Access to FAA's WebOPSS

Q: We understand that part 147 certificate holders can get access to the FAA’s WebOPSS system, which would allow the school to electronically request changes to our operations specifications. This sounds like it would greatly streamline the review and approval process. How do we get access?
 
A: WebOPSS (Web-Enabled Business Operations Safety System) is the automated application used by the FAA to generate and manage operations specifications (OpSpecs) on behalf of the certificate holder. Certificate holders may receive login credentials to manage OpSpecs through WebOpss after receiving the necessary training.
 
That said, while WebOPSS provides a handy way to access and manage OpSpecs, part 147 schools are not required to use it. OpSpecs can continue to be managed via paper or electronic email, as they always have.
 
The requisite WebOPSS training is provided either 1) through the FAA Academy (at a cost) or 2) by a representative of the local FAA office (for free). A read-only version of the slide deck that local inspectors may use to train industry users is available here.
 
Once the school is trained on WebOPSS, the local inspector must fill out the WebOPSS “New User Request (Industry User)” form available in the FAA’s internal systems. Once approved, the certificate holder must purchase a digital signature at https://dcs.faa.gov/, to sign OpSpecs electronically.
 
NOTE: Currently, WebOPSS must operate in Internet Explorer, which has been decommissioned by Microsoft. The FAA has distributed workaround instructions until it can update the system’s compatibility. Those instructions are available at https://cms.faa.gov/headquartersoffices/avs/how-configure-your-pc-webopss-instructions.