Attention Aviation Mechanic Examiners and Examinees—Update to Order 8900.2

Beginning September 30, 2015, FAA inspectors will utilize revised guidance to enforce regulations found in Order 8900.2A governing Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) appointments and A&P exams. The Order revises DME appointment qualifications and various aspects of the practical test standards (PTS).

Notable changes to Order 8900.2 include:

• Prohibiting DMEs from examining more than one applicant at a time (Ch. 5, ¶ 2(k)).
  
• Requiring AMTS instructors seeking appointment as a DME to have been an instructor for the past five years and to have concurrently exercised the privileges of a part 65 certificate for three years (Ch. 6, ¶ 1(a)(3)(d)).
  
• Increasing the difficulty of the of the exam by reducing the maximum number of questions per subject area from ten to seven (Ch. 6, ¶ 10(a)(1)(a)).
  
• Requiring reexamination of the entire oral/practical exam upon a student’s failure of a single subject area. (Ch. 6, ¶ 11(a) Notes).

Orders are meant to provide direction to FAA employees, not the public at large. However, when agency personnel are compelled to act in a particular way because of internal guidance, the agency is able to circumvent the rulemaking process and impose burdens on industry without notice or public comment. ATEC is working diligently with members to submit a formal letter to the agency objecting to the changes and manner in which they are “imposed.” 

Stay tuned...

Also see ATEC's member alert on updates to Order 8900.1.