FAA Administrative Actions

Current and former U.S. military pilots may qualify for FAA pilot certificates and ratings based on their military flight training and experience under 14 CFR § 61.73. Depending on their military qualifications and documentation, eligible applicants may obtain Commercial Pilot Certificates, Instrument Ratings, Aircraft Type Ratings, and, for qualified military instructor pilots and military pilot examiners, Flight Instructor Certificates without completing an FAA Practical Test.

Eligible current and former U.S. military pilots may qualify for one or more of the following FAA certificates and ratings under 14 CFR § 61.73:

• Commercial Pilot Certificate
• Instrument Rating
• Aircraft Type Rating
• Flight Instructor Certificate (for qualified military instructor pilots and military pilot examiners)

Eligibility for each certificate or rating depends on the applicant meeting the applicable requirements of 14 CFR § 61.73 and providing acceptable military documentation.

No. Military competency applicants receive FAA certificates and ratings based on qualifying military training, successful completion of the required FAA Airman Knowledge Test(s), when applicable, and verification of official U.S. military records. My role is to verify your eligibility under 14 CFR § 61.73, review your documentation, process your application through IACRA, and issue your Temporary Airman Certificate. No FAA Practical Test is required.

Commercial Pilot Certificates (§ 61.73 (b))

 To qualify for an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, you must:

• Present evidence of your status as a current or former U.S. military pilot. 
• Pass the Military Competency Non-Category (MCN) Airman Knowledge Test. 
• Present official U.S. military records demonstrating compliance with one of the eligibility pathways prescribed by 14 CFR § 61.73(b), including documentation of the required military qualification, proficiency check, or qualifying military pilot experience for the certificate sought.

Instrument Ratings (§ 61.73 (d))

 To qualify for an Instrument Rating, you must:

• Pass a U.S. military instrument proficiency check in the aircraft category for the Instrument Rating sought. 
• Present official U.S. military records demonstrating qualification to conduct instrument flight in the applicable aircraft category and class in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.73(d).

Flight Instructor Certificates (§ 61.73 (g))

To qualify for an FAA Flight Instructor Certificate under the military competency provisions, you must:

• Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with the appropriate aircraft category and class rating. 
• Hold the appropriate Instrument Rating or instrument privileges. 
• Present the following: 
  • A passing Military Competence Instructor (MCI) Airman Knowledge Test Report or an FAA Flight Instructor Certificate. 
  • Official U.S. military records or orders showing qualification as a military instructor pilot or military pilot examiner. 
  • Official U.S. military records or orders showing successful completion of a military instructor pilot or pilot examiner training course with the appropriate aircraft qualification. 
  • Official U.S. military records or orders showing successful completion of a military instructor pilot or pilot examiner proficiency check appropriate to the Flight Instructor Certificate sought.

U.S. Air Force

• AF Form 8 – Certificate of Aircrew Qualification Flight Crew Record (computer printout)

U.S. Army

• DA Form 759 – Individual Flight Record and Flight Certificate - Army

U.S. Coast Guard

• OPNAV Form 3760/31 – Aviator’s Flight Log Book 

U.S. Navy / U.S. Marines

• OPNAV Form 3760/31 – Aviator’s Flight Log Book
• OPNAV Form 3710/2 – NATOPS Instrument Rating Record
• OPNAV Form 3760/32 – NATOPS Qualification Jacket 

• FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application (IACRA)
• Airman Knowledge Test Report for the Military Competency Non-Category (MCN) Airman Knowledge Test
• Airman Knowledge Test Report for Military Competence Instructor (MCI) Airman Knowledge Test, or FAA Flight Instructor Certificate (if applicable)
• Government-issued Photo ID
• Official U.S. military flight records  demonstrating compliance with the applicable requirements of 14 CFR § 61.73 

1. Pass the appropriate FAA Airman Knowledge Test(s). Information about testing locations and scheduling is available on the FAA Airman Testing website. 
2. Complete your application in IACRA.
3. Gather the required documentation listed above. 
4. Schedule an appointment with me to verify your identity, eligibility and review your documentation. 
5. Pay the applicable fee and receive your Temporary Airman Certificate upon successful verification of your eligibility.

Flight instructors must establish recent experience every 24 calendar months in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.197 before exercising the privileges of a Flight Instructor Certificate. Depending on your certificate status and eligibility, this may involve renewal or the reestablishment of recent experience. I am authorized to process Flight Instructor Certificate renewal and recent experience applications for eligible instructors.

If you are no longer eligible to renew or reestablish recent experience through the administrative processes authorized by 14 CFR § 61.197, you may be required to complete a Flight Instructor Practical Test. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact me before scheduling an appointment.

No. Flight Instructor Certificate renewal and recent experience applications processed under 14 CFR § 61.197 do not require an FAA Practical Test. My role is to verify your eligibility, review your documentation, process your application through IACRA, and issue your Temporary Airman Certificate, when applicable.

To qualify for administrative processing under 14 CFR § 61.197, you must hold a Flight Instructor Certificate and satisfy one of the applicable recent experience or renewal requirements prescribed by the regulation.

• Endorse at least five applicants for a Practical Test during the preceding 24 calendar months, with at least 80 percent passing on their first attempt. 
• Serve during the preceding 24 calendar months as a company check pilot, chief flight instructor, company check airman, or flight instructor in a Part 121 or Part 135 operation, or in another position involving the regular evaluation of pilots. 
• Successfully complete an approved Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) within the preceding three calendar months. 
• Successfully complete an official U.S. Armed Forces military instructor pilot or military pilot examiner proficiency check within the preceding 24 calendar months. 
• Serve as a flight instructor in an FAA-sponsored Pilot Proficiency Program and satisfy all applicable requirements of 14 CFR § 61.197(b)(2)(v).

Not every Flight Instructor Certificate may be renewed through an administrative certification action. Depending on your certificate status and the amount of time that has elapsed since your recent experience period ended, you may instead be required to complete a Flight Instructor Practical Test.  

If you are uncertain whether you qualify for administrative processing under 14 CFR § 61.197, please contact me before scheduling an appointment. I will be happy to review your circumstances and help determine the appropriate certification pathway. 

Note: I am only authorized to process administrative Flight Instructor renewal and recent experience applications that fall within the authority granted by my FAA designation. 

• FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application (IACRA) 
• Valid, unexpired FAA Flight Instructor Certificate 
• Government-issued Photo ID 
• Documentation demonstrating eligibility under one of the renewal or recent experience provisions of 14 CFR § 61.197

1.  Determine your eligibility under 14 CFR § 61.197. 
2. Complete your application in IACRA.
3. Gather the required documentation listed above.
4. Schedule an appointment with me to verify your identity, eligibility and review your documentation.
5. Pay the applicable fee and receive your Temporary Airman Certificate.

The FAA issues Remote Pilot Certificates with a Small UAS Rating under 14 CFR Part 107. The application process depends on whether you already hold an FAA pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 61. Existing Part 61 pilots follow one certification pathway, while first-time Remote Pilot applicants follow another.

Existing FAA Part 61 Pilots

• You currently hold an FAA pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 61, other than a Student Pilot Certificate, have satisfied the flight review requirements of 14 CFR § 61.56, and have completed the FAA Part 107 Small UAS Initial (ALC-451) online training course.
• To complete this certification pathway, your identity and eligibility must be verified by an authorized FAA certifying official. This may be accomplished by an FAA-certificated flight instructor (CFI), Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or another authorized FAA representative. 
• If you would like me to assist with the process, I am happy to verify your identity and eligibility, process your application through IACRA, and issue your Temporary Remote Pilot Certificate. Eligible Part 61 pilot appointments may also be conducted remotely in accordance with current FAA policy, subject to identity verification and technology requirements. 

First-Time Remote Pilot Applicants

• You do not hold an FAA pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 61, or you hold a Part 61 pilot certificate but do not qualify for the online-training pathway.
• Most first-time applicants do not need to schedule an appointment with a DPE. After passing the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) Airman Knowledge Test, most applicants simply submit their application through IACRA and complete the required TSA security vetting process.
• If you would prefer assistance with the application process or identity verification, I am also available to help as an authorized FAA certifying official. 

 No. Neither certification pathway requires an FAA Practical Test.

For applicants who schedule an appointment with me, my role is to verify your identity and eligibility, review your documentation, and process your application through IACRA.

First-time applicants who have passed the UAG Airman Knowledge Test may also choose to submit their application directly through IACRA without meeting with a certifying official.

If you already hold an FAA pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 61 (other than a Student Pilot Certificate), you may qualify for a Remote Pilot Certificate without taking the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) Airman Knowledge Test.   

To qualify, you must:

• Hold an FAA pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 61, other than a Student Pilot Certificate.  
• Satisfy the flight review requirements of 14 CFR § 61.56.  
• Successfully complete the FAA Part 107 Small UAS Initial (ALC-451) online training course. 

Required Documentation for Our Appointment

• FAA Form 8710-13, Remote Pilot Certificate and/or Rating Application (IACRA)  
• FAA pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 61, other than a Student Pilot Certificate  
• Documentation showing completion of the FAA Part 107 Small UAS Initial (ALC-451) online training course  
• Pilot logbook or other acceptable documentation showing compliance with the flight review requirements of 14 CFR § 61.56  
• Government-issued photo ID 

Note: Appointments for eligible Part 61 pilot applicants may be conducted remotely in accordance with current FAA policy, subject to identity verification and technology requirements. 

Next Steps

1. Complete the FAA Part 107 Small UAS Initial Online Training Course (ALC-451).
2. Complete your application in IACRA.
3. Gather the required documentation listed above.
4. If you would like my assistance, schedule an appointment with me to verify your identity and eligibility.  
5. Pay the applicable fee. After your application has been processed, you will receive your Temporary Remote Pilot Certificate through IACRA. 

Eligibility Requirements (14 CFR § 107.61)

To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small unmanned aircraft system.
• Pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) Airman Knowledge Test.
• Successfully complete the Transportation Security Administration security vetting process.

Note: If you are unable to meet the English language requirements because of a medical condition, the FAA may issue a certificate with appropriate operating limitations.

Required Documentation for Our Appointment

• FAA Form 8710-13, Remote Pilot Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application (IACRA)
• Unexpired Airman Knowledge Test Report for the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) Airman Knowledge Test
• Government-issued Photo ID

Next Steps 

1. Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an IACRA account. 
2. Pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) Airman Knowledge Test. Information about testing locations and scheduling is available on the  FAA Airman Testing site. 
3. Complete your application in IACRA.
4. Gather the required documentation listed above. 
5. Most applicants simply submit their application through IACRA and do not need to schedule an appointment with a DPE. If you would like assistance with identity verification or the application process, you are welcome to schedule an appointment with me. 
6. If you schedule an appointment, I will verify your identity and eligibility, review your documentation, and process your application through IACRA. 
7. Pay the applicable fee.  After the TSA security vetting process is complete, follow the instructions provided by the FAA to access and print your Temporary Remote Pilot Certificate through IACRA. 

Certain limitations placed on an FAA pilot certificate may be removed after the applicant satisfies the applicable regulatory requirements. Depending on the limitation involved, removal may be accomplished through an administrative certification action, an FAA Practical Test, or another FAA certification process. Because the applicable procedures vary, I recommend contacting me before scheduling an appointment.

It depends. Some certificate limitations may be removed through an administrative certification action after I verify your eligibility and documentation. Other limitations require an FAA Practical Test or another FAA certification process before they may be removed.

 Examples of limitations that may be eligible for removal include:

• Second-in-Command (SIC) Privileges Only
• VFR Only
• Centerline Thrust Only
• Limited to a specific make and model
• Not valid for carrying passengers at night
• Not valid for flight requiring instrument knowledge

This list is provided as a general example and is not all-inclusive. The eligibility requirements and method of removal vary depending on the specific limitation.

To qualify for removal of a pilot certificate limitation, you must:

• Hold the pilot certificate containing the applicable limitation.
• Complete any training, testing, practical evaluation, endorsement, or other requirement applicable to the limitation being removed.
• Present documentation demonstrating compliance with the applicable FAA regulation.
• Meet all other requirements associated with the certificate or rating involved.

Note: I am only authorized to remove limitations from certificates and ratings that fall within my FAA designation. If your limitation requires a certification action outside my authority, I will gladly help direct you to the appropriate FAA office or Designated Pilot Examiner. 

• FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application (IACRA)
• Documentation demonstrating compliance with the regulatory requirements applicable to the limitation being removed
• Pilot logbook or training records (if applicable)
• Government-issued Photo ID

1. Contact me to discuss the limitation you wish to remove. 
2. If required, complete your application in IACRA.
3. Gather the required documentation listed above.
4. Schedule an appointment with me after we determine the appropriate certification pathway. 
5. Pay the applicable fee and receive your Temporary Airman Certificate (if applicable).

I accept cash (USD) or Zelle.and cashier's check only. I do not accept any other payment methods such as Venmo, Paypal, credit cards or personal checks.

I am unable to travel to applicants locations to complete Administrative Actions. All sessions must be scheduled in advance, and the location will be predetermined based on the availability of both the applicant and myself.

IACRA is the preferred application method of both the FAA and me. It is generally easier to use, faster to process, and less likely to result in an application being returned for correction. I charge a $100 paper application fee for the preparation and submission of FAA Form 8710-1 on paper. The fee covers the additional administrative time required to process the application and mail it to the FAA by certified mail.

There will be no paper application fee if internet connectivity problems or an IACRA system outage require us to use a paper application.