Determine Applicant Readiness for Certification

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION N 8900.766

NOTICE

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION Effective Date: 1/26/26 National Policy Cancellation Date: 1/26/27 SUBJ: Determine Applicant Readiness for Certification 1. Purpose of This Notice. The purpose of this notice is to provide information for and assist Office Managers (OM), Front Line Managers (FLM), or office points of contact (POC) who are working with applicants applying for an Air Carrier Certificate, Operating Certificate, or Air Agency Certificate; or the issuance of management specifications (MSpecs) in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 91 subpart K (part 91K), 125, 133, 135, 137, 141, 142, 145, and 147. The scope and intent of this notice is to supplement Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order 8900.1, Volume 2, Air Operator and Air Agency Certification and Application Process; and Volume 10, Chapter 12, Certification Services Oversight Process.

2. Audience. The primary audience for this notice is Flight Standards (FS) Safety Assurance OMs, FLMs, or POCs with Certification Services Oversight Process (CSOP) responsibilities.

The secondary audience includes the Safety Standards and Foundational Business offices. This notice is available to the public for information purposes only. Its content is not legally binding on the public in its own right and will not be relied upon by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as a separate basis for affirmative enforcement action or other administrative penalty.

Public conformity with the guidance document is voluntary only; nonconformity will not affect rights and obligations under existing statutes and regulations.

3. Where You Can Find This Notice. You can find this notice on the MyFAA employee website at https://employees.faa.gov/tools_resources/orders_notices and the Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) at https://drs.faa.gov . Operators and the public can find this notice on the FAA’s website at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices and DRS.

4. Reissuance. This notice reissues Notice N 8900.728, Determine Applicant Readiness for Certification, dated January 21, 2025.

5. Background. FS offices responsible for certification use CSOP to assist in the management of certification applications. CSOP provides guidance to FS offices in accepting, sequencing, tracking, and reporting new certification applicant status. FS has seen an increased trend with applicants who are not ready to begin the initial certification process; as a result, this has increased the certification processing time and overall applicant wait time. To help reduce wait time and streamline the approach, FS has initiated a process to determine applicant readiness for certification prior to being added to the CSOP Applicant List.

Distribution: Electronic Only Initiated By: AFS-900

1/26/26 N 8900.766 6. Process. The Applicant Readiness Checklist for certification was developed as part of the process to streamline Phase 1, Preapplication, and Phase 2, Formal Application; and to ensure applicants enter the initial certification process at Phase 3, Document Compliance. It assists the OMs, FLMs, or POCs to determine an applicant’s readiness and the acceptance process for an application/applicant to be added to the CSOP Applicant List.

a. Initial Inquiry. The applicant is responsible to prepare themselves for certification. If an applicant is not prepared for the certification application process, the office should direct them to the certification resources at https://www.faa.gov or DRS, or they should consult with other external sources. FS personnel should not be the sole providers of education to applicants on what is needed for a successful initial certification process. Furthermore, FS offices should utilize Risk-Based Decision Making (RBDM) in allocating inspector resources during this stage.

b. Determine Applicant Readiness Process. Before an applicant can be added to the CSOP Applicant List, the office must determine if the applicant has submitted items and is ready to begin the initial certification process by using the applicable Applicant Readiness Checklist found in Appendix A.

1/26/26 N 8900.766 Figure 1. Applicant Readiness Process

1/26/26 N 8900.766 (1) If the preapplication information is received through email, then office personnel will populate the information in the Preapplications tab of the Safety Assurance System (SAS), attach the checklist items, and submit the application (Submitted). If the preapplication information is received through the external portal, it will be received in “Submitted” status (Submitted).

(2) Office personnel will review the preapplication information and determine applicant readiness based on the applicable checklist in Appendix A.

Note: Phases 1 and 2 of the certification process are completed with this step.

(3) If the preapplication information does not meet the requirements of the Applicant Readiness Checklist, then list the requirements the applicant did not meet, document the number of returns (e.g., first return or second return) in the Remarks section, and select “Return” (Returned). This data will provide a historical reference based on the applicant’s readiness and the number of attempts to meet the requirements of the checklist. Additionally, if the preapplication information was submitted through email and does not meet the requirements of the Applicant Readiness Checklist, then list the requirements the applicant did not meet in the checklist and email this information to the applicant. If, after 15 days from the “Return” notification, the applicant has not responded or submitted items, withdraw them from applicable areas within SAS.

Note: The applicant may correct and resubmit or withdraw their application.

Applications in “Returned” status can be edited, resubmitted, or withdrawn by external portal users or office personnel.

(4) If the applicant has met all requirements, accept the application (Accept for RA), perform certification resource analysis, and add to the Applicant List to await FS resources (Applicant List). This data shows the applicant has met the requirements of the checklist and is ready to begin certification.

Note: The certification process begins with Phase 3.

7. Office Actions for Existing Applicants. Existing applicants in SAS can be in the following statuses: “Applicant List,” “Accept for RA,” or “Submitted.” a. For applications submitted prior to October 1, 2022, each office will contact and provide the Applicant Readiness Checklist to applicants associated with their office within 30 days of the publication of this notice. For all other existing applicants, each office will contact and provide the Applicant Readiness Checklist to applicants associated with their office within 90 days of the publication of this notice. Applicants will have 30 days from notification to submit items on the checklist and inform the office of their intent to remain on or continue to the Applicant List. The FS offices may have discretion on this timeframe based upon the applicant’s responsiveness.

(1) For applicants on the Applicant List, update the last official notification date, enter any pertinent information in the Applicant List Comments section, and attach correspondence on the Preapplication Information/CSOP Applicant List page.

1/26/26 N 8900.766 (2) For applicants in “Accept for RA” status, enter any pertinent information in the Comments section and attach correspondence on the Preapplication Information/CSOP Resource Analysis page.

(3) For applicants in “Submitted” status, follow subparagraph 6b(3) or 6b(4), as appropriate.

b. For applicants that have submitted checklist items and who intend to remain on or continue to the Applicant List, office personnel will update the last official notification date, enter detailed comments regarding the applicant’s readiness, and attach the Applicant Readiness Checklist and all submitted documents on the Preapplication Information/CSOP Applicant List page.

c. If, after 30 days from notification, the applicant has not responded or submitted checklist items, withdraw them from applicable areas within SAS, such as the Applicant List. Ensure detailed justification comments are entered for all withdrawn applications.

d. Applicants withdrawn in SAS under this process may resubmit an application for certification and will be required to go through this new process to be placed on the Applicant List. Their original place on the Applicant List will be forfeited and readjusted based on the new date of acceptance.

Note: During initial certification, members of the certification team and FS personnel should encourage applicants to be prepared. Refer applicants to existing agency policy, guidance, and regulations pertaining to certification (e.g., regulations that specify required contents of a manual).

8. Disposition. Some of the information in this notice will be incorporated into Order 8900.1, Volume 10, Safety Assurance System Policy and Procedures, and other applicable policy before this notice expires. Direct questions or comments concerning the information in this notice to the Safety Management, Analytics, and System Integration Division (AFS-900) at 9-AVS-AFS900-Directives@faa.gov.

Hugh Thomas Acting Executive Director, Flight Standards Service

1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Appendix A. Applicant Readiness Checklist Table A-1. Title 14 CFR Part 91 Subpart K (Part 91K) Fractional Ownership Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Reference/Remarks Initials/Date (Y, N, N/A) Statement of intent FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 2, Chapter 5, Section 2, Phase 1 — Preapplication Proposed Schedule of The SOE must include a timeline based Events (SOE) on calendar days (e.g., 30 days) as opposed to actual dates for the acquisition of facilities, aircraft leases, and equipment after initial certification begins.

Fractional ownership Order 8900.1, Volume 2, Chapter 5, program or business Section 2 plan is complete Management Order 8900.1, Volume 2, Chapter 5, specifications (MSpecs) Section 2; and Volume 3, Chapter 18, requested Section 2, Operations Safety System 14 CFR § 91.1015 Signed 14 CFR § 91.1013 acknowledgment of Included in the program management operational control services contract.

responsibilities Program Operating 14 CFR § 91.1025 Manual (POM) Internal safety reporting 14 CFR § 91.1021 and incident/accident response procedures Cockpit checklist 14 CFR § 91.1033 (normal, abnormal, emergency) Passenger briefing cards 14 CFR § 91.1035 Hazardous materials 14 CFR § 91.1085 (hazmat) recognition program A-1 1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Reference/Remarks Initials/Date (Y, N, N/A) Pilot safety background 14 CFR § 111.105 checks and procedures 14 CFR § 111.135 FAA Order 8000.88, PRIA and PRD Guidance for FAA Inspectors Drug and alcohol 14 CFR § 91.1047 misuse education program List of owners and 14 CFR § 91.1027 associated aircraft Destination Airport 14 CFR § 91.1037 Analysis Program (DAAP) Proving and/or 14 CFR § 91.1041 validation test plan, if applicable Continuous 14 CFR § 91.1411 Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP), if required A-2 1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Table A-2. Title 14 CFR Part 125 Operators Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Reference/Remarks Initials/Date (Y, N, N/A) Form FAA 8400 - 6, 14 CFR § 125.21 Preapplication Statement of Intent Management personnel 14 CFR § 125.25 qualifications Formal Application Letter Initial Compliance Statement Policy and Procedures 14 CFR § 125.71 Manual (PPM) List of requested operations specifications (OpSpecs) Leases, agreements, and If documentation is unavailable, the contracts, as intentions should be annotated on the appropriate, for any Schedule of Events (SOE).

required facility, service, aircraft, and equipment Deviation requests or 14 CFR § 125.3 authorities granted Proposed SOE The SOE must include a timeline based on calendar days (e.g., 30 days) as opposed to actual dates for the acquisition of facilities, aircraft leases, and equipment after initial certification begins.

Hazardous materials 14 CFR § 125.73 (hazmat) procedures and instructions Weight and Balance FAA-H-8083-1, Aircraft Weight and (W&B) procedures Balance Handbook A-3 1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Table A-3. Title 14 CFR Part 133 Rotorcraft External-Load Operations Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Initials/Dat Reference/Remarks (Y, N, N/A) e Form FAA 8710 - 4, Rotorcraft External- Load Operator Certificate Application Documentation that the 14 CFR § 133.21 applicant has the services available of at least one person that holds a current Commercial Pilot or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with rating for the rotorcraft prescribed in 14 CFR § 133.19 issued by the Administrator If applicable, instrument 14 CFR § 61.3(e) flight rules (IFR) 14 CFR § 61.51(g)(3) 14 CFR § 61.57(c) and (d) The applicant has 14 CFR § 91.205 documentation that 14 CFR § 133.33 pilot(s) meet instrument qualifications and currency, and the aircraft is equipped for IFR Letter of nomination for 14 CFR § 133.21 designation of Chief May be the applicant.

Pilot Letter or lease 14 CFR § 133.19 agreement for the use of at least one rotorcraft Copy of proposed 14 CFR § 133.47 Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual (RLCFM) A-4 1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Initials/Dat Reference/Remarks (Y, N, N/A) e If applicable, Class D 14 CFR § 133.37 training program, including initial and recurrent If applicable, hazmat 49 CFR parts 100 through 185 training program Note: Emphasis on 49 CFR parts 171, 172, and 175.

A-5 1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Table A-4. Title 14 CFR Part 135 Operators Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Reference/Remarks Initials/Date (Y, N, N/A) Title 14 CFR Part 135—Single Pilot or Single Pilot in Command (PIC) (as Applicable) Form FAA 8400 - 6, Preapplication Statement of Intent Compliance statement: FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 2, Chapter 4, sized and scoped for Section 1, Phase 1—Preapplication intended operations Documentation of the 14 CFR § 5.95 organization’s Safety Management System Note: While 14 CFR § 135.21(a) does (SMS) not require a manual setting forth the certificate holder’s (CH) procedures and policies, SMS should be documented within the compliance statement, integrated into other manuals, or a stand-alone document.

List of proposed Form FAA 8400-6, Section 1E, No. 10 operations specifications (OpSpecs) with procedures, if applicable Category and class of Form FAA 8400-6, Section 1D, No. 8 aircraft to be used (type (i.e., single engine, multiengine, not necessary) turboprop, jet, above 12,500, visual flight representative of aircraft rules (VFR) only, rotorcraft) to be used in proposed If the applicant is using an Unmanned certification.

Aircraft System (UAS), contact the If available, list aircraft Emerging Technologies Division by number, type, (AFS-700) for any additional checklist registration, and make, items needed before adding to the model, and series Applicant List.

(M/M/S) expected to be used Intent of will or will not Form FAA 8400-6, Section 1E, No. 10 carry of hazardous materials (hazmat) Hazmat training manual 14 CFR § 135.23(p) A-6 1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Reference/Remarks Initials/Date (Y, N, N/A) Flight locating 14 CFR § 135.79 procedures Ground deicing 14 CFR § 135.227 procedures Formal Application Order 8900.1, Volume 2, Chapter 4, Letter Section 1 Proposed Schedule of The SOE must include a timeline based Events (SOE) on calendar days (e.g., 30 days) as opposed to actual dates for the acquisition of facilities, aircraft leases, and equipment after initial certification begins.

Named pilot résumé Order 8900.1, Volume 2, Chapter 4, Section 6, Single-Pilot, Single Pilot-in-Command, and Basic Part 135 Operations Copy of pilot and medical certificate(s) Corporation papers: legal business name Sample aircraft discrepancy log Sample pilot record Sample flight and duty log Title 14 CFR Part 135 — Nine or Less Basic or Full (in Addition to Single Pilot or Single PIC) Deviation or exemption requests, if required General Operations 14 CFR § 135.21 Manual (GOM) 14 CFR § 135.23 Training manual A-7 1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Reference/Remarks Initials/Date (Y, N, N/A) Management résumés: • Director of Operations • Director of Maintenance • Chief Pilot Copy of pilot and medical certificates for Director of Operations and Chief Pilot Approved Aircraft 14 CFR § 135.419 Inspection Program (AAIP), if required Title 14 CFR Part 135 — Ten or More (in Addition to Single Pilot or Single PIC and Nine or Less Basic or Full) Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP) General Maintenance 14 CFR § 135.427 Manual (GMM) A-8 1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Table A-5. Title 14 CFR Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operations (Excluding Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)) Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Reference/Remarks Initials/Date (Y, N, N/A) Private or Commercial Letter of Intent FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 2, Chapter 8, Section 1, The Certification Process of a Part 137 Operator Form FAA 8710-3, Order 8900.1, Volume 2, Chapter 8, Agricultural Aircraft Section 1 Operator Certificate Application Private applicant: 14 CFR § 137.19 Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate Commercial applicant: services of person that holds a Commercial Pilot or ATP Certificate rated for aircraft to be used Proof of availability of 14 CFR § 137.19 at least one aircraft properly certificated, airworthy and equipped for operation Proof of applicant’s 14 CFR § 137.19 knowledge and skills or have services of a chief supervisor with knowledge and skills for aircraft used Commercial only: 14 CFR § 137.71 recordkeeping system/sample form A-9 1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Table A-6. Title 14 CFR Part 141 Pilot Schools Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Reference/Remarks Initials/Date (Y, N, N/A) Letter of Intent FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 2, Chapter 9, Section 1, Safety Assurance System: Initial Certification or Renewal of a Part 141 Pilot School Safety practices and 14 CFR § 141.53 procedures (manuals) Form FAA 8420-8, 14 CFR § 141.13 Application for Pilot School Certification Training course outlines 14 CFR § 141.53 (TCO)/syllabi Résumé for chief 14 CFR § 141.35 instructor Résumé for assistant 14 CFR § 141.36 chief instructor (optional) A-10 1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Table A-7. Title 14 CFR Part 142 Training Centers Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Reference/Remarks Initials/Date (Y, N, N/A) Letter of Application Order 8900.1, Volume 2, Chapter 10, with corporate/business Section 1 name (including doing business as (DBA) name), mailing address, telephone number, and email address Signature(s) per FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 2, Chapter 10, Section 1, Certification of Part 142 Training Centers and the Addition of Satellite Facilities Proposed Schedule of The SOE must include a timeline based Events (SOE) to include on calendar days (e.g., 30 days) as the Training and opposed to actual dates for the Simulation Group acquisition of facilities, aircraft leases, (AFS-280) evaluation and equipment after initial certification begins.

Proposed training Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 54, curriculum/course Section 6, Part 142 Training Centers: Evaluate Training Programs, Curricula, Flight Training Equipment, and Recordkeeping Requirements 14 CFR §§ 142.37/142.39 Location of the training Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 54, center and any proposed Section 6 satellite centers 14 CFR §§ 142.15/142.17 Training records Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 54, Section 6 14 CFR § 142.73 Proposed instructor and Including curriculum, courseware, evaluator training procedures, and any other supporting program documentation.

A-11 1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Reference/Remarks Initials/Date (Y, N, N/A) Proposed evaluation authorization(s) Proposed core and Including associated syllabi, including specialty training courseware, procedures, checklists, and curriculums any other supporting documentation for the training of students, instructors, and evaluators.

Company policy manual(s) Indicate whether company employs or proposes to employ any person described in 14 CFR § 142.11(e)(2)(i), (ii), or (iii) Description of a recordkeeping system If intent is to provide training for a certificate or rating in fewer than the minimum hours prescribed in 14 CFR part 61, a method of demonstrating qualification and ability to provide training Description of Quality Control (QC) program Proposed training agreements Deviation and waiver requests, if applicable Compliance statement A-12 1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Reference/Remarks Initials/Date (Y, N, N/A) A copy of a purchase Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 54, contract or adequate Section 6 lease of flight training 14 CFR § 142.59 equipment that is available for exclusive Certification of a training center under use, for adequate periods 14 CFR part 142 requires the use of at of time least one full flight simulator (FFS) or Level 6 or 7 flight training device (FTD).

*Must be able to show An application that proposes to conduct this within 45 days of training, testing, and checking using certification process start aircraft only will not be accepted.

Description of the applicant’s training facilities, equipment, and qualifications of personnel to be used *Must be able to show this within 45 days of certification process start Management qualifications stated in specific terms *Must be able to show this within 45 days of certification process start A-13 1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Table A-8. Title 14 CFR Part 145 Repair Stations Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Reference/Remarks Initials/Date (Y, N, N/A) Form FAA 8400 - 6, Preapplication Statement of Intent Description of housing, Form FAA 8400-6, Section 1E, No. 10 facilities, and proposed 14 CFR § 145.103 personnel numbers, if available If unavailable, annotate the intentions on the Schedule of Events (SOE).

Stated intent for Form FAA 8400-6, Section 1E, No. 10 hazardous materials 14 CFR § 145.53(c) (hazmat) employer, as defined under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) § 171.8 Repair Station Manual 14 CFR § 145.207 (RSM) Quality Control Manual 14 CFR § 145.211(c) (QCM) Training program 14 CFR § 145.163 manual Forms manual (if not 14 CFR § 145.211(c)(3) included in any other manual) A list by type and make 14 CFR § 145.51(a)(3) and model (M/M), as appropriate, of each article for which application is made List of contract 14 CFR § 145.217 maintenance functions Form FAA 8310-3, Application for Repair Station Certificate and/or Rating A-14 1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Reference/Remarks Initials/Date (Y, N, N/A) Proposed SOE The SOE must include a timeline based on calendar days (e.g., 30 days) as opposed to actual dates for the acquisition of facilities, aircraft leases, and equipment after initial certification begins.

Capability list (CL), if 14 CFR § 145.215 applicable Letter(s) of recommendation and applications for any proposed repairman (Form FAA 8610-3, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application – Repairman) Limited ratings: process 14 CFR § 145.61(c) specifications, if applicable A-15 1/26/26 N 8900.766 Appendix A Table A-9. Title 14 CFR Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS) Received/ Verified by Item Submitted Reference/Remarks Initials/Date (Y, N, N/A) Form FAA 8400 - 6, Preapplication Statement of Intent Form FAA 8310-6, 14 CFR § 147.5 Aviation Maintenance Technician School Certificate and Ratings Application Proposed Schedule of The SOE must include a timeline based Events (SOE) on calendar days (e.g., 30 days) as opposed to actual dates for the acquisition of facilities, aircraft leases, and equipment after initial certification begins.

Letter of compliance (optional) Description of facilities 14 CFR § 147.5(b)(1) Description of 14 CFR § 147.5(b)(1) equipment and materials used Description of 14 CFR § 147.5(b)(2) curriculum basis Description of instructor 14 CFR § 147.5(b)(3) requirements 14 CFR § 147.19 Curriculum 14 CFR § 147.17(a)(1) Evidence of 14 CFR § 147.23(a)(1) accreditation, if applicable AMTS Quality Control 14 CFR § 147.23 System (QCS), if applicable Exemption requests or authorities granted, if applicable A-16