13 instructors. Even when nonpracticing flight instructors make up the bulk of the attending class, the target audience remains the active instructor. Active instructors will immediately carry the knowledge and skills gained from the FIRC and apply it to the aviation industry. The FAA expects FIRC providers to meet this high-level training standard to train the target audience effectively.
9.11.1 A dvanced Training. Advanced training is not limited to rote learning (memorization) but rather promotes critical thinking. Effective critical thinking fosters aeronautical decisionmaking (ADM) and safe flight. FIRC programs should challenge, motivate, and inspire FIRC attendees.
9.11.2 FIRC Training Standards. The FAA requires FIRC programs to meet current FIRC training standards. A FIRC provider should not spend valuable instructional time reviewing basic pilot knowledge that all flight instructors are expected to know. A FIRC should not teach the flight instructor at a private pilot level. FIRCs should present challenging lessons designed to transfer meaningful information to attendees in order to help flight instructors carry out their role more effectively. FIRC providers should consider the following training standards when developing their TCO:
1. F IRC providers should conduct courses that present new, challenging, and pertinent information presented at an advanced knowledge level commensurate to the active flight instructor.
2. FIRC providers should conduct courses that effectively provide continuing training and education pertinent to flight and ground instructors.
3. FIRC providers should conduct courses that enhance the ability of active instructors to instruct effectively.
4. FIRC providers should conduct courses that enable the instructor attendees to promote a culture of safety aimed at reducing GA accidents.
9.11.3 F IRC Testing Standards. FIRC testing standards require FIRC providers to develop and present test questions for all lesson presentations. This helps ensure that FIRC attendees gain effective knowledge transfer from each lesson. Exams should align with the key topic points (subject matter elements) presented in each lesson plan of the provider’s TCO. Test questions should also be reasonably challenging and plausible. See paragraph 11.11 for more information concerning test questions and paragraph 13 for testing procedures.
9.11.4 Course Authorization Standards. The FAA will not authorize or continue to authorize any FIRC program that does not meet FIRC training and testing standards.
9.12 R ecords. The FAA requires all FIRC providers to maintain a record of the complete name and address of all instructor attendees and whether the provider issued or denied a graduation certificate. If the provider denies a graduation certificate, the provider has the responsibility to record the reason for the denial. The provider is responsible for maintaining this record for a period of at least 24 calendar months. Recordkeeping may
14 be digital. The provider also has the responsibility to retain records for attendees who only receive a course completion certificate.
9.13 Aircraft Category Specialization. A FIRC may, at the operator’s discretion, find it useful to focus their program on a particular category of aircraft flight instructor
(e.g., rotorcraft or glider). The FAA may approve such a program if the provider meets general FIRC training standards and the associated core topic requirements outlined in Appendix A, Required Instructional Core Topics for FAA-Approved TCO Curricula.
Attendance by any flight instructor at any approved FIRC, whether or not that FIRC specializes in a particular category of aircraft, is an acceptable basis for establishing flight instructor recent experience or reinstatement of flight instructor privileges if 3 calendar months or less have passed since the last month of the flight instructor's recent experience period. This is acceptable even if the instructor does not hold a certificate or rating in the category of aircraft to which the FIRC is oriented. For example, a flight instructor who holds a commercial single-engine rating with instrument pilot certificate and a singleengine airplane instructor rating may attend an authorized helicopter-focused FIRC and may use a graduation certificate from that FIRC as a basis for establishing recent experience or reinstatement of privileges in accordance with § 61.199(a)(1), even though they do not hold a rotorcraft pilot certificate or a rotorcraft flight instructor rating. For this reason, the FAA requires that all FIRC providers meet all general FIRC training standards.
9.14 F SDO Capacity to Validate Recent Experience or Reinstatement Documentation.
The capability of a FSDO to administratively process documentation to validate flight instructor recent experience in accordance with § 61.197(b)(2)(iii) or reinstatement of flight instructor privileges in accordance with § 61.199(a)(1) or § 61.427(a) is based upon that office’s work priorities and available staff. Therefore, to avoid placing an undue workload on a particular FSDO, providers who do not have an ACR on their staff are encouraged to contact the appropriate FSDO well in advance to determine the capability of that office to handle the anticipated number of flight instructors expected to reestablish their recent experience or reinstate flight instructor privileges upon successfully completing the FIRC. It may be advantageous to advise the FIRC graduates that they should present their documentation to the appropriate FSDO and that they should do so at intervals rather than in large numbers at any one office on a given day. The instructor attendee must present their documents to a FSDO before the end of the flight instructor’s current recent experience period, and before the FIRC graduation certificate has expired to maintain their flight instructor privileges.
9.15 Validating Recent Experience by Mail. Under certain limited circumstances, attendees may validate their flight instructor recent experience by U.S. mail. Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 2, Section 11, Subparagraph 5-504E, Procedures for Validating Flight Instructor Recent Experience Via U.S. Mail, outlines this procedure. Order 8900.1 is available to the public through the FAA’s DRS at https://drs.faa.gov/. Information on the notary service required when applying by mail may be found at the U.S. Department of State (DOS) website at https://travel.state.gov. The instructor validating recent experience by mail should coordinate with the processing FSDO prior to mailing their documentation.
9.16 Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA). FIRC providers should utilize the IACRA internet-based program for processing recent experience or reinstatement documentation when practical. The provider should direct questions concerning how to utilize this program to the appropriate FSDOs.
10 TCO DOCUMENT DEVELOPMENT—GENERAL.
10.1 TCO Length. Many new providers inquire as to how long the TCO document should be.
There is no set length. The FAA encourages providers to use as much detail as they feel appropriate to fully describe what they intend to do and how they intend to accomplish their goals. Adequate detail makes it easier for the FAA to fully grasp the content and pattern of presentation, thereby often shortening the approval process. Each distinct unit of information presented in the TCO should be on a separate page or pages (e.g., table of contents, revision page, facilities description, and personnel descriptions). Additionally, each individual instructional unit should be on its own page. Separating distinct units of information by page will make revisions and revision tracking easier. At the same time, the FAA is not seeking a large number of pages for volume’s sake. Providers should not include superfluous information in the TCO just to make it look bigger. Providers should exercise common sense to fully describe the program that they plan to present. Detailed information regarding specific TCO components is found in paragraph 11.
10.2 Subject Matter Requirements. All providers, at a minimum, will include all of the core topics identified in Appendix A.
10.2.1 Core Topics. Core subjects are those mandated by the Administrator. Providers should design core topic lessons to meet FIRC training standards by designing lessons that challenge the target audience and ultimately enhance safety of flight. The FIRC provider may incorporate or combine core topics with other topics in any logical manner. In this case, the provider should clearly identify the location of each core topic within the subject matter and ensure sufficient allocation of time to each of the core topics, regardless of its location. To ensure adequate coverage, each core topic should deliver robust lesson content. In all cases, the FAA will make the final determination of whether a provider’s core topic lesson meets the training standards for a FIRC curriculum.
10.2.2 Elective Topics. T he FAA encourages providers to develop and offer elective modules covering suitable aviation topics. Providers may choose and add as many elective topics as they wish. The provider may consider building a “library” of electives. To ensure adequate coverage of the material, each elective topic should deliver robust lesson content. In all cases, the FAA will make the final determination of whether a provider’s elective lesson meets the training standards for a FIRC curriculum.
10.2.3 Course Content Consideration. Topics should be fully developed and designed at a level to challenge and stimulate critical thought from the target audience. For example:
10.2.3.1 A n elective lesson on airspace corresponds to the sport pilot or private pilot training level and is not worthy of a FIRC curriculum targeted to the active instructor. Instead of conducting an airspace lesson to instructors as a review,
16 providers should recognize that this lesson offers the opportunity to deliver advanced instructional training that teaches the instructor to teach more effectively.
10.2.3.2 A FIRC provider should offer advanced training methods to the target audience, discuss common error in understanding airspace, and/or develop the attendees’ scenario-based training skills by correlating the regulatory weather minimums with minimum safe altitudes to determine what ceiling is necessary when departing or approaching an airport. Teaching the target audience advanced instructional techniques ultimately affords greater knowledge transfer to their students and clients.
10.2.4 A pproval of Electives. The FAA requires FIRC providers to receive approval of an elective topic before a provider may present it. The provider has the responsibility to inform the FAA of the change(s) and identify where in the program the change has taken place. This can be in the form of a simple email notification to the FIRC email address at 9-AWA-AVS-AFS-FIRC@faa.gov. The FAA will receive the notification and grant approval before the provider presents the changed topic. The FAA will acknowledge receipt of the notification and approvals.
10.3 T hemes. The provider should weave the following themes throughout the content of all lessons and discussions. Each is of such importance that they should be recurring themes seen throughout the entire FIRC experience.
10.3.1 C ulture of Safety . The principal and most important theme that should be apparent throughout the entire FIRC program of training is the importance and degree of responsibility of the flight instructor toward furthering aviation safety. All of the lessons should contribute to the development of a safety culture mindset that attendees will take with them as they both fly and teach others to fly. The culture of safety and the flight instructor’s role and responsibility in furthering that culture cannot be overemphasized.
Instructors should be strongly reminded of the inherent duties and responsibilities that are imparted to them upon issuance of their instructor credentials, chief of which is promoting safety.
10.3.2 Aeronautical Decision- Making (ADM). ADM skills are an inherent component of a fully realized safety culture. ADM is simply the skill and ability to quickly make correct safety-related decisions in the aeronautical arena, be it in the air or on the ground. Risk assessment skills and risk mitigation skills are critical components of ADM. This may seem obvious, but the point is often overlooked when trying to discover some “higher meaning” in the ADM term. The fact is that every person, whether they are a pilot or not, makes many safety-related decisions every day. It may be as simple as whether to drive a car on an icy day. It is simply common sense based on acquired knowledge. When cast in this light, ADM becomes far less mysterious and esoteric, thereby making it much easier to grasp as a concept and to incorporate into the overall safety culture. All pilots are taught ADM, but the concept can be conveyed far more effectively if it is presented in these simpler, everyday terms. The provider should weave this topic throughout the entire FIRC program.
10.3.3 P rofessionalism. Professionalism is normally defined as receiving pay or compensation for expert knowledge or skill in a particular area or field. The flight instructor is, therefore, a professional. Yet, many times, flight instructors do not recognize this in themselves or they simply forget that they are the holders of very specialized and unique knowledge and skills. They may forget the critically important role that they play in furthering aviation safety. Many flight instructors only give flight instruction to build the hours necessary to move on to the air carriers. This attitude belittles the profession of primary flight instruction. It is important that flight instructors be reminded that they are, in fact, aviation professionals and of the important role they play in aviation safety, regardless of their goals. Even though this topic is a FIRC core requirement, it should be a recurring theme throughout the entire FIRC program.
10.3.4 Ethics. C losely related to professionalism is the concept of professional ethics. It has often been said that ethics is what people do when others are not looking. The provider should remind instructors that their certificate conveys great authority. Instructors have the ability to make entries in pilots’ logbooks, sign certificate applications, conduct flight reviews, etc. All of these actions can have a direct impact on their clients’ ability to fly safely. An example of unethical behavior would be a flight instructor who signs a pilot’s logbook when that flight instructor has not actually given a flight review. Beyond simply being contrary to Federal regulation, it is important that the flight instructor is reminded that it is neither ethical nor professional and why. To be professional, flight and ground instructors should understand the seriousness of the duties and responsibilities that come with being an FAA-authorized instructor. The provider should emphasize a sense of professionalism and value in doing the right thing when exercising the privileges and responsibilities that come with being a flight or ground instructor.
10.4 Mi nimum Course Hours Requirements. Curricula presented for FAA approval consideration should consist of no fewer than 16 hours of ground and/or flight instruction. Providers may offer more. Providers may distribute those hours any way they choose, in that they do not need to be contiguous, nor must the provider complete all 16 hours of training within a concurrent 2-day span. For example, providers may offer portions of the curriculum on a monthly basis. The key is ensuring that the attendee receives all of the authorized information. A flight instructor may use no portion of the approved FIRC program for recent experience or reinstatement credit if the instructor has taken that portion before the applicant last established recent experience. In other words, the applicant is required to have received all 16 hours of the approved TCO within their most current 24 calendar month recent experience period. For reinstatement of flight instructor privileges in accordance with § 61.199(a)(1) or § 61.427(a), as applicable, all 16 hours of the approved TCO must be completed within 3 calendar months from the last month of the flight instructor's preceding recent experience period. If the provider chooses to spread their program over an extended period (e.g., 2 years), they are solely responsible for ensuring any attendee is compliant. Failure to do so may result in an invalid application for validating flight instructor recent experience. Because of the logistical difficulties, FIRC providers are strongly advised not to employ this option for periods exceeding 1 year; nevertheless, it remains the option of the operator. If the provider modifies their TCO in the middle of an extended program of training, the
18 provider is responsible for ensuring that attendees are provided all of the training in the TCO that is approved at the time of their graduation.
10.5 Training Block Timeframes. Reasonable variances in the timeframe to accommodate individual learning differences and other situations may arise from time to time during the FIRC presentations. The potential for these variances should be considered when determining the adequacy of the estimated timeframes of the overall course, the course stages, and the individual lessons. The FIRC provider should consider the following concepts when developing their TCO:
10.5.1 There are required minimum times to teach any particular topic, including core topics.
Minimum instructional times apply to all FIRCs, including internet-based programs.
10.5.2 The minimum period authorized to present a core topic lesson is 45 minutes.
10.5.3 The minimum period authorized to present an elective lesson is 30 minutes; however, the FAA may approve an elective topic presentation designed for less than 30 minutes if the provider requests and provides sufficient justification.
10.5.4 The provider’s TCO should specify the anticipated amount of time that the provider will spend on each lesson topic. It should specify the expected start and stop times of each lesson.
10.5.5 The overall FIRC program should consist of the minimum specified 16-hour course (ground and/or flight instruction, breaks, and testing) and comply with acceptable teaching standards and techniques appropriate to the TCO used.
10.5.6 For the purposes of the FIRC, a program hour consists of 60 minutes.
10.5.7 Each hour, except non-working lunches and dismissal hours, may include a 10-minute break after each 50-minute learning session without taking away from the total required 16 hours. A provider may credit up to 120 minutes (2 hours) toward the 16-hour course minimum timeframe for attendee rest breaks. The course provider will not receive credit for additional breaks offered. The provider may, for example, offer a 100-minute (1 hour, 40-minute) training block period of training followed by a 20-minute break. However, the provider may not continue training throughout an 8-hour day with no breaks and then end the day 1 hour and 20 minutes early. Unbroken spans of instruction should never exceed 2 hours in length.
10.5.8 Pre-course registration, lunch periods, dismissal hour, or graduation activities other than the distribution of graduation certificates may not be included as part of the hours of instruction creditable to § 61.197(b)(2)(iii) or § 61.199(a)(1).
10.5.9 Part of the required 16 hours may include testing but may not exceed 30 minutes in any given 8-hour span of instruction.
10.5.10 Providers may use a lunch period as an approved instructional block if all attendees are present during the lunch period and the TCO identifies the topic of instruction that the
19 provider is to cover. If the provider exercises this option, it needs to be identified in the TCO, as would any other instructional block of time.
10.5.11 The chief instructor is responsible for ensuring the full attention of the participants and that the attendees complete all lessons, achieve all lesson objectives, and do not abuse permitted break privileges.
10.6 Instructional Techniques/Alternatives. The provider should seek the most desirable and/or alternative instructional techniques available that a certificated instructor may find effective in learning during the FIRC. Although there are well-established traditional methods of training, the provider should explore any effective alternatives in developing their program. The goal is to transfer critical new and useful information to the attendee in an effective manner. How the presenter accomplishes the transfer is entirely up to the provider, who is expected to be an expert in the field of training trainers. The underlying premise should emphasize teaching ability and the skills necessary for flight instructors to convey new information to their students successfully. The course should be both challenging and thought-provoking. Construction of the TCO should follow the general guidance in this AC to ensure expeditious approval. The FAA seeks to ensure a certain level of FIRC program standardization and emphasizes the coverage of program areas believed essential to enhance the knowledge, skills, and instructional capability of attending flight instructors.
10.7 Completion Standards. The goal of the FIRC is to effectively transfer knowledge to the attendee. The only objective way to measure the degree to which the provider obtained this goal is to test the attendees in some manner. Paragraph 13 discusses the importance of testing in the FIRC program.
10.8 Wor kshops. The curriculum may contain workshops or discussion forums as part of the approved TCO to foster an open exchange of information among everyone in attendance.
However, a workshop or discussion forum should not be conducted as a venue for attendees to simply share aimless past experiences or “war stories.” Instead, a FIRC provider should develop a plan for the discussion forum or workshop. The FIRC provider’s plan should include a forum objective, pertinent information, and critical new information as it applies to the exchange of information. Objectives define strategies or implementation steps to attain the identified goals. Unlike goals, objectives are specific, measurable, and have a defined completion standard. The FAA expects the FIRC provider to set objectives and goals for any discussion forum or workshop. The goal of a FIRC provider’s discussion forum or workshop should enhance the attendee’s ability, elevate their instructional skills, and enhance GA safety. The provider should structure any such forum to reflect the high standards of excellence expected of the FIRC program.
The provider should carefully monitor and moderate these forums. All instructor attendees are required to be present for them to complete the course successfully. Any open forums/workshops, while encouraged, are limited to 1 hour of the 16 hours of course material.
10.9 Topic Sequencing. Topic sequencing identified in the TCO may be adjusted when the provider feels an adjustment to lesson sequencing is beneficial for a particular in-person
20 FIRC presentation. If the sequencing is adjusted, the FIRC provider should provide an actual schedule of a particular in-person FIRC to the FAA when requested. This will allow aviation safety inspectors (ASI) to adjust their schedules if they wish to observe only particular topic(s) of the FIRC. Because of the inherent flexibility of the internet, providers of internet-based programs may optionally allow their online attendees to move more freely about the course, taking different modules in differing sequences. This is at the discretion of the internet FIRC provider; however, the provider should remain mindful of the building block method of learning and “fine tune” their attendee’s ability to move through the subject matter topics accordingly.
10.10 Flight Component. Providers who wish to incorporate a flight component into their approved TCO are required to first contact the General Aviation and Commercial Division by any of the methods identified in paragraph 9 to discuss this aspect of their development plans.
10.11 G raduation Certificates and Completion Certificates.
10.11.1 G raduation Certificates as a Basis for Establishing Recent Experience or Reinstatement of Flight Instructor Privileges.
10.11.1.1 A graduation certificate issued by an approved FIRC provider may serve as the sole basis for a flight instructor establishing recent experience under the provisions of § 61.197(b)(2)(iii). Pursuant to this provision, the graduation certificate must show that the flight instructor establishing recent experience has successfully completed an approved FIRC within the preceding 3 calendar months of issuance. Further, the flight instructor must be within the preceding 24 calendar month recent experience period at the time they present the application (refer to § 61.197) to maintain flight instructor privileges. After the 24 calendar month recent experience period lapses, flight instructor certificate privileges may be reinstated through the provisions of § 61.199 or § 61.427, as applicable.
10.11.1.2 A graduation certificate issued by an approved FIRC provider may serve as the sole basis for reinstatement of flight instructor privileges under the provisions of § 61.199(a)(1) or § 61.427(a), as applicable, if the flight instructor is within 3 calendar months from the last month of the flight instructor's recent experience period. The graduation certificate must show that the flight instructor reinstating privileges has successfully completed an approved FIRC within the preceding 3 calendar months of issuance. After this period lapses, flight instructor certificate privileges may be reinstated through the provisions of § 61.199(a)(2) or (3), or § 61.427(b), as applicable.
10.11.2 C ontents of a FIRC Graduation Certificate . A FIRC provider is required to issue a graduation certificate that contains all of the following information in order to be a valid basis for establishing flight instructor recent experience or reinstatement of flight instructor privileges:
1. The full name and address of the organization (or provider) holding FAA approval to conduct the course;
2. The full name and address of the graduate;
3. The date of issuance;
4. The signature of the chief instructor;
5. A statement that the graduation certificate expires 3 calendar months from the month of issuance;
6. Provider contact information;
7. A sequential number; and
8. The expiration date of the provider’s current authorization to conduct FIRCs.
Note: The provider may preprint the expiration date on the certificate or a FIRC representative may fill it in at the completion of each presentation. However, under no circumstances may a provider or representative issue a graduation certificate without the expiration date of the provider’s current authorization clearly printed somewhere on the document. The verbiage may be placed anywhere on the front or back of the graduation certificate and should read:
“[PROVIDER’S NAME] is authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct FIRC programs that may serve as a basis for establishing flight instructor recent experience in accordance with 14 CFR part 61, § 61.197(b)(2)(iii) or reinstatement of flight instructor privileges in accordance with 14 CFR part 61, § 61.199(a)(1) or § 61.427(a). [PROVIDER’S NAME] current authorization expires on [DATE].”
10.11.3 Information on Establishing Recent Experience or Reinstating Flight Instructor Privileges. The provider should note that:
10.11.3.1 The applicant must submit a completed and signed FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application, or FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application – Sport Pilot, as applicable (or IACRA equivalent).
10.11.3.2 The applicant must submit a copy of the graduation certificate to a certifying official (ACR, ASI, aviation safety technician (AST), or authorized Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)) before the end of the preceding 24 calendar month recent experience period and within the graduation certificate validity period if they wish to establish their recent experience based on attendance at that FIRC.
10.11.3.3 For reinstatement of flight instructor privileges based on completion of the approved FIRC, the applicant must submit a copy of the graduation certificate to a certifying official (ACR, ASI, AST, or authorized DPE) before the end of
22 the 3 calendar month period following the last month of the flight instructor’s preceding 24 calendar month recent experience period.
10.11.3.4 The provider may use any verbiage that they think most effectively transmits that critical information to the attendees and may place that information anywhere they choose on the front or back of the certificate.
10.11.3.5 Failure to inform the attendee of these requirements may result in the attendee’s inability to reestablish their recent experience or reinstate flight instructor privileges.
10.11.4 G raduation Certificates as Basis for Ground Instructor Recency. A graduation certificate issued by an approved FIRC provider may serve as the sole basis for a ground instructor to meet the recent experience requirements under the provisions of § 61.217(c).
10.11.5 Contents of a Ground Instructor Graduation Certificate. A FIRC provider must issue a graduation certificate that contains all of the following information in order to be a valid basis for satisfying a ground instructor’s recent experience requirement:
1. T he full name and address of the organization (or provider) holding FAA approval to conduct the course;
2. The full name and address of the graduate;
3. The date of issuance;
4. The signature of the chief instructor;
5. A statement that the graduation certificate expires 12 calendar months from the month of issuance;
6. Provider contact information;
7. A sequential number; and
8. The expiration date of the provider’s current authorization to conduct FIRCs.
10.11.6 C ompletion Certificates . The provider, at their discretion, may issue a completion certificate to any attendee who will not need to use successful FIRC attendance as a basis for meeting any FAA regulatory or policy requirement. A flight instructor may not use a completion certificate as a basis to establish recent experience or reinstate privileges.
Additionally, a completion certificate does not meet the annual training requirements for the chief instructor or assistant chief instructor of a part 141 pilot school or provisional pilot school. Testing as a prerequisite for receiving a completion certificate at the conclusion of the FIRC program is also at the discretion of the FIRC provider.
11 T CO STRUCTURE AND CONTENTS. This paragraph provides guidance regarding how the TCO should physically be structured and what the provider should include in the TCO. Providers may construct their TCOs in any manner they wish. The document should follow a logical sequence and be easy to read and reference. Each TCO submitted for approval should contain at least the following:
11.1 Page Numbering and Version Identification. Each page (including the cover page) should be sequentially numbered, dated as appropriate, and should identify the version number. This may be in the form of a footer or header, or otherwise placed in any obvious and consistent location on each of the pages.
11.2 Cover Page. The TCO should have a cover page containing the full name and address of the FIRC provider/organization. This should be the name and address that will appear on the Letter of Authorization (LOA) when issued. The cover page should also include the name, address, current telephone number, facsimile number (if available), and email address of a POC.
11.3 Table of Contents. The cover page should be followed by a table of contents with a list of all lesson plans intended to be taught during the course, as well as other constituent components of the TCO. The table of contents should clearly identify lesson plans that represent or include the required core topics (identified in Appendix A), as well as all additional elective topics selected by the provider. The table of contents should present the lessons in a manner that allows the reader to easily recognize specific core and elective topics and content. At the discretion of the provider, the larger topic framework may incorporate core topics; however, the table of contents should clearly identify each of the core topics by some obvious manner, such as an asterisk. The principal reason for this level of detail is primarily because an FAA inspector may wish to monitor only a specific topic or topics and should be able to easily determine where they occur during the program allow them to synchronize their arrival time if necessary.
11.4 R evision Page. A revision summary page will follow the table of contents page.
11.5 Facilities. A description of the facilities will follow the revision page. The description of the facilities should include a depiction of physical classroom facilities, such as climate control (air conditioning/heating), lighting, seating, work areas, distraction avoidance, noise control, and any other pertinent physical environmental characteristics that may influence the learning experience (in-person FIRCs only).
11.6 Training Aids. The TCO should include a description of audiovisual aids that will be available for use including, but not limited to, chalk boards, slide and/or overhead projectors, video recorders/players, tape recorders, CD/DVD players, computer data/information presentation, and internet access. If the TCO program is internet-based, the TCO should describe the system requirements that the online attendee will meet to ensure that the program operates smoothly.
11.7 Chief Instructor/Assistant Chief Instructor/Program Presenter.
11.7.1 C hief Instructor . The TCO will list the name, airman certificate number, and qualifications of the chief instructor. The chief instructor will meet the requirements of § 141.35(d) and include a compliance statement in the TCO, addressing the certificate and experience requirements of a chief instructor required for a part 141 pilot school or provisional pilot school course of training leading to flight instructor certification.
11.7.2 A ssistant Chief Instructor . Where requested by the provider, the TCO will list the name, airman certificate number, and qualifications of the assistant chief instructor. The assistant chief instructor will meet the requirements of § 141.36(d) and include a compliance statement in the TCO, addressing the certificate and experience requirements of an assistant chief instructor required for a part 141 pilot school or provisional pilot school course of training leading to flight instructor certification. The chief instructor may delegate any of their responsibilities to an approved assistant chief instructor.
11.7.3 Serving Multiple Providers. A chief or assistant chief instructor may not serve more than one FIRC provider without requesting and receiving written authorization from the FAA.
11.7.4 Program Presenters. T he TCO should list the qualifications of other instructors, lecturers, moderators, or panelists who will present the provider’s program. These persons need not be limited to certificated ground or flight instructors; however, they should be recognized experts in the subjects of their presentations or specialty areas. The principal instructor who is giving presentations at any specific approved FIRC (in-person FIRCs only) should be an employee or affiliate of the approved FIRC provider or be contracted to the approved provider.
11.8 P rerequisites. The TCO should state the enrollment prerequisites for flight instructors planning to attend a FIRC. Eligibility to reestablish recent experience through the FIRC program is limited to flight instructors who are within their 24-month recent experience period. Eligibility to reinstate flight instructor privileges through the FIRC program is limited to flight instructors whose privileges have lapsed by no more than 3 calendar months. Reestablishment of recent experience or reinstatement of flight instructor privileges are both predicated on full attendance and satisfactory completion of the FIRC.
This does not preclude instructors beyond either these recent experience or reinstatement periods, or any other interested parties, from attending if they choose to do so for their own information. On the contrary, the provider should encourage such attendees to attend. Those who are attending for reasons other than establishing recent experience or reinstating privileges will not receive a FIRC graduation certificate. Instead, they may receive a course completion certificate.
11.9 Daily Schedule. The TCO will include a daily schedule, including the start and stop times for each lesson and the lesson title. The provider may choose any period of time they feel is appropriate to cover a particular topic or module adequately. The presenter should make every attempt to adhere to the topic duration established in the schedule.
However, it is understood that particular interest or activity in a given module or topic may mean that the provider exceeds the duration established for that particular lesson.
This is acceptable to a certain extent, although the provider should remain mindful to adequately cover subsequent topics and modules. Major changes that may result in the exclusion of another topic requires preapproval by the FAA.
11.10 Syllabus. A training syllabus will consist of a collection of lesson plans. Each individual lesson plan will include, at a minimum, a description of each lesson to be presented. Each lesson plan will describe all ground and/or flight components (where applicable), lesson objectives, completion standards, and the measurable unit of accomplishment or learning.