distance learning program during surveillance must be identified and brought to the attention of the AMTS for necessary correction. An AMTS with approval to conduct distance learning must continually operate to meet the requirements of the approved distance learning program to enable continued approval authorization to conduct distance learning.

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Appendix 12 APPENDIX 12. EXPLANATION OF A “LETTER OF COMPLIANCE,” I.E.,

STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE Subject: Letter of Compliance Authority for Letter of Compliance. Title 49 USC, Section 44702, issuance of certificates provides the Administrator the authority to prescribe the form and content of applications and certificates.

Purpose of the Letter of Compliance. The letter of compliance must describe how the applicant complies with each individual section of 14 CFR part 147.

The sequence should be the same as the regulations. The letter should be reviewed to determine that the applicant has a clear understanding of the regulations which will be applicable to the proposed operations. The manner in which the applicant describes compliance with the specific regulation should be reviewed for adequacy. Deficiencies should be discussed with the applicant, and an acceptable letter of compliance submitted.

Explanation of the “Compliance Statement” To benefit the applicant, the compliance statement ensures that all applicable regulatory requirements are addressed during the certification process. The compliance statement must list each part 147 section and provide a brief narrative or a specific reference to a manual or other document describing the planned method of compliance with the regulation.

This document serves as a template for applicants to complete a properly formatted and comprehensive Compliance Statement. As is required in the Compliance Statement, each applicable part 147 section is listed below. Following each section, the template provides sample responses (in italics) which may assist the applicant in crafting a complete response. References to specific documents, training equipment, and school personnel are for illustrative purposes, and should not be construed as the only approved methodology for school compliance.

Compliance Statement for [Applicant Name] [Date] This document provides the manner in which [Applicant] intends to comply with the provisions of part 147.

Subpart A—General

147.1 Applicability.

This part prescribes the requirements for issuing aviation maintenance technician school certificates and associated ratings and the general operating rules for the holders of those certificates and ratings.

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Appendix 12 [Applicant] is prepared to comply with all part 147 requirements and general operating rules, as defined in this document, the [Applicant] Operations Manual, and Curriculum and/or other [Applicant] publications.

147.3 Certificate required.

No person may operate as a certificated aviation maintenance technician school without, or in violation of, an aviation maintenance technician school certificate issued under this part.

[Applicant] attests that will not operate or represent itself as a certificated school without proper certification issued under this part.

147.5 Application and issue.

(a) An application for a certificate and rating, or for an additional rating, under this part is made on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator, and submitted with— [Applicant] seeks certification for the combined Airframe and Powerplant Rating and is submitting the following:

(1) A description of the proposed curriculum;

[Applicant] has submitted as part of its application materials a copy of the document labeled as Curriculum Manual. A description of the curriculum is found in Section [X] of the Curriculum Manual.

(2) A list of the facilities and materials to be used;

The description of the [Applicant] facility and a listing of tools and equipment have been attached to the FAA Form 8310-6 application. See Attachment [X].

(3) A list of its instructors, including the kind of certificate and ratings held and the certificate numbers;

The listing of instructors, including certificates and ratings held has been attached to the FAA Form 8310-6 application. See Attachment [X]. The list of active instructors is maintained by the [Applicant] Director and is available for FAA inspection at any time. See Operations Manual page [X].

(4) A statement of the maximum number of students it expects to teach at any one time.

[Applicant’s] program will have a maximum enrollment of [X] day students and [X] night students as stated on the application Form 8310-6.

(b) An applicant who meets the requirements of this part is entitled to an aviation maintenance technician school certificate and associated ratings prescribing such operations specifications and limitations as are necessary in the interests of safety.

[Applicant] shall operate the school according to the policies and procedures presented in the Operations Manual which is a part of this submission.

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Appendix 12

147.7 Duration of certificates.

(a) An aviation maintenance technician school certificate or rating is effective until it is surrendered, suspended, or revoked.

[Applicant] recognizes that the aviation maintenance technician school certificate is effective until it is surrendered, suspended or revoked, and will comply with the requirements of this section.

(b) The holder of a certificate that is surrendered, suspended, or revoked, shall return it to the Administrator.

In the event that [Applicant’s] certificate is surrendered, suspended, or revoked, the certificate shall be returned to the Administrator.

Subpart B—Certification Requirements

147.11 Ratings.

The following ratings are issued under this part:

(a) Airframe.

(b) Powerplant.

(c) Airframe and powerplant.

[Applicant] seeks the Airframe and Powerplant rating.

147.13 Facilities, equipment, and material requirements.

An applicant for an aviation maintenance technician school certificate and rating, or for an additional rating, must have at least the facilities, equipment, and materials specified in §§ 147.15 to 147.19 that are appropriate to the rating he seeks.

[Applicant’s] school is set to be located at [Address]. Drawings [and/or photographs] of the facility have been attached to the application package as Attachment [X]. This facility shall house all classroom, reference library, lab and shop facilities.

As a certified AMTS, [Applicant] will have and continue to maintain facilities, equipment and materials specified in §§ 147.15 through 147.19 of the regulation. For detailed information, refer to page [X] of the Operations Manual.

147.15 Space requirements.

An applicant for an AMTS certificate and rating, or for an additional rating, must have such of the following properly heated, lighted, and ventilated facilities as are appropriate to the rating he seeks and as the Administrator determines are appropriate for the maximum number of students expected to be taught at any time:

[Applicant’s] facility has been designed to meet the requirements of this part. All areas [are/shall be] properly heated, lighted and ventilated and [are/shall be] appropriate for the number of students indicated in this submission.

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Appendix 12

(a) An enclosed classroom suitable for teaching theory classes.

[Applicant’s] facility [provides/shall provide] two separately enclosed, fully equipped classrooms, with additional classroom/lab space being designated for specific portions of the curriculum.

(b) Suitable facilities, either central or located in training areas, arranged to assure proper separation from the working space, for parts, tools, materials, and similar articles.

[Applicant] will maintain separate tool and material storage areas, as well as appropriate storage cabinets and bins for each lab/shop area.

(c) Suitable area for application of finishing materials, including paint spraying.

A portion of the shop area will be segregated and ventilated whenever finishing materials are in use. Particular attention will be paid to comply with local, state and federal regulations regarding finishing materials.

(d) Suitable areas equipped with washtank and degreasing equipment with air pressure or other adequate cleaning equipment.

A parts cleaning station equipped with a solvent wash tank and compressed air is installed in the lab/shop area.

(e) Suitable facilities for running engines.

An engine run area is provided outside the shop/lab area. Access to the area is provided by personnel doors and rolling hangar doors large enough to move engines, engine stands and aircraft through.

(f) Suitable area with adequate equipment, including benches, tables, and test equipment, to disassemble, service, and inspect.

All lab/shop areas are equipped with adequate equipment, benches, tables and specialized tools to disassemble, service and inspect all components and systems listed in the curriculum. A listing of tools and equipment is attached to the application form. See Attachment [X].

(1) Ignition, electrical equipment, and appliances;

A supply of magnetos, turbine engine ignition components, starters, generators and other electrical equipment and appliances is present in the lab/shop areas and mounted on system trainers.

(2) Carburetors and fuel systems;

A supply of float and pressure carburetors, fuel injection system components is available for student use.