U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ORDER FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 8080.6F National Policy Effective Date: 10/2/12 SUBJ: Conduct of Airman Knowledge Tests This order provides guidance for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel and personnel associated with organizations that are participating in, or seeking to participate in, the Airman Knowledge Testing (AKT) Program. This program encompasses airman knowledge tests as required by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 61, 63, and 65. Refer to FAA Order VS 1100.2, Managing AVS Delegation Programs; FAA Order 1600.75, Protecting Sensitive Unclassified Information (SUI); FAA Order 8100.15, Organization Designation Authorization Procedures; FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS); and FAA Order 8900.2, General Aviation Airman Designee Handbook, for additional guidance applicable to the AKT Program. Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.) § 44702 (current edition) empowers the FAA Administrator to delegate to private persons any function relating to the examination, inspection, and testing of airman applicants, subject to any regulation, supervision, and review that the Administrator may prescribe. Under § 44702 and FAA directives, the Administrator may rescind any such delegation at any time and for any reason deemed appropriate. The Administrator may determine that such a delegation should not be renewed for any reason deemed appropriate. for John M. Allen Director, Flight Standards Service Distribution: Electronic Only Initiated By: AFS-600 10/2/12 8080.6F Table of Contents Paragraph Page Chapter 1. General 1. Purpose of This Order......................................................................................................1-1 2. Audience..........................................................................................................................1-1 3. Where You Can Find This Order.....................................................................................1-1 4. What This Order Cancels.................................................................................................1-1 5. Background......................................................................................................................1-1 6. Explanation of Changes...................................................................................................1-2 7. General Definitions..........................................................................................................1-2 Chapter 2. Qualifications and Training of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Personnel 1. Qualifications of the Program Analyst............................................................................2-1 2. Training Areas.................................................................................................................2-1 3. Recurrent Training of the Program Analyst.....................................................................2-1 4. Program Evaluation.........................................................................................................2-1 Chapter 3. Airman Knowledge Testing (AKT) Centers 1. Testing Center Facility Requirements.............................................................................3-1 2. Testing Center Facility Files............................................................................................3-2 3. Testing Center Identification Code..................................................................................3-3 4. Testing Center Status.......................................................................................................3-3 5. Sponsorship......................................................................................................................3-3 6. Testing Center Affiliation................................................................................................3-3 7. Special Test Administrator (STA) Approval...................................................................3-4 Chapter 4. Test Procedures—General 1. Verification of Applicant Identity and Information.........................................................4-1 2. Underage Applicant.........................................................................................................4-1 3. Processing of Applicants..................................................................................................4-1 4. Unit Member Test Administration Responsibilities........................................................4-3 5. Time Allowed for Tests...................................................................................................4-4 6. Use of Aids, Reference Materials, and Test Materials....................................................4-5 7. Visual or Video Surveillance of Applicants During Tests...............................................4-6 8. Applicant Misconduct During Testing.............................................................................4-7 9. Handling Applicant Comments on Tests.........................................................................4-8 10. Duplicate Airman Knowledge Test Reports....................................................................4-8 11. Erroneous Airman Knowledge Test Reports...................................................................4-8 12. Test Administration for Unit Members............................................................................4-9 13. Testing Procedures for Applicants with Learning or Reading Disabilities.....................4-9 14. Test Preparation Courses...............................................................................................4-10 iii UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN DOWNLOADED Check with FSIMS to verify current version before using 10/2/12 8080.6F Paragraph Page Chapter 5. Knowledge Test Eligibility Requirements 1. Matrix...............................................................................................................................5-1 2. Faxed Authorizations.......................................................................................................5-1 3. Selection of Test..............................................................................................................5-2 4. Applicant Age Requirements...........................................................................................5-2 5. Test Credit for a Flight Instructor Applicant...................................................................5-4 6. Requirements for Pilot and Instructor Applicants...........................................................5-4 7. Requirements for Sport Pilot and Flight Instructor with a Sport Pilot Rating Applicants...........................................................................................................................5-4 8. Requirements for Flight Engineer (FE) Applicants.........................................................5-5 9. Minimum Age Requirements...........................................................................................5-5 10. Requirements for Aviation Mechanic Applicants............................................................5-6 11. Requirements for Parachute Rigger Applicants...............................................................5-6 12. Requirements for Inspection Authorization (IA) Applicants...........................................5-7 13. Requirements for Military Pilot or Former Military Pilot Applicants.............................5-7 14. Foreign Pilot Instrument Rating Tests.............................................................................5-8 15. Military Competence Parachute Rigger Tests.................................................................5-8 16. Transitioning Between Powered and Nonpowered Category and Class Rating Tests....5-9 17. Private Pilot Transition Tests...........................................................................................5-9 18. Added Rating Tests..........................................................................................................5-9 19. Canadian Conversion Tests..............................................................................................5-9 20. Administration of Knowledge Tests to Non-U.S. Citizens..............................................5-9 21. Retesting After Failure.....................................................................................................5-9 22. Retesting for Higher Score.............................................................................................5-10 23. Validity Period for Tests................................................................................................5-11 Chapter 6. Data Collection and Test Report Specifications 1. Applicant Registration.....................................................................................................6-1 2. Airman Knowledge Test Report Specifications..............................................................6-2 3. Data Collection and Transmission...................................................................................6-2 Chapter 7. Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC) 1. Background......................................................................................................................7-1 2. Definitions........................................................................................................................7-1 3. MOA................................................................................................................................7-2 4. Testing Center and Personnel Guidance..........................................................................7-2 5. Testing Center Personnel Requirements..........................................................................7-3 6. Testing Center and Personnel Appointments...................................................................7-4 7. Testing Center and Personnel Changes............................................................................7-4 8. Training Responsibilities.................................................................................................7-5 9. Suspension of Testing Privileges.....................................................................................7-6 10. Testing Center Inspections...............................................................................................7-6 Appendix A. Supplementary Information Related to the Conduct of Airman Knowledge Tests.............................................................................................................................A-1 iv UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN DOWNLOADED Check with FSIMS to verify current version before using 10/2/12 8080.6F Figure Page 4-1. Important Notice for Airman Applicants......................................................................4-3 5-1. Airman Knowledge Test Minimum Age Requirements...............................................5-3 5-2. Recreational Pilot—Addition of Category and Class Ratings....................................5-12 5-3. Private Pilot—Addition of Category and Class Ratings.............................................5-12 5-4. Commercial Pilot—Addition of Category and Class Ratings....................................5-13 5-5. Recreational Pilot—Private Pilot Transition Tests.....................................................5-13 5-6. Airline Transport Pilot—Added Rating Tests............................................................5-13 5-7. Administration of Flight Instructor—Full Tests.........................................................5-14 5-8. Administration of Flight Instructor—Short Tests.......................................................5-15 5-9. Administration of Flight Engineer Tests.....................................................................5-15 5-10. Certificate/Rating Test Codes.....................................................................................5-16 A-1. Test Codes....................................................................................................................A-1 A-2. Knowledge Test Data Record Layout..........................................................................A-4 A-3. Test Question Data Record Layout..............................................................................A-6 A-4. Validation Question Data Record Layout....................................................................A-7 A-5. Survey Data Record Layout.........................................................................................A-8 A-6. Sample Airman Knowledge Test Report.....................................................................A-9 A-7. Example of a Statement Waiving Right to Full Allotted Test Time..........................A-10 A-8. FAA Form 8610-2, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application...........................A-11 A-9. Sample Endorsement from an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations/Airworthiness) to Take a Flight Engineer Knowledge Test..................A-12 A-10. FAA Form 8610-1, Mechanic’s Application for Inspection Authorization...........A-13 A-11. Sample FAA Form 8000-5, Certificate of Designation..........................................A-14 A-12. Country and Nationality Codes...............................................................................A-15 v UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN DOWNLOADED Check with FSIMS to verify current version before using 10/2/12 8080.6F Chapter 1. General 1. Purpose of This Order. This order contains guidance for the Airman Knowledge Testing (AKT) Program, including instructions and procedures for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved AKT Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) holders, administrators, and unit members; Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC) test center personnel; and FAA entities concerned with this program. 2. Audience. All personnel involved in the AKT Program, including AKT ODA holders, administrators, and unit members; JSAMTCC testing center personnel; and FAA entities concerned with this program. 3. Where You Can Find This Order. You can find this order on the MyFAA employee Web site at https://employees.faa.gov/tools_resources/orders_notices. Inspectors can access this notice through the Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS) at http://fsims.avs.faa.gov. Air carriers (operators) can find this order on the FAA Web site at http://fsims.faa.gov. This notice is available to the public at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices. 4. What This Order Cancels. FAA Order 8080.6E, Conduct of Airman Knowledge Tests, dated January 26, 2009, is canceled. 5. Background. a. Computer-Based Testing. In November 1989, the FAA introduced a computer-based AKT program for the benefit of those airman applicants taking knowledge tests under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 61, 63, and 65. b. Expanded Testing. In February 1993, the Flight Standards Service (AFS) elected to expand computer-based knowledge testing with the publication and distribution of Order 8080.6. In addition to public acceptance of this program, new and improved forms of test information security have been put into effect that significantly reduce test compromise. c. Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) Military Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). In May 2000, the DANTES organization entered into an MOA with the FAA to provide mechanic airman knowledge tests to active military and reservist personnel. d. Sport Pilot. In December 2004, the FAA began administering sport pilot airman knowledge tests. e. Additional Exams Offered through the DANTES MOA. In June 2006, the FAA expanded the existing DANTES MOA to include the provision of all airman knowledge tests at selected DANTES test centers. f. Canadian Conversion Exams. In December 2006, the FAA began offering four Canadian Conversion (airplane only) exams: Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Airline Transport Pilot. 1-1 UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN DOWNLOADED Check with FSIMS to verify current version before using 10/2/12 8080.6F g. Military Competence Instructor (MCI) Exam. In October 2009, the FAA began offering the MCI exam. h. Additional Groups Included Under the DANTES MOA. In May 2010, the DANTES MOA was amended to include the availability of FAA knowledge testing to retirees, military dependents, and Department of Defense (DOD) civilians. i. Computer Testing Designee (CTD) Transition to ODA Methodology. In October 2010, the CTDs transitioned to the ODA methodology in accordance with 14 CFR part 183. j. JSAMTCC MOA. In November 2011, the JSAMTCC entered into an MOA with the FAA to provide the full array of airman knowledge tests to select groups of individuals associated with the five branches of the U.S. Military, the DOD, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Note: The JSAMTCC MOA cancelled the DANTES MOA. 6. Explanation of Changes. This revision incorporates updated information, procedural and policy changes, and new guidance. Application, selection, termination, oversight, and training of AKT ODA holders is now addressed in Order 8100.15. 7. General Definitions. a. Affiliated Testing Center. A testing center affiliated with an Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS). b. Airman Knowledge Testing (AKT) Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Holder. An organization that has obtained authorization from the FAA Administrator, as identified in a Letter of Designation, to administer airman knowledge tests. (Formerly known as a CTD.) c. Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI). An FAA employee primarily involved in developing, administering, or enforcing regulations and standards concerning civil aviation safety, including the airworthiness of aircraft and aircraft systems; the competence of pilots, mechanics, and other airmen; and safety aspects of aviation facilities, equipment, and procedures. d. Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). A DOD organization that supports off-duty, voluntary education programs and conducts special projects and development activities in support of education-related functions of the DOD. e. Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). As used in this order, the FSDO that has jurisdiction over the geographic area in which a specific testing center(s) is located. f. International Field Office (IFO). As used in this order, the IFO that has jurisdiction over the geographic area in which a specific testing center(s) is located. 1-2 UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN DOWNLOADED Check with FSIMS to verify current version before using 10/2/12 8080.6F g. Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC). A council established by the Community College of the Air Force to serve as a liaison between and an advisory board to the Aviation Maintenance Divisions of the U.S. Military and the FAA. (Refer to Chapter 7 for JSAMTCC information.) h. Organization Designation Authorization (ODA). The authorization to perform approved functions on behalf of the FAA Administrator. i. Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Administrator. The focal point(s) for the AKT ODA holder responsible for managing the ODA units’ activities and communicating with the Organization Management Team (OMT) lead. (Formerly known as the Computer Testing Manager (CTM).) j. Organization Management Team (OMT). A team consisting of representatives from the FAA’s Airman Testing Standards Branch (AFS-630) that has oversight of AKT ODA holders. k. Organization Management Team (OMT) Lead. The AFS-630 representative that coordinates the OMT’s activities and serves as the focal point for communication with the AKT ODA holders. l. Program Analyst. An FAA employee who serves as an advisor to management regarding the evaluation of the effectiveness, productivity, and efficiency of government programs and operations. m. Servicing Security Element (SSE). The organizational element that manages and oversees the FAA security program in headquarters (HQ), the regions, the William J. Hughes Technical Center (WJHTC), and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC). n. Special Test Administrator. Person(s) approved by the OMT to administer airman knowledge tests. o. Testing Center. A facility that provides applicants an FAA-approved computer-based testing environment for the administration of airman knowledge tests. p. Unit Member. An individual who performs a delegated function for an AKT ODA holder on behalf of the FAA (e.g., the supervisor of the testing center or his or her alternate, proctor, etc.). Formerly known as the Testing Center Supervisor (TCS), Alternate Testing Center Supervisor (ATCS), or proctor. 1-3 UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN DOWNLOADED Check with FSIMS to verify current version before using 10/2/12 8080.6F Chapter 2. Qualifications and Training of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Personnel 1. Qualifications of the Program Analyst. a. Personal Traits. The program analyst must have a reputation of professionalism, cooperation, integrity, dependability, sound judgment, and a willingness to provide excellent customer service to all internal and external stakeholders within the aviation community. b. Technical Skills. The program analyst must possess: (1) A bachelor’s degree in an aviation or business-related field or a minimum of 5 years equivalent experience working with or for the FAA. (2) Knowledge of and ability to apply FAA directives, orders, policies, advisory circulars (AC), and Federal Aviation Regulations as they relate to the Airman Knowledge Testing (AKT) Program. (3) The ability to clearly present complex technical and policy data in written or verbal format, and the ability to provide informative, meaningful, and concise documents and reports. 2. Training Areas. The Airman Testing Standards Branch (AFS-630) manager and the program analyst(s) must complete course FAA21400001, AFS Designee Management for Personnel Certification, and must receive additional training in the following areas: a. Area One. AKT Program policies and procedures, including the FAA’s designation philosophy. b. Area Two. Services the program analyst(s) is expected to provide to internal and external stakeholders. 3. Recurrent Training of the Program Analyst. a. Frequency. The program analyst(s) must receive recurrent technical and procedural training at least once every 48 months. b. Proof of Training. The AFS-630 manager must retain proof of the program analyst’s initial and recurrent training. 4. Program Evaluation. a. Selection of Program Analysts. The AFS-630 manger will assure that qualified specialists are selected and assigned. b. Evaluation of Manager and Program Analysts. The Regulatory Support Division (AFS-600) will evaluate the AFS-630 manager, and the branch manager will evaluate the program analyst(s) at least once every 24 months to ensure adequate performance and adherence to the guidelines set forth in this order. 2-1 UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN DOWNLOADED Check with FSIMS to verify current version before using 10/2/12 8080.6F Chapter 3. Airman Knowledge Testing (AKT) Centers 1. Testing Center Facility Requirements. a. Location. Testing centers must not be located in a private residence or in any type of transportable trailer or recreational vehicle. b. Entrance to Site. Sites that are collocated with other businesses or other types of business activity, or that include complex physical layouts, must include a separate entrance to the testing area. c. Testing Center Environment. Testing centers must provide and maintain, on a continuous basis, all elements listed below to preserve a professional testing atmosphere. Testing stations must be free of clutter and the testing area must be maintained in a neat and orderly manner. (1) Code Conformance. Conformance with local building, sanitation, and health codes. (2) Restroom. Restroom facilities located in the same building where the knowledge testing is conducted. (3) Atmosphere. Proper control of temperature and ventilation. (4) Freedom from Noise, Visual Aids, and Other Distractions. Noise in or around the testing area should be avoided. Testing rooms must be free of any aviation-related posters or other media that may assist an applicant in answering test questions. Testing rooms must be free from any activity other than test administration during FAA testing sessions. Unit members should avoid registering applicants using a testing room computer if another knowledge test(s) is already in progress. (5) Adequate Lighting. Avoid glare on computer monitor screens. (6) Adequate Physical Spacing and Table Workspace. Separate cubicles with suitable partitions between test terminals are recommended. In absence of partitions, 5-foot spacing is required between testing stations. All testing station workspaces must be at least 3 feet wide, and the monitor and keyboard offset to allow adequate room to use test materials. Note: The testing room must be arranged so that applicants are not able to view monitors at other testing stations. (7) Knowledge Test Administration. At least three operational computer terminals available for knowledge test administration during testing center business hours. (8) Surveillance. Applicant surveillance during testing sessions. (Refer to Chapter 4, paragraph 7.) (9) Security. A secured area for storing computer hardware used for airman knowledge test registration and administration. 3-1 UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN DOWNLOADED Check with FSIMS to verify current version before using 10/2/12 8080.6F (10) Filing System. A reference materials filing system to include AKT Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) holder procedure manual and training materials, a current copy of this order, and a copy of the FAA AKT Applicant Identification, Information Verification, and Authorization Requirements Matrix. (Refer to Chapter 4, paragraph 1, for additional information on the matrix.) (11) Secure Storage. A lockable file cabinet or desk drawer for securely storing: (a) Daily logs. (b) Copies of applicant identification media and test authorizations. (c) Supplementary materials. (d) Scratch paper. (e) Embosser. Note: The lockable storage area must remain secured at all times when not in use by testing center personnel. (12) Emergency Plans. Adequate arrangements for safety and emergencies (e.g., exit signs and posted evacuation routes in case of fire or severe weather). 2. Testing Center Facility Files. The AKT ODA holder must maintain a facility file for each testing center. A copy of the most current floor plan and physical layout must be maintained at the testing center. The following information must be retained as a part of each facility file: a. Name. Testing center name, including any company or “doing business as” name(s). b. Facility Address. Street address, city, state, and postal code, along with any other information that identifies the physical location of the testing center (e.g., airport name, building name and/or room number, and suite or unit number). c. Floor Plan and Physical Layout. Applicable scales and measurements used to prepare facility drawings must be visibly noted. Any sketches and associated labeling must be neatly and legibly prepared. Unit member workstations, testing stations, partitions (if applicable), location of lockable file cabinet, camera(s) and monitor(s) (if applicable), restroom facilities, and any other physical elements of the testing area must be clearly noted. d. Method of Surveillance. Method of applicant surveillance, including documentation of viewing window(s), video camera(s), and/or viewing monitor(s) locations. e. Images and Photographs. Digital images or photographs may accompany the facility information as a means of additional clarification of the floor plan and/or layout. 3-2 UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN DOWNLOADED Check with FSIMS to verify current version before using