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(a) A written request for approval of the course revision. The request should include the following:
• The name of the course operator;
• The name(s), address, telephone number, and email address of the owner(s) of the course; and
• The revision number and the date on which the revision becomes effective.
(b) For a revision to the TCO, two copies of the revised TCO.
(c) For a revision that applies to the approved facility, a description of the changes in the facility, or if adding or removing a facility, the location of the new facility.
(d) For a revision that applies to the course equipment, a description of the changes to that equipment.
14. THE TCO. Section 65.61(b) requires an FAA-approved TCO to describe the major topics and subtopics of the course and provide the number of proposed hours for each topic and subtopic. In addition to these requirements, each TCO should include the following elements:
a. List of Effective Pages (LEP). Each TCO should include an LEP that reflects the current date and revision number of each page contained in the TCO.
b. Methods of Instruction. A TCO should include a description of the methods of instruction the course operator will use. Instructional methods include, but are not limited to:
• Lecture,
• Computer-based training,
• Discussion,
• Scenario-based training, and
• Demonstration performance.
c. Student Evaluation Methods. The TCO should include a description of the course operator’s student evaluation methods. The methods should provide an adequate means of assessing and documenting an individual’s cognitive skills and overall comprehension of the instruction provided. The desired outcome is that each student will have a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding of the topic and subtopics required by part 65 appendix A.
Examples of evaluation methods include, but are not limited to:
• Oral examination,
• Written examination,
• Airplane performance calculations,
• Manual flight planning scenarios, and
• Simulated briefing to the PIC.
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d. Successful Completion Standards. The TCO should include minimum test score requirements and standards for overall course completion, as well as standards for completion of individual assignments and scenarios.
e. A Listing of the Maximum Number of Credit Hours. Where a course incorporates credit hours, a course operator’s TCO should specify the maximum number of credit hours proposed for each topic and subtopic. This practice effectively identifies the minimum hours of instruction the course operator intends to provide on any given topic/subtopic, including any credit. It also helps to ensure continued compliance with § 65.61(b).
15. INSTRUCTORS. Section 65.67 requires an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator to have qualified personnel. Well-qualified instructors and quality instruction are critical components of any course. Course operators should be aware that the FAA will conduct surveillance activities designed to monitor instructors to determine the adequacy and quality of instruction.
a. List of Qualified Instructors. In accordance with § 65.63(a)(4), a course operator must maintain a current list of their instructors, including a list of qualifications for each instructor. In accordance with the requirements of § 65.63(d), a course operator must notify the approving office in writing of any revision to the list of qualified instructors.
b. Regulatory Requirements for Instructors.
(1) At Least One Instructor Must Hold an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. In accordance with § 65.67(a)(1), each Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator must have at least one instructor who holds an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate and is available to coordinate all training course instruction.
(2) Student-to-Instructor Ratio. In accordance with § 65.67(a)(2), the ratio of students to instructors in a course must not exceed 25 to 1.
(3) Practical Dispatch Applications. In accordance with § 65.67(b), the instructor who teaches the Practical Dispatch Applications area of part 65 appendix A must hold an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate.
c. Adequate Personnel. Section 65.67(a)(1) requires each course operator to have “adequate personnel.” The FAA construes adequate personnel to mean personnel who have knowledge of the training policies, topics, and subtopics of the Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course. Instructors should know the course operator’s training policies and procedures and how to complete required training forms. Additionally, instructors should be knowledgeable in the specific topics and subtopics of instruction and be able to present the material in a logical, clear, and organized manner.
d. Use of Courseware and Lesson Plans. In order to maintain consistency and standardization of instruction, instructors should use the course operator’s courseware and follow the applicable lesson plans, guides, or other training aids. This will ensure that the material is properly presented as designed.
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e. Instructors Who are Also DADEs. A course operator that elects to use a DADE as an instructor should be aware that the FAA generally prohibits a DADE from instructing and examining the same student, with limited exception. (The primary policy governing DADEs can be found in the current edition of FAA Order 8000.95, Designee Management Policy, Volume 4, DADE Designee Policy.)
(1) The FAA will not authorize a DADE who is an instructor to also be the recommending instructor (e.g., sign the Instructor’s Recommendation block on FAA Form 8400-3, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating) for an applicant to whom the DADE is administering the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test.
(2) The FAA will not authorize a DADE to examine an applicant if the DADE has administered any portion of the Practical Dispatch Applications area of knowledge training required by part 65 appendix A, section VIII (including all of the topics and subtopics contained therein).
(3) Based on the limitations on a DADE’s authority, a course operator that elects to use a DADE as an instructor will need to have at least one additional instructor who holds an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate any time the DADE instructs and examines the same applicant. This will allow one certificated instructor to administer Practical Dispatch Applications while the other certificated instructor signs the Instructor’s Recommendation block.
(4) An applicant seeking original FAA approval of a new Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course may use a DADE as an instructor. However, a DADE who will also be in a position to administer the Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test to graduates of the course will be required to wait at least 12 calendar-months after original approval of the course prior to the FAA authorizing that DADE to test the course graduates. Practical testing of applicants for FAA certification is the responsibility of the FAA; therefore, the FAA will determine whether or not there is a need to authorize a DADE in accordance with 14 CFR part 183 (as a representative of the Administrator) to test the graduates of the course. The 12-month waiting period will also serve as a demonstration phase for the course operator to show that it has the ability to administer the course in accordance with the requirements of part 65 subpart C. During this time period, successful graduates of the course will be tested by an ASI-AD or by a DADE that is not an instructor for or is otherwise affiliated with the course. After this initial operating period, the DCPM will review the observation data along with the first annual report submitted by the course operator in accordance with § 65.70. If the data shows that authorizing the course operator’s instructor as a DADE who tests the graduates of the course is warranted (e.g., the operator shows compliance with part 65 subpart C, and the number of applicants to be tested demonstrates to the FAA that there is a need for a DADE), the FAA will grant the authorization via the DADE’s letter of authority (LOA).
16. TRAINING FACILITIES. In accordance with § 65.65, each FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator must have facilities, equipment, and materials adequate to provide each student the theoretical and practical aspects of aircraft dispatching. In addition, each Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course training facility, including all training rooms and spaces used, must:
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• Be temperature controlled;
• Be lighted;
• Be ventilated;
• Be free from distraction; and
• Conform to all local building, sanitation, and health codes.
a. Adequate Facilities. Each course operator’s training facilities should provide a safe and clean environment that is conducive to learning. Students should have access to emergency exits and adequate facilities for physiological needs. A course operator should meet all Federal, state, and local requirements that are applicable to the facility. The FAA will determine the adequacy of a training facility based on the following parameters, as required by § 65.65:
(1) Temperature Controlled. Each course operator’s training facility, including training rooms and spaces, should be maintained at a comfortable temperature.
(2) Lighted. Each course operator’s training facility, room, and/or space must have adequate lighting.
(3) Ventilated. Each course operator’s training facility, room, and/or space must have adequate ventilation.
(4) Free From Distraction. Each course operator’s training facility, room, and/or space should provide a clean and quiet environment that allows each student an unobstructed view of training presentations. Training facilities, rooms, and spaces should be conducive to a student’s overall ability to concentrate. Each training facility, room, and/or space must be located so that the students in that facility are not distracted by the instruction conducted in other rooms.
(5) Conformance with Local Building, Sanitation, and Health Codes. It is a course operator’s responsibility to ensure that the training facility conforms to all local building, sanitation, and health codes.
b. Adequate Workspace. Course operators should provide students with adequate workspace, equipment, and materials to complete intricate calculations related to aircraft performance and flight planning. The workspace should provide each student with enough room to properly use all necessary aeronautical charts and reference materials.
c. Approval to Conduct the Course at an Additional Facility. All facilities used by an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator are subject to the requirements of § 65.65. If a course operator desires to administer its approved course at a location other than its currently approved facility, the operator must request approval of a course revision to add the new facility in accordance with § 65.63(d). If the conduct of the course at the new facility is temporary in nature, the course operator should submit another revision removing the course facility after administering the course.
17. EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS. The requirements for training facilities, as set forth in § 65.65, require an FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course to have equipment
Par 17 Page 14 and materials that adequately provide each student the theoretical and practical aspects of aircraft dispatching.
a. Equipment. Any equipment used to deliver instruction must be kept in adequate working condition. Examples of instructional equipment include, but are not limited to:
• Audiovisual equipment, such as projectors, microphones, video screens;
• Computers used for computer-based training, including those used in Distance-Computer-Based Training (D-CBT);
• Manual air navigation or flight computers; or
• Protractors and course plotters.
b. Materials (Courseware). Each course operator must maintain adequate courseware. This should include keeping it current. Courseware revisions should be appropriately identified by revision number. Courseware itself is not subject to FAA approval; however, courseware must achieve the regulatory training objectives and provide each student the theoretical and practical aspects of aircraft dispatching. All applicants for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language as required by § 65.53(b)(2).
Therefore, courseware should be in the English language and should primarily use the U.S. system of weights and measurements. Course operators should be aware that the DCPM may review and evaluate courseware content during inspections and onsite surveillance to verify continued adequacy. If a DCPM determines courseware to be unacceptable, the DCPM will notify the course operator in writing, provide an explanation of deficiencies, and provide the operator with a reasonable amount of time to make corrections. This time period will typically be set at 30 calendar-days from the time the course operator is notified of the deficiencies.
However, if the courseware presents information that is contrary to Federal regulations, it is appropriate for the DCPM to inform the course operator of the need to cease using the courseware immediately and make the necessary corrections prior to reuse. Courseware for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course should contain the following:
• Lesson plans that flow in a logical sequence;
• Instructor guides;
• Audiovisual materials;
• Training manuals;
• Workbooks;
• Aeronautical charts;
• Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM);
• Operations specifications (OpSpec);
• General Operations Manual (GOM);
• The current edition of FAA-S-8081-10, Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards;
• Handouts; and
• Any other materials used to support the training curriculum.
18. GUIDELINES FOR GRANTING CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE OR TRAINING. For the purpose of completing an FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course, § 65.61(d) allows a student to substitute previous experience or training for a portion of
Par 18 Page 15 the minimum 200 hours of training required by § 65.61(a)(2). Section 65.61(d) states that the course operator determines the number of hours of credit based on an evaluation of the experience or training to determine if it is comparable to portions of the approved course curriculum. The credit allowed, including the total hours and the basis for it, must be placed in the student’s record. The number of hours of instruction should not be reduced through credit as a matter of convenience for the student or the course operator. Quality instruction that is comprehensive in nature ensures a solid foundation of knowledge and helps prepare a student for certification. Solid foundational knowledge is also critical to the performance of duties as an aircraft dispatcher. One of the most significant duties of an aircraft dispatcher is exercising responsibility for operational control, together with the PIC, of air carrier flights operated in accordance with part 121 domestic and flag rules. Although the amount of allowable credit is ultimately determined by the course operator, the FAA recommends utilizing the following guidelines:
a. Evaluation Criteria for Credit.
(1) Previous Experience. Any credit for previous experience should be based on documentary evidence of the experience gained by the student. Evaluation methods regarding credit based on previous experience should be designed to determine if the student’s experience is actually comparable to portions of the approved curriculum.
(2) Previous Training. Credit for previous training should be based on training satisfactorily completed by the student at an accredited university or college or at another FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course.
(a) Evidence of Satisfactory Completion. Course operators should have a documented process for assessing training previously completed by a student, in order to meet the requirements of § 65.61(d). The previously completed training should be comparable to portions of the course operator’s approved course curriculum in order for a student to obtain credit. Students who desire credit for previous training should provide documentary evidence in the form of transcripts that show what course content and subjects were successfully completed.
The course operator in receipt of the transcripts should review them to determine the amount of credit, if any, is warranted. Section 65.61(d) requires a course operator to place the credit allowed, including the total hours and the basis for it, in the student’s record; therefore, if credit is awarded based on transcripts, the course operator must include those transcripts as the basis for the credit received. If transcripts are not made available to the course operator, the course operator should have some other method for evaluating competency in accordance with § 65.61(d) (e.g., a comprehensive test). Otherwise, credit should not be granted. Any evaluations and test results must be documented in the student’s record to show compliance with § 65.70.
(b) Failed/Incomplete Subject Areas. A course operator should not provide credit for subjects that the student previously failed. Course operators are also cautioned against providing credit for subject areas not previously completed by a student.
b. Providing Full Credit for a Particular Area or Topic Is Not Recommended. While § 65.61(d) does allow a course operator to determine the number of hours to credit a student, the FAA does not recommend that a course operator provide full credit for a particular topic or
Par 18 Page 16 subtopic, even if a student provides a valid transcript indicating successful completion of that topic from an accredited university or college or another FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course, or can show substantial previous experience. Where previous experience is concerned, the amount of knowledge obtained this way is subjective in nature and could be difficult to measure for its comparability to portions of the approved TCO. Section 65.61(a)(1) requires a course operator to provide instruction that covers all of the areas of knowledge and topics listed in part 65 appendix A. However, the appendix itself states that the order of coverage is at the discretion of the course operator. The intent of part 65 appendix A is to allow flexibility for course operators to develop their own sequence of instruction and provide a certain number of hours for each area of instruction. As a result, Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses may vary in methodology, sequence, and the number of instructional hours provided for each area and topic. Therefore, a student transferring from one course to another, or seeking credit based on previous instruction in particular areas or topics, could have gaps in instruction resulting in critical portions of training being missed by the student. This could ultimately result in a less-knowledgeable aircraft dispatcher.
c. Credit Hours Should Not Exceed One Half of the Hours of Instruction Required by § 65.61(a)(2). The total number of instruction hours credited to a student should not exceed one half of those set forth in § 65.61(a)(2), which requires a minimum of 200 hours of instruction. This baseline takes into account any gaps in knowledge areas a student may have.
d. Credit Should Not Be Given for Part 65 Appendix A, Section VIII or Any of the Topics Contained Therein. The Practical Dispatch Applications area of knowledge is critical and contains topics that are based on decision-making skills, technique, and human factors (HF).
Instruction in this area could vary widely from course to course and previous experience in this area is subjective by nature. Therefore, credit should not be given to any student in this particular area of knowledge.
19. DISTANCE LEARNING. Distance learning is a non-regulatory term used by the FAA and the aviation industry. Distance learning has been known by other terms such as e-learning, home study, self-guided training, virtual classroom, distributed training, computer-based training, web-based training, etc. As a matter of policy, the FAA has allowed distance learning to be used as an alternative method to classroom training, when appropriate. Any alternative method of training must provide the student with an equivalent or better level of knowledge than what would be gained through traditional classroom training administered by an appropriately qualified instructor.
a. The FAA’s Description of Distance Learning. The FAA typically describes distance learning as learning that is accomplished by any training method not including an instructor and trainees gathered together in a traditional classroom.
b. Drawing a Distinction Within the Context of Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses. For the purpose of Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses, the FAA is drawing the following distinction:
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(1) Self-Guided Distance Learning. Distance learning in the form of self-guided learning and/or home study completed by the student and accomplished through correspondence;
versus
(2) Computer-Based Training. Instruction provided by the course operator as computer-based training delivered through an electronic Learning Management System (eLMS) outside of the classroom environment.
c. What Qualifies as an Alternative to Classroom Instruction for the Purposes of Compliance with the Requirements of Part 65 Subpart C.
(1) Computer-Based Training Qualifies. Instruction provided by the course operator as computer-based training delivered through eLMS, outside of the classroom environment, qualifies as instruction for the purposes of satisfying the requirements of part 65 subpart C.
(2) Self-Guided Distance Learning Does Not Qualify. Distance learning completed by the student in the form of self-guided and/or home study that is accomplished through correspondence does not qualify as instruction, as required by § 65.61(a)(1). The FAA does not believe that this type of self-guided learning provides an equivalent or appropriate alternative to classroom instruction that is provided in person by an appropriately qualified instructor, particularly as a means to prepare a student for initial certification as an aircraft dispatcher. A course operator may use this type of self-guided learning as a means to provide information that is outside of the requirements of the knowledge areas and topics listed in part 65 appendix A.
Additionally, a course operator should not provide a student with course credit, in accordance with § 65.61(d), for any previous training in Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course subject matter, unless the training was provided by an instructor in a traditional classroom, or via computer-based training provided through an eLMS.
NOTE: Other FAA regulations, such as those located in part 61, do specifically provide for the use of “home study” (e.g., §§ 61.65(a)(3),
61.96(b)(3)(i), and 61.103(d)(1)). The absence of such a provision in part 65 indicates that “home study” is not training for the purposes of that part.
Where particular language is included in some regulations, but excluded in others, the FAA construes the absence of the language to be deliberate.
20. REG ULATORY FOUNDATION FOR COMPUTER- BASED TRAINING. Prior to the 1999 Final Rule (64 FR 68916), part 65 appendix A contained the requirements of TCOs and specified the “classroom” minimum hours required for each subject. In the 1999 Final Rule, the FAA removed the specification of “classroom hours” and revised the language to state, “a minimum of 200 hours of instruction.” The FAA stated in the preamble that a portion of the hours could include hours from computer-based training.
21. STANDARDS FOR COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING PROVIDED OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT. For the purposes of this AC, the FAA is establishing the term “Distance-Computer-Based Training” (D-CBT) to describe instruction that is provided by the course operator as computer-based training delivered through an eLMS outside of a classroom environment. Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses that are delivered by D-CBT
Par 21 Page 18 are subject to the same regulations as traditional classroom courses. Any instruction a course operator provides via D-CBT is subject to the regulatory requirements for content and minimum hours (§ 65.61); application, duration, and other general requirements (§ 65.63); training facilities (§ 65.65); personnel (§ 65.67); and records (§ 65.70).
a. Requires Approval. Section 65.63(a)(3) requires an application for original approval or renewal of a course approval to be accompanied by a description of the equipment and facilities to be used in the course. Therefore, when submitting such an application, a course operator who desires to use D-CBT as an alternative to physical classroom instruction must include that delineation in the application. In accordance with § 65.61(b), the application must also include the intended curriculum topics, subtopics, and the associated training modules that will be taught in this manner. When making the delineation in the application of subjects delivered via D-CBT, the course operator should include the following information with the application:
(1) Training Objectives and Performance Criteria. The course operator should include the training objectives and performance criteria associated with D-CBT.
(2) Evaluation Methods. A course operator should include a description of its methods for evaluating students and validating that each student has met the training and performance objectives for each topic and subtopic administered via D-CBT.
(3) A Detailed Description of eLMS. The course operator should include a detailed description of the eLMS it intends to use.
b. Recommended Standards for an eLMS. For the purposes of this AC, an eLMS is a system that uses computer-based (e.g., web-based) technology for administering instruction, tracking student progress, and conducting student assessments. A course operator who desires to use D-CBT should have an eLMS along with sufficient procedures and technology to accomplish those tasks effectively and securely.
(1) Identity Verification. The eLMS should include controls that ensure that the student of record is the one completing the lessons. The system should have the ability to identify course participants at logon, during navigation of the lessons, and during course assessments
(i.e., testing). An example of this kind of control would be software that requires a student to have a unique user name and password that is known only to the student.
(2) Ensure Student Confidentiality. The eLMS should have controls that ensure student confidentially, including the protection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
(3) Knowledge Assessment. The eLMS should include software that periodically assesses a student’s knowledge. Knowledge assessments should include testing following the conclusion of a particular course topic, subtopic, or module. The testing should be designed to validate that training objectives have been met and that the student has gained the required level of knowledge as outlined in the D-CBT and the course operator’s performance criteria.
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(4) Student Tracking and Recordkeeping.
(a) The eLMS should include a method of tracking and recording student participation and completion of the required number of hours for each topic or module.
(b) The eLMS should have a method of tracking and recording student scores on the tests administered within the D-CBT.
(5) FAA Access. A course operator should provide the DCPM with access to the eLMS.
The course operator may provide this access on a read-only basis. The level of access provided to the DCPM should be sufficient to allow that individual to evaluate the eLMS and the D-CBT content for inspection purposes.
c. Course Operator Procedures for D-CBT.
(1) Prequalifying Students. Prior to allowing a student to complete a portion of the FAA-approved course via D-CBT, the course operator should have a method of verifying that the student has an adequate environment (quiet, free from distractions, and with enough space for the student to work with materials, such as aeronautical charts, needed to support the training) and the necessary computer equipment and skills to complete the D-CBT portion of the course.
(2) Student Access to Instructors. A course operator should provide the student with ready access to the appropriate instructor during normal business hours. The instructor should be available to respond to questions the student may have and to help resolve issues encountered during any portion of the D-CBT.
(3) Post-D-CBT Knowledge Assessment. Following a student’s completion of the portion of the Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course delivered via D-CBT, the course operator should assess the student’s knowledge through comprehensive testing designed to validate the knowledge the student has gained through D-CBT. The assessment should be conducted in person at the course operator’s approved facility by an appropriately qualified instructor.
(4) Analysis of Assessments and Test Scores. A course operator should have a method of comparing the test scores of students who received D-CBT for a particular topic with the scores of students who received classroom training on the same topic. The method should include analysis to determine if either method of instruction contains shortcomings when compared to the other.
d. Instruction Administered via D-CBT.
(1) A Portion of the Total FAA-Approved Hours of Instruction. Section 65.61(a)(2) requires an FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course to include a minimum of 200 hours of instruction. As discussed in the preamble to the 1999 Final Rule (64 FR 68916), the FAA utilized this language specifically to permit a course to include a portion of those hours as computer-based training. In keeping with the intent of the regulation, the FAA recommends that a course operator offer only a portion of the 200 hours of instruction required by § 65.61(a) via D-CBT. The recommended portion is not more than 50 percent of the total FAA-approved
Par 21 Page 20 hours of instruction. This recommendation does not prevent a course operator from requesting approval to administer more than 50 percent of a course via D-CBT.
(2) Must Provide the Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Aircraft Dispatching. A course operator may not use D-CBT in areas of knowledge where the characteristics of D-CBT will not provide each student the theoretical and practical aspects of aircraft dispatching, which is the equivalent to what would otherwise be provided in a training facility (refer to § 65.65).
Therefore, D-CBT may not be conducive to the training in some areas of knowledge listed in part 65 appendix A.
(3) Instruction in the Area of Practical Dispatch Applications. A course operator may not use D-CBT in areas of knowledge where the characteristics of D-CBT will not accomplish the learning objective promulgated by the regulations. An Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course must provide instruction in the areas of knowledge and topics listed in part 65 appendix A. D-CBT may not be conducive to the training of some areas of knowledge listed in the appendix. For example, the Practical Dispatch Applications areas of knowledge contained in part 65 appendix A, section VIII, which are some of the most critical areas of knowledge for an aircraft dispatcher’s duties, contain topics and subtopics that are based on decision-making skills, technique, and HFs. Hands-on instruction and in-person observation of the student training in these areas is necessary to allow the instructor to adequately evaluate the student and measure the effectiveness of the training in real time. Therefore, if the D-CBT does not accomplish the imperative learning objectives in the Practical Dispatch Applications areas of knowledge, the FAA will not approve a course operator to use D-CBT to deliver any instruction in these areas.
e. Documentation in Student Record. Section 65.70 requires an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator to maintain a record for each student that includes a chronological log of instructors and subjects (areas and topics) covered. In order to maintain compliance with § 65.70(a), course operators must list a responsible instructor for each subject administered via D-CBT. Course operators should also clearly document the subjects that were administered via D-CBT. A course operator’s eLMS should have a method of student record keeping.
However, it is also acceptable for a course operator to retain student records in traditional paper format, provided all of the required information from the D-CBT can be extracted. If student records are to be retained electronically through an eLMS or other electronic system, operators should refer to the standards of the current edition of AC 120-78.
22. AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER CERTIFICATION COURSES EMBEDDED IN COLLEGIATE PROGRAMS. Colleges and universities that desire to include an FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course as part of an academic program must comply with all of the requirements of part 65 subpart C and appendix A. The FAA treats each Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course as a separate entity for the purposes of course approval, regardless of whether it is embedded in a collegiate program or is operated as a standalone course.
a. Expected Compliance with Part 65 Subpart C. Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses that are embedded in collegiate programs are expected to comply with the regulations of part 65 subpart C, just as any independent course operator would be required. Historically, challenges have arisen when Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses, subject to part 65, are
Par 22 Page 21 part of other aviation-related curricula that are not subject to the requirements of part 65.
Therefore, when Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Courses are part of a collegiate program, the FAA, as part of their inspection responsibilities, may pay particular attention to the course’s compliance with facilities requirements (§ 65.65), certificated instructors requirements (§ 65.67), and student-to-instructor ratio requirements (§ 65.67(a)(2)).
b. Instruction Requirements. Instruction that is part of an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course, including one embedded in a collegiate program, must be administered in accordance with part 65 subpart C and appendix A. Any instruction administered contrary to these requirements will not qualify towards the minimum hours of instruction required by § 65.61(a)(2).
(1) Collegiate Instruction That May Be Included in the Minimum Hours Required by § 65.61(a)(2). Any instruction in the areas, topics, and subtopics required by part 65 appendix A that is administered in accordance with the requirements of part 65 subpart C, including the student-to-instructor ratio of no more than 25 to 1, may be included in the minimum hours of instruction required by § 65.61(a)(2).
(2) Collegiate Instruction That May Not Be Included in the Minimum Hours, but May Be Considered for Credit as Previous Training in Accordance With § 65.61(d).
Instruction provided in a collegiate program that contains some or all of the required topics and subtopics of part 65 appendix A, but does not meet all of the requirements of part 65 subpart C, may not be included in or counted toward the 200 minimum hours of instruction required by § 65.61(a)(2). However, an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator may grant a student some credit for successfully completed aviation collegiate program courses that include the topics and subtopics required by part 65 appendix A.
23. COURSE OPERATOR RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENT. Each Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator is required to maintain compliance with the recordkeeping requirements of § 65.70. If a course operator elects to maintain student records in an electronic format, operators should refer to the standards of the current edition of AC 120-78.
a. Student Records. Section 65.70(a) requires an Aircraft Dispatcher Certification Course operator to maintain a record for each student.
(1) Chronological Log. Each student record must contain a chronological log of all instructors, subjects covered, course examinations, and results. The chronological log applies to subjects covered through D-CBT, and should specify which subjects (e.g., topics, subtopics, modules) were administered via D-CBT.
(2) Documentation of Student Credit. As provided in § 65.61(d), a course operator is responsible for determining the number of hours of credit based on an evaluation of the previous experience or training to determine if it is comparable to the course operator’s approved curriculum. Course operators who provide student credit for previous experience or training in accordance with § 65.61(d) must clearly and thoroughly document the credit allowed, including the following:
(a) The total number of hours of credit provided to the student; and