FAA Order 8900.2A

324 Pages·2016·13.74 MB·English

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
CHANGE 8900.2A CHG 3
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
National Policy
Effective Date:
4/18/16
SUBJ: General Aviation Airman Designee Handbook
1. Purpose of This Order. This order provides mandatory standardized procedures and policy
for those who administer aviation mechanic, parachute rigger, or pilot oral and practical tests, as
well as issue Temporary Airman Certificates.
2. Audience. The primary audience is designees responsible for administering oral and practical
tests and issuing Temporary Airman Certificates.
3. Where You Can Find This Order. You can find this order on the MyFAA employee
Web site at https://employees.faa.gov/tools_resources/orders_notices. Inspectors can access
this order through the Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS) at
http://fsims.avs.faa.gov. Air carriers (operators) can find this order on the FAA’s
Web site at http://fsims.faa.gov. This order is available to the public at
http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices.
4. Explanation of Policy Changes. This change updates Chapter 7, Figure 7-28 to be
consistent with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61, § 61.55 regarding
an SIC type rating.
5. Disposition of Transmittal Paragraph. This change will remain in FSIMS until superseded
by a revision to this order.
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John S. Duncan
Director, Flight Standards Service
Distribution: Electronic Only Initiated By: AFS-600
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
CHANGE 8900.2A CHG 2
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
National Policy
Effective Date:
1/5/16

SUBJ: General Aviation Airman Designee Handbook
1. Purpose of This Order. This order provides mandatory standardized procedures and policy
for those who administer aviation mechanic, parachute rigger, or pilot oral and practical tests, as
well as issue Temporary Airman Certificates.
2. Audience. The primary audience is designees responsible for administering oral and practical
tests and issuing Temporary Airman Certificates.
3. Where You Can Find This Order. You can find this order on the MyFAA employee
Web site at https://employees.faa.gov/tools_resources/orders_notices. Inspectors can access
this order through the Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS) at
http://fsims.avs.faa.gov. Air carriers (operators) can find this order on the FAA’s
Web site at http://fsims.faa.gov. This order is available to the public at
http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices.
4. Explanation of Policy Changes. This change:
• Restores content to Chapter 6, paragraph 26, Knowledge and Skill Elements for DPRE.
• Updates for clarification, Figure 6-2P, Minimum Equipment and Tool List, in Chapter 6.
• Clarifies in Chapter 7, paragraph 6 that references to Practical Test Standards (PTS) also
apply to Airman Certification Standards (ACS).
• Updates information regarding Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD) in Chapter 7,
paragraph 12.
• Removes AFS-800 from the Airman Certification Representative (ACR) selection
process in Chapter 7, paragraph 118.
• Revises flight instructor refresher ‘clinic’ to ‘course’ (FIRC) and ‘sponsor’ to ‘provider’.
5. Disposition of Transmittal Paragraph. This change will remain in FSIMS until superseded
by a revision to this order.

Distribution: Electronic Only Initiated By: AFS-600
1/5/16 8900.2A CHG 2
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John S. Duncan
Director, Flight Standards Service
2
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
CHANGE 8900.2A CHG 1
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
National Policy
Effective Date:
6/12/15

SUBJ: General Aviation Airman Designee Handbook
1. Purpose of This Order. This order provides mandatory standardized procedures and policy
for those who administer aviation mechanic, parachute rigger, or pilot oral and practical tests, as
well as issue Temporary Airman Certificates.
2. Audience. The primary audience is designees responsible for administering oral and practical
tests and issuing Temporary Airman Certificates.
3. Where You Can Find This Order. You can find this order on the MyFAA employee
Web site at https://employees.faa.gov/tools_resources/orders_notices. Inspectors can access
this order through the Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS) at
http://fsims.avs.faa.gov. Air carriers (operators) can find this order on the FAA’s
Web site at http://fsims.faa.gov. This order is available to the public at
http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices.
4. Explanation of Policy Changes. This change restores the original content of the recurrent
training interval table in Chapter 3, paragraph 3.
5. Disposition of Transmittal Paragraph. This change will remain in FSIMS until superseded
by a revision to this order.
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John Barbagallo
Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service
Distribution: Electronic Only Initiated By: AFS-600
3/31/15 8900.2A

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ORDER
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 8900.2A
National Policy
Effective Date:
3/31/15
SUBJ: General Aviation Airman Designee Handbook
1. In 2006, Aviation Safety (AVS) published Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Order VS 1100.2, Managing AVS Delegation Programs, which provided direction for the
management and oversight of AVS delegation programs, including Flight Standards Service
(AFS) designees. During the next 2 years, the AVS Delegation Steering Group, which included
representation from AFS, identified important goals including the integration of AFS designee
policy. An AFS working group, including policy holders for each General Aviation (GA) airman
designee type, was formed to work on this consolidated order. This order contains integrated
procedures for the selection, appointment, oversight, training, renewal, termination, and appeal
of AFS GA airman designees in accordance with Order VS 1100.2.
2. This order contains procedures for authorized GA airman designees and inspectors to
conduct certificate holder oral and practical tests and issue Temporary Airman Certificates.
3. When differences in guidance appear between this order and the current edition of
FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS), Volume 13,
Flight Standards Designees, use the document with the most current revision date. This order
also applies to all aviation safety inspectors (ASI) (referred to in this order as ASIs or inspectors)
who review and approve airman application and testing files for GA airman designees.
Distribution: Electronic Only Initiated By: AFS-600
1/5/16 8900.2A CHG 2
Table of Contents
Paragraph Page
Chapter 1. General Information
1. Purpose of This Order ...................................................................................................... 1-1
2. Audience .......................................................................................................................... 1-1
3. Where You Can Find This Order ..................................................................................... 1-1
4. What This Order Cancels ................................................................................................. 1-1
5. Explanation of Policy Changes ........................................................................................ 1-2
6. Delegation/Rescission of a Designee Authorization........................................................ 1-2
7. Role of the Designee ........................................................................................................ 1-2
8. Definitions........................................................................................................................ 1-3
9. Office Information and Points of Contact (POC). ........................................................... 1-5
Chapter 2. Selection and Appointment
1. Selection ........................................................................................................................... 2-1
2. Appointment .................................................................................................................... 2-3
3. General Eligibility Requirements .................................................................................... 2-4
Chapter 3. Oversight, Training, and Renewal
1. Oversight .......................................................................................................................... 3-1
2. Initial Training Seminar ................................................................................................... 3-1
3. Recurrent Training ........................................................................................................... 3-2
4. Expiration ......................................................................................................................... 3-3
5. Renewal............................................................................................................................ 3-3
6. Knowledge and Skill ........................................................................................................ 3-4
Chapter 4. Termination and Appeal
1. Termination ...................................................................................................................... 4-1
2. Types of Termination ....................................................................................................... 4-1
3. Termination Letter ........................................................................................................... 4-1
4. Appeal .............................................................................................................................. 4-1
Chapter 5. Privileges, Limitations, and Responsibilities
1. Privileges.......................................................................................................................... 5-1
2. Limitations ....................................................................................................................... 5-2
3. Responsibilities ................................................................................................................ 5-3
Chapter 6. Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) and Designated Parachute Rigger
Examiner (DPRE) Program
Section 1. DME—General ....................................................................................................... 6-1
1. Additional Requirements for Appointment ..................................................................... 6-1
2. DME Designations Issued................................................................................................ 6-2
3. Designee Materials........................................................................................................... 6-2
4. Security ............................................................................................................................ 6-3
5. FAA Certification Policy ................................................................................................. 6-3
6. Aviation Mechanic Tests ................................................................................................. 6-3
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Table of Contents (Continued)
Paragraph Page
Section 2. DME—Conducting and Grading Tests ................................................................... 6-4
7. Preparation: Conduct a Pretest Interview ........................................................................ 6-4
8. Knowledge and Skill Elements for DME ........................................................................ 6-5
9. Applicant Eligibility ........................................................................................................ 6-6
10. Conducting the Tests........................................................................................................ 6-8
11. Evaluating Applicant Performance ................................................................................ 6-10
12. Recording the Results of Tests ...................................................................................... 6-12
13. When the Applicant Passes ............................................................................................ 6-12
14. Applicants Under 18 Years of Age ................................................................................ 6-14
15. When the Applicant Fails............................................................................................... 6-14
16. Issuance of FAA Form 8060-4 by a DME When Oral and Practical Tests are Not
Administered .................................................................................................................. 6-15
17. Reconstruction of a Lost Certification File .................................................................... 6-16
18. Disposition of Files ........................................................................................................ 6-16
Section 3. DPRE—General Information ............................................................................... 6-18
19. Additional Requirements for Appointment ................................................................... 6-18
20. DPRE Designations Issued ............................................................................................ 6-19
21. Designee Materials......................................................................................................... 6-19
22. Security .......................................................................................................................... 6-19
23. FAA Certification Policy ............................................................................................... 6-20
24. Parachute Rigger Tests .................................................................................................. 6-20
Section 4. DPRE—Conducting and Grading Tests ............................................................... 6-20
25. Preparation: Conduct a Pretest Interview ...................................................................... 6-20
26. Knowledge and Skill Elements for DPRE ..................................................................... 6-21
27. Applicant Eligibility ...................................................................................................... 6-23
28. Conducting the Tests...................................................................................................... 6-25
29. Evaluating Applicant Performance ................................................................................ 6-26
30. Recording the Results of Tests ...................................................................................... 6-28
31. When the Applicant Passes ............................................................................................ 6-28
32. Applicants Under 18 Years of Age ................................................................................ 6-29
33. When the Applicant Fails............................................................................................... 6-30
34. Issuance of FAA Form 8060-4 by a DPRE When Oral and Practical Tests are Not
Administered .................................................................................................................. 6-31
35. Reconstruction of a Lost Certification File .................................................................... 6-32
36. Disposition of Files ........................................................................................................ 6-32
Chapter 7. Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) Program
Section 1. General .................................................................................................................... 7-1
1. Additional Qualifications ................................................................................................. 7-1
2. Specific Eligibility Requirements .................................................................................... 7-3
3. Types of Designation ....................................................................................................... 7-7
4. Additional Designations .................................................................................................. 7-9
5. Designee COA Letters ................................................................................................... 7-10
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Table of Contents (Continued)
Paragraph Page
Section 2. Conduct Practical Test/Certification Functions .................................................... 7-12
6. General ........................................................................................................................... 7-12
7. Testing Applicants Trained by the Designee ................................................................. 7-16
8. Designee Limitations ..................................................................................................... 7-17
9. Status of Designees During Practical Tests ................................................................... 7-17
10. Aircraft Used for Practical Tests.................................................................................... 7-20
11. Aircraft Equipment ........................................................................................................ 7-22
12. Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD) ................................................................. 7-23
13. Engine Shutdown on Multiengine Airplanes During the Practical Test ........................ 7-23
14. Structure of the Practical Test ........................................................................................ 7-24
15. Practical Test Discontinuance ........................................................................................ 7-25
16. Repeating Maneuvers on Practical Tests ....................................................................... 7-26
17. Practical Test Briefings .................................................................................................. 7-26
18. Segmented Practical Tests (Planned) ............................................................................. 7-27
19. Retest in Event of Failure .............................................................................................. 7-27
20. Accidents and Incidents During Practical Tests ............................................................ 7-28
21. PTS ................................................................................................................................. 7-28
22. Prerequisites for Practical Tests ..................................................................................... 7-28
23. Verification of an Applicant’s Identity .......................................................................... 7-33
24. Illegal Substance Conviction ......................................................................................... 7-33
25. Completion of FAA Form 8710-1 ................................................................................. 7-33
26. Preparation of the Certification File .............................................................................. 7-34
27. Review of an Designee’s Decision ................................................................................ 7-35
28. Issuance of FAA Form 8060-4 ...................................................................................... 7-35
29. Limitations ..................................................................................................................... 7-36
30. Issuance of FAA Form 8060-5 ...................................................................................... 7-37
31. Part 141 Stage Checks ................................................................................................... 7-38
32. Blue Seal Certificates ..................................................................................................... 7-38
33. Flight and Duty Time as a DPE ..................................................................................... 7-38
34. Procedures ...................................................................................................................... 7-39
Section 3. Issue a Student Pilot Certificate ............................................................................ 7-43
35. General ........................................................................................................................... 7-43
36. Nonrenewable ................................................................................................................ 7-44
37. Procedures ...................................................................................................................... 7-44
Section 4. Special Emphasis Items ........................................................................................ 7-47
38. Special Emphasis Items ................................................................................................. 7-47
39. Dangers Associated with Simulation of Power Failure in Single-Engine Airplanes
by the Interruption of Fuel Flow .................................................................................... 7-47
40. Pilot External Vigilance (Scan Program) ....................................................................... 7-47
41. Accurate Position Reporting and Collision Avoidance ................................................. 7-48
42. Instrument Flying Skills—Partial Panel ........................................................................ 7-48
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Table of Contents (Continued)
Paragraph Page
Section 5. Flight Reviews and Competency Checks ............................................................. 7-49
43. Flight Reviews and Competency Checks ...................................................................... 7-49
44. Designee or Inspector Participation ............................................................................... 7-49
45. Application for a Flight Review or Competency Check ................................................ 7-49
46. Combining Flight Reviews and Competency Checks ................................................... 7-49
47. Evaluating the Flight Review......................................................................................... 7-50
48. Length of Review ........................................................................................................... 7-50
49. Logbook Endorsements ................................................................................................. 7-50
50. Recent Instrument Experience under § 61.57 ................................................................ 7-51
51. High Performance Airplane Check under § 61.31(f) ..................................................... 7-52
52. Complex Airplane Check under § 61.31(e) ................................................................... 7-52
53. Self-Launching or Powered Sailplane Flight Checks .................................................... 7-52
54. Night Vision Goggles (NVG) Training, Endorsement, and Qualification for
Pilots and Flight Instructors ........................................................................................... 7-52
Section 6. Conduct a Recreational Pilot Certification, Including Additional
Category/Class Ratings at the Recreational Pilot Certification Level ............................ 7-55
55. General ........................................................................................................................... 7-55
56. Additional Category and Class Ratings ......................................................................... 7-57
57. Upgrading to a Private Pilot Certificate ......................................................................... 7-57
58. Procedures ...................................................................................................................... 7-58
Section 7. Conduct a Sport Pilot Certification ....................................................................... 7-62
59. General ........................................................................................................................... 7-62
60. Procedures ...................................................................................................................... 7-63
Section 8. Conduct a Private Pilot Certification, Including Additional Category/Class
Ratings at the Private Pilot Certification Level ............................................................... 7-66
61. General ........................................................................................................................... 7-66
62. Eligibility Requirements ................................................................................................ 7-66
63. Limitations ..................................................................................................................... 7-68
64. Categories and Classes ................................................................................................... 7-69
65. Recreational Pilot Upgrades .......................................................................................... 7-69
Section 9. Conduct a Commerical Pilot Certification, Including Additional
Category/Class Ratings at the Commerical Pilot Certification Level ............................. 7-70
66. General ........................................................................................................................... 7-70
67. Eligibility Requirements ................................................................................................ 7-70
68. Categories and Classes ................................................................................................... 7-72
69. Instructor Privileges in Lighter-than-Air Aircraft .......................................................... 7-73
70. Complex Airplane Requirements ................................................................................... 7-73
71. Procedures ...................................................................................................................... 7-73
Section 10. Conduct an Airline Transport Pilot Certification, Including Additional
Category/Class Ratings at the Airline Transport Certification Level ............................. 7-77
72. General ........................................................................................................................... 7-77
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Table of Contents (Continued)
Paragraph Page
Section 11. Conduct an Instrument Rating Certification ....................................................... 7-78
73. General ........................................................................................................................... 7-78
74. Eligibility Requirements ................................................................................................ 7-79
75. Types of Instrument Ratings Issued ............................................................................... 7-80
76. Flight Controls ............................................................................................................... 7-80
77. Use of Nonapproved Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP) ...................................... 7-80
78. Limitations ..................................................................................................................... 7-80
79. Procedures ...................................................................................................................... 7-81
Section 12. Conduct a Pilot Type Rating Certification ......................................................... 7-85
80. General ........................................................................................................................... 7-85
81. Pilot Type Rating That May Be Performed as Either a Single Pilot or With an SIC .... 7-87
82. Procedures ...................................................................................................................... 7-98
Section 13. Procedures for Issuing a Second-in-Command Pilot Type Rating ................... 7-102
83. General ......................................................................................................................... 7-102
Section 14. Conduct a Private Pilot Certification for Weight Shift Control and Powered
Parachute, Including Additional Category/Class Ratings at the Private Pilot
Certification Level ......................................................................................................... 7-102
84. General ......................................................................................................................... 7-102
85. Eligibility Requirements .............................................................................................. 7-102
86. Limitations ................................................................................................................... 7-104
87. Categories and Classes ................................................................................................. 7-104
88. Procedures .................................................................................................................... 7-105
Section 15. Conduct a Flight Instructor with a Sport Pilot Rating Practical Test for an
Initial, Renewal, or Reinstatement ................................................................................ 7-109
89. General ......................................................................................................................... 7-109
90. General Procedures Initial Certification ...................................................................... 7-109
91. General Procedures for Renewal or Reinstatement ..................................................... 7-111
92. Denial of Renewal or Reinstatement ........................................................................... 7-111
93. Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificates ....................................................................... 7-112
94. Category and Class Privileges for a Flight Instructor Certificate with a Sport
Pilot Rating .................................................................................................................. 7-112
95. Procedures .................................................................................................................... 7-113
Section 16. Conduct a Flight Instructor Practical Test for an Initial, Renewal,
Reinstatement Certification, or an Additional Category/Class Rating to a Flight
Instructor Certificate ...................................................................................................... 7-116
96. General ......................................................................................................................... 7-116
97. Knowledge Test ........................................................................................................... 7-118
98. Practical Test ................................................................................................................ 7-118
99. Eligibility Requirements .............................................................................................. 7-119
100. General Procedures for Renewal or Reinstatement ................................................... 7-121
101. Denial of Renewal or Reinstatement ......................................................................... 7-122
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