Examining authority qualification requirements

This regulation sets the standards for a pilot school to gain and keep "examining authority"—the privilege to let its own instructors conduct practical tests instead of requiring FAA inspectors or outside examiners.

To initially qualify, a school must have held its pilot school certificate and the relevant rating for at least 24 consecutive months, and the course must meet full Part 141 minimums. Most critically, within the prior 24 months, the school must have trained at least 10 students in that course and recommended them for testing, with at least 90% passing their first attempt when tested by an FAA inspector or independent examiner.

To renew examining authority, the school must maintain its certificate and rating, continue meeting the 24-month holding requirement, and keep courses at full Part 141 standards.

This authority is valuable because it streamlines testing for students and reduces scheduling delays, but the high pass-rate requirement ensures only consistently effective schools receive this privilege.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*