5-1816    PROGRAM TRACKING AND REPORTING SUBSYSTEM (PTRS) ACTIVITY CODE. 1558

5-1817    OBJECTIVE. Evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for designation as an airman certification representative (ACR) for approved Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 141 pilot schools having examining authority or flight test examining authority. Successful completion of this task results in either the designation or the disapproval of an ACR.

5-1818    GENERAL. ACRs issue pilot certificates and ratings to graduates of pilot schools that hold examining authority under part 141. Since the schools hold examining authority, graduates of those courses under the authority are not required to take Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examinations to receive their certificates or ratings (see Volume 5, Chapter12, Section 4, Issue Examining Authority to a Part 141 School). Authority to appoint ACRs is found in 14 CFR part 183, section (§) 183.1, subpart A.

5-1819    AIRMAN CERTIFICATION REPRESENTATIVE (ACR) TASKS.

A.    Duties. An ACR for an FAA-approved school completes the temporary airman certificates after the chief flight instructor has determined that a student has successfully completed all required stage tests for a particular course.

B.    Limitations.

1)    ACRs do not conduct practical tests of candidates.

2)    An ACR must be an employee of the pilot school requesting the ACR designation.

3)    An ACR may not be an employee of more than one pilot school.

4)    An ACR may not accept a part 141 graduation certificate and will not issue a temporary pilot certificate to an applicant who has a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA), unless an aviation safety inspector (ASI) from the jurisdictional Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) has clearly determined that no operational limitations are required to be placed on that certificate.

5-1820    INITIATION. Only holders of flight test examining authority under part 141, subpart D may request an ACR designation. The pilot school may initiate designation for an owner, corporate officer, partner, or other responsible employee of the company who meets the qualifications. The pilot school must submit FAA Form 8710-6, Examiner Designation/‌Qualification Record, when requesting an ACR. This form is the same as the form used for designated pilot examiners (DPE).

5-1821    DESIGNATION.

A.    Knowledge Test. The ACR applicant will be given a knowledge test to determine if the applicant’s knowledge of pilot school certification requirements, general operating rules, examining authority privileges and limitations, pilot certification and rating requirements, and specific standards and requirements is adequate for the effective performance of the designation.

B.    Evaluation of Airmen. If the applicant is determined to be qualified in accordance with the eligibility requirements of paragraph 5-1820 and completion of the knowledge test described in paragraph 5-1821A above, an ASI will train the applicant on the procedures used to evaluate airman applications and training records to determine the validity of the pilot school recommendation.

C.    Supplies To Be Given to the ACR upon Designation and IACRA Training. After an ACR is designated, the supervising ASI will issue an initial supply of forms appropriate to the authorization and will instruct the ACR about the completion, checking, and disposition of certification files. The supervising ASI will also train the ACR about how to use Integrated Airman Certification and/or Rating Application (IACRA) program. The FAA continues to improve and modernize its airman certification process through the use of IACRA and encourages ACRs to use the IACRA program for processing airman certification applications. The supervising ASI should make certain that the ACR has the appropriate regulations, official guidance materials (e.g., the current edition of FAA Order 8710.3, Designated Pilot and Flight Engineer Examiner’s Handbook) upon designation, and telephone contacts and addresses at the supervising FSDO and at the FAA’s Airman Certification Branch, AFS-760.

D.    Multiple Functions. If the applicant performs more than one task for the school, this should be reflected on the Examiner Designation/Qualification Record. Separate designations and numbers must be issued for each function. For instance, if the applicant for ACR designation is a DPE, he/she must be issued another separate designation bearing the ACR number.

5-1822    DESIGNATION MANAGEMENT.

A.    Renewal of Designation. An ACR certificate of authority expires in 12 calendar-months after the date of issuance. However, the certificate of authority is valid only as long as the ACR remains in the employ of that FAA-approved pilot school. An ACR designation is renewed by following the initial issuance procedures. It is the responsibility of the ACR to present the designation for renewal before its expiration.

B.    Cancellation of ACR’s Designation. When the designation of an ACR to serve a pilot school in another FSDO is canceled (e.g., the pilot school loses its examining authority, the ACR leaves the employment of the school, the ACR consistently issues certificates incorrectly, etc.), the supervising FSDO that holds the canceled designee’s file will notify any other affected FSDOs of the cancellation. An ACR may voluntarily surrender the designation for cancellation by submitting a written request accompanied by an FAA Form 8430-9, Certificate of Authority. All manuals and related materials issued to the ACR must be returned to the FSDO. If an ACR has been approved to use IACRA, that authority must be canceled.

5-1823    PREREQUISITES AND COORDINATION REQUIREMENTS.

A.    Prerequisites. This task requires knowledge of the regulatory requirements of part 141 and FAA policies and qualification as an ASI (Operations).

B.    Coordination. This task requires coordination with the principal operations inspector (POI).

5-1824    REFERENCES, FORMS, AND JOB AIDS.

A.    References (Current Editions).

·    14 CFR parts 1, 61, 91, 141, 183, and other applicable regulations

·    FAA Order 8710.3, Designated Pilot and Flight Engineer Examiner’s Handbook

B.    Forms.

·    FAA Form 8000-5, Certificate of Designation (Figure 5-208)

·    FAA Form 8430-9, Certificate of Authority (Figure 5-209)

·    FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application

·    FAA Form 8710-6, Examiner Designation/ Qualification Record, used as an application for ACR (Figure 5-205)

C.    Job Aids.

·    Sample letters and figures

·    Job Task Analysis (JTA): O2.4.2, O3.4.5

5-1825.    PROCEDURES.

A.    Give Form to Applicant. Give the ACR applicant a copy of FAA Form 8710-6 (Figure 5-205).

1)    Inform the ACR applicant to fill out FAA Form 8710-6 and sign it.

2)    Schedule the ACR evaluation.

B.    Open PTRS File.

C.    Conduct Preevaluation Activities.

1)    Review the FSDO file on the pilot school for any history of problems, either with the school or the individual for whom the designation is requested. If problems are detected, discuss them with the school. Determine if the school wants to offer a different applicant.

a)    If the school wishes to offer a different applicant, begin the task again.

b)    If the school wishes to continue with the same applicant, check the applicant’s enforcement history.

c)    If the school wishes to withdraw its request for an ACR, terminate the task by closing PTRS. Confirm the action in writing (see Figure 5-206).

2)    Using office procedures, query Enforcement Investigation System/Accident Incident Data System (EIS/AIDS) for the applicant’s enforcement and accident/incident history. Place the results in the school file.

a)    If enforcement action is pending against the applicant, inform the school that action on the ACR designation cannot proceed until the enforcement action is resolved.

b)    If the EIS/AIDS results are negative, proceed with the applicant’s evaluation.

D.    Review ACR Applicant’s FAA Form 8710-6. Review the FAA Form 8710-6 application for completeness and accuracy.

1)    Because the application does not specifically list an ACR, have the applicant mark the box labeled ‘Other” and write the words “ACR Designation” after it in the Type of Designation area.

2)    Ensure that the Pilot Examiner box under Type of Designation is marked with an “X” and that the letters “ACR” have been entered after Pilot Examiner.

3)    When the application is complete and correct, continue checking the applicant’s qualifications.

E.    Verify ACR Qualifications. From the application and any additional information, determine whether the applicant meets the requirements for designation.

1)    Ensure that the applicant is at least 21 years of age.

2)    Ensure that the applicant has a good record as a pilot and a good reputation in the industry and community for honesty and dependability.

3)    Determine whether the applicant holds a management or administrative position within the pilot school organization that is superior to the chief flight instructor designated for each course of training conducted under the examining authority.

4)    Determine that the applicant holds at least a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating.

5)    Determine whether the applicant’s flight history reflects compliance with 14 CFR and cooperation with the FAA.

6)    Determine that the applicant has been employed as a chief flight instructor at the pilot school or in similar managerial or supervisory positions for at least 12 months immediately preceding the request for designation. Acceptable alternative experience is the holding of DPE authorization.

7)    If the applicant meets the experience and qualification requirements, schedule a knowledge test.

8)    If any of the experience or qualification requirements are unsatisfactory, inform the applicant that he or she is not eligible for the ACR designation. Explain how to correct the problem, and notify the operator in writing (see Figure 5-207).

a)    If the school offers a different applicant, begin the process again.

b)    If the problems are not corrected within the time specified in the letter of denial, terminate the task by closing PTRS.

9)    A recommendation for the designation of an ACR who does not meet all of the requirements listed above must be referred to the regional Flight Standards division manager for review and approval before any commitment is made or FAA Form 8430-9 is issued. Recommendations for designation of an ACR who does not meet all requirements should include statements of all special circumstances affecting the designation.

F.    Conduct the Knowledge Test.

1)    After determining that the applicant meets all the experience and qualifications requirements, give the applicant a knowledge test to determine the applicant’s knowledge of:

·    The pilot school certification requirements,

·    The pilot school general operating rules,

·    The examining authority privileges and limitations, and

·    The pilot certification and rating requirements and procedures.

2)    If the knowledge test is satisfactory, issue an ACR designation.

3)    If the knowledge test is unsatisfactory, inform the applicant and explain how to correct the deficiency. Notify the school in writing (see Figure 5-207).

a)    If the school offers another applicant, begin the process again.

b)    If the problems have not been corrected within a time specified in the letter of denial, terminate the task by closing PTRS.

G.    Issue ACR Designation. When all of the certification requirements have been met and the ACR has been properly briefed on procedures, do one of the following, as appropriate, on the reverse of FAA Form 8710-6:

1)    If the applicant for ACR designation is not already a DPE and is qualified to be an ACR, mark the Original Issuance box under Type of Action. Beside the Inspector’s Recommendation/Action box, mark the Approve box and include any justification in the space provided. In the Additional Qualifications/Limitations box, write “Airman Certification Representative for [name of pilot school].”).” Sign and date in the spaces provided.

2)    If the applicant for ACR designation is already a DPE and is also found competent to perform the duties of an ACR, mark the Additional Authority box under Type of Action. Beside the Inspector’s Recommendation/Action box, mark the Approve box and include any justification in the space provided. In the Additional Qualifications/ Limitations box, write “Airman Certification Representative for [name of pilot school].”).” Sign and date in the spaces provided.

3)    If this is a renewal, check the Renewal box. Mark the Approve box and include any justification in the space provided. In the Additional Qualifications/Limitations box, write “Airman Certification Representative for [insert name of pilot school].”).” Sign and date in the spaces provided.

4)    Assign an ACR number that corresponds with the school’s certificate number and includes the region and district office.

5)    Issue FAA Form 8000-5 (see Figure 5-208).

6)    Issue FAA Form 8430-9 (see Figure 5-209).

H.    Renewal of Designation. If this is a renewal, determine whether the ACR meets all the requirements for original designation. Discuss any discrepancies found in the airman files submitted by the ACR. In addition:

1)    Have the ACR surrender his or her current FAA Form 8430-9.

2)    Have the ACR provide a record of all certificates or rating applications processed since the issuance or renewal of the designation.

3)    Review the FSDO file for discrepancies in the airman files submitted by the ACR.

4)    If all of the above is satisfactory, issue FAA Form 8430-9. If a new FAA Form 8430-9 is issued, the ACR surrenders the previously issued FAA Form 8430-9, and that form is placed in the FSDO file.

5)    If the previous ACR designation has expired, reinstate it by following the initial issuance procedures. It may not be possible to retain the original number.

I.    Establish FSDO File. Establish a file for the ACR within the FSDO’s file for the school.

J.    Training the ACR on IACRA and the FAA’s Airman Certification Process. The supervising ASI will train the ACR about the use of IACRA and the procedures for filling out temporary airman certificates and the reverse side of FAA Form 8710-1. The supervising ASI will inform the ACR about the procedures for forwarding files to the FSDO. The supervising ASI should make certain that the ACR is trained on the appropriate regulations and has official guidance materials (e.g., Order 8710.3 ) and telephone contacts and addresses at the supervising FSDO and AFS-760.

K.    Close PTRS. Update VIS Files.

5-1826    TASK OUTCOMES. Completion of this task results in either of the following:

·    Issuance of designation of authority.

·    Denial of designation of authority.

5-1827    FUTURE ACTIVITIES.

A.    Designate additional ACRs for part 141 school.

B.    Monitor the quality of the airman files submitted by the ACR.

C.    Renew or reinstate an ACR.

D.    Cancel an ACR designation in accordance with § 183.15.

E.    Possibly take enforcement action against an ACR or school if airman files have been handled fraudulently.

F.    Accept voluntary surrender (not related to any possible enforcement action) of ACR designation.

Figure 5–205, FAA Form 8710-6, Examiner Designation and Qualification Record

Figure 5 –206, Letter Confirming Applicant’s Withdrawal

[School’s name and address]

Dear [name]:

Your request to withdraw [name of person] as an applicant for Airman Certification Representative is confirmed.

All the materials submitted concerning this request are enclosed with this letter.

If you have any questions concerning this matter or wish to offer another applicant, please contact this office at [telephone number].

[POI’s signature]

Figure 5 –207, Letter Rejecting Applicant

[School’s name and address]

Dear [name]:

[Name of person] [does not qualify or did not satisfactorily pass the required test] for designation as an Airman Certification Representative for your school.

The following items were unsatisfactory:

In the case of an unsatisfactory knowledge test, indicate the areas failed.

In the case of a failure to qualify, list the items that were deficient.

If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact this office at [telephone number].

[POI’s signature]

Figure 5 –208, FAA Form 8000-5, Certificate of Designation

Figure 5 –209, FAA Form 8430-9, Certificate of Authority

RESERVED. Paragraphs 5-1828 through 5-1845.