Certificated Maintenance School Certificate
What is the Certificated Maintenance School Certificate?
The FAA’s Certificated Maintenance School Certificate authorizes an educational institution to provide training for students pursuing certification as aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs). This certification allows the school to offer programs that meet FAA standards and prepare students to take the FAA exams for Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics. The certificate ensures that the school provides quality, FAA-approved education in aircraft maintenance and repair.
What can you do with it?
With this certification, the maintenance school is authorized to:
- Offer FAA-approved training programs: Schools can offer both theoretical and practical instruction on airframe and powerplant maintenance.
- Prepare students for FAA certification: Graduates can be prepared to take the FAA written, oral, and practical exams for A&P certification.
- Maintain an FAA-certified program: This certification verifies that the school follows FAA guidelines in training students for the aviation maintenance field.
What can you do with it?
Holding this certification does not authorize the school to:
What is the certification process?
- Perform maintenance or repairs: Schools can train students, but they cannot perform actual maintenance or repairs on aircraft or aircraft components unless specifically certified under other FAA certifications (such as Part 145).
- Issue certifications for students: Schools can prepare students for exams, but they cannot issue FAA certifications. Only the FAA can issue the A&P certificate after successful completion of the exams.
What is the certification process?
For this certification, the maintenance school must:
Meet the following requirements:
- Submit a detailed training curriculum and school manual that meets FAA standards.
- Ensure that the school has qualified instructors and facilities that meet FAA guidelines.
- Establish a system for providing both theoretical and practical training, with an emphasis on hands-on experience.
- Provide documentation that demonstrates the school’s compliance with FAA safety, operational, and academic standards.
Meet the following requirements:
- Submit an application to the FAA using FAA Form 8000-36, “Application for Certification of an Aviation Maintenance Technician School.”
- Provide all necessary documentation, including curriculum outlines, instructor qualifications, and facility specifications.
- Undergo an FAA inspection of the school’s facilities and equipment to ensure compliance with FAA regulations.
Meet the following requirements:
- While the school itself does not take written exams, it will undergo inspections and audits by the FAA to ensure the curriculum meets the required standards.
- The school’s courses must cover the required knowledge areas set by the FAA for airframe and powerplant training.
Maintain compliance:
- The school must undergo periodic FAA inspections to ensure it maintains compliance with Part 147 regulations and continues to provide quality training.
To maintain certification, the school must demonstrate ongoing compliance and quality of training as determined by the FAA.
Publications:
The primary FAA-approved publications associated with this certification are:
- 14 CFR Part 147: Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools
- AC 147-1: Certification of Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools
- FAA Order 8100.8: Guidance for Certificating Aviation Maintenance Schools