Heads up drone pilots – as of January 13, the FAA is going to make major changes to the way that it handles testing.  All applicants will now need to create a profile and get an FAA tracking number before testing.

If getting your airman certificate or remote airman certificate (Part 107, drone pilot’s license, or whatever you like to call it) is on your New Year’s resolution list, you won’t want to miss the FAA’s upcoming webinars (TOMORROW, December 19 or Wednesday, January 8) to learn the details.

Webinar information below.  The following is an FAA announcement.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on January 13, 2020, will launch improvements to the way it tests all applicants for an FAA airman certificate for all certificated pilots (including drone pilots).

One of the most important changes is the requirement that all applicants obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile prior to registering for a knowledge test.

• The FTN allows the applicant and any certifying officer the ability to pull up airman information in a consistent format, leaving little room for errors associated with an applicant’s name. Previously, name inconsistencies could lead to returned files and lengthy delays in the certification process.
• IACRA is the web-based certification/rating application that guides the user through the FAA’s airman application process.

The FAA will host four webinars beginning next week to explain the new testing system, including the FTN requirement. Please select one of the dates below to register for a Webinar. 

• Thursday, December 19, 2019 – 10:00 a.m. EST
• Thursday, December 19, 2019 – 3:00 p.m. EST
• Wednesday, January 8, 2020 – 10:00 a.m. EST
• Wednesday, January 8, 2020 – 3:00 p.m. EST

For more information about the new testing system, please visit Airman Certificate Testing Service (ACTS).

Webinar Format:

• Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Webinar sessions are hosted in audio and visual format via GoToWebinar.
• You must download the GoToWebinar software on your computer, smartphone/tablet app.
• On the day of the webinar you can access the session via the join link in your confirmation email, or using your 9-digit Webinar ID.
• You are encouraged to read the GoToWebinar How-To Guide ahead of the webinar.

Questions about the webinar or the test? Please email AirmanKnowledgeTesting@faa.gov.