FAA Refines Aircraft Safety Approval Handbook
Published Date: 11/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The FAA just released Revision C to their big rulebook on how companies get special approval to do important aviation work. This update adds a new type of approval for airmen certification, reshuffles the info for easier use, and improves how the FAA watches over these companies. If you’re part of an organization with this approval, expect clearer rules and better communication starting now—no extra costs announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New Airmen Certification ODA Type
The FAA added a new Airmen Certification (AC) Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) type. Commenters said the AC ODA could let Part 147 schools conduct certification exams in-house, which they said may reduce certification bottlenecks, lower costs, and help maintenance technician students finish on time and move into the workforce.
Protections and Direct FAA Communication for ODA Members
Revision C implements policies to prevent interference with ODA unit members (UMs) and explicitly allows UMs to communicate with the FAA. It also provides for FAA approval of UM selections by Type Certificate (TC) ODA holders and assignment of FAA advisors to UMs at TC ODA holders.
Organizations May Hold Multiple Authorizations
The Order incorporates the ability for an organization to hold more than one ODA authorization when doing so will facilitate efficiency in oversight of the associated types. This change was added in response to public comment.
Flexible Use of Customized FAA Forms
Revision C updates Order language on use of FAA forms to align with deviation memorandum AIR-100-17-160-DM09, allowing organization management teams (OMT) to accept certain customized forms for documenting ODA certification activities and clarifying when forms may be replicated or modified.
Training Requirements Clarified for Flexibility
The FAA refined ODA holder training requirements to clarify that the Order focuses on how to deliver training content rather than specifying who must present it. This sets quality standards for delivery while allowing flexibility in assigning trainers.
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