FAA Releases New and Revised Inspector Guidance for Mechanic Certification

Last month the FAA published revised guidance for part 65 mechanic certification in its Flight Standards Management System (Order 8900.1), Volume 5 (airman certification), Chapter 5, available at drs.faa.gov.

While the guidance is directed at the inspector workforce and Designated Mechanic Examiners, it will drive changes to the testing process and therefore impact aviation technical maintenance schools and their students.

A summary of the changes pertaining to mechanic certification are as follows:

• Section 1 Introduction to Part 65 Certificates. Adds content to the section providing an overview of part 65 certification and information common to all sections.
• Section 2 Authorize a Mechanic Applicant to Test. Introduces guidance on authorizing mechanic test applicants based on practical experience.
• Section 3 Issue Temporary Mechanic Certificate. Provides guidance on issuance of temporary mechanic certificates, including verifying an applicant meets the eligibility requirements of part 65.
• Section 11 Administer an Oral and Practical Test. Incorporates procedures for oral and practical testing of mechanic applicants, previously contained in FAA Order 8900.2, Chapter 6.

Much of the new information will look familiar since it was carried over from guidance previously published in FAA Notice 8900.651 and 8900.695 (revised airman application) and 8900.666 (mechanic testing using the ACS).

An overview of the changes provided to the inspector workforce is available here.