FAA Finalizes Guidelines For Part 147 Schools to Manage Oral and Practical Testing

The FAA's long-awaited revamp to its Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) program is done, and—as expected—it incorporates airman certification testing, giving part 147 schools a way to expand testing capacity without relying on more FAA-designated examiners.

The FAA's updated program policy, detailed in FAA Order 8000.15C, makes sweeping changes to the agency's 20-year-old ODA program that delegates certain agency privileges to organizations that meet specific qualifications. Most relevant for the part 147 community is the creation of an Airmen Certification (AC) ODA.

Under the new policy, organizations with certificates under 14 CFR parts 121, 135, 141, 142, 145, or 147 that meet the FAA's qualifications can form AC ODAs. This will permit them to manage and conduct oral and practical testing for airframe and/or powerplant ratings as well as other qualifications.

The new guidance largely follows the draft version that the FAA issued in August 2024 (see related story). The council, in comments submitted to the FAA on behalf of its members, expressed strong support for the 2024 draft.

Access to Designated Mechanic Examiners (DMEs) remains a key hurdle prospective mechanics face when working towards their FAA airframe and powerplant certificates. In the most recent Pipeline Report, more than 30% of part 147 respondents cited the issue as the most significant barrier students face in obtaining certificates.

AC ODA program capacity will supplement the existing DME population. The FAA benefits from managing organizations—the ODA approval holders—which is simpler than overseeing individual designees. Industry organizations can create and manage their own testing capacity as well as oversee their examiners.

Not all part 147 schools will need or want an AC ODA. Those with convenient access to DMEs may not benefit from establishing an AC ODA, for instance.

Council leadership is available to help programs assess whether AC ODA is appropriate for their needs and to support them throughout the application process.