Beginning January 13, the FAA is changing the way it tests applicants for an FAA airman certificate—including drone pilots—and plans to host four informational webinars starting next week to acquaint them with the changes that the agency said will improve the process. It identified the creation of an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile by applicants in advance of registering for a knowledge test as one of the most important changes.
Once applicants have created an IACRA profile, they will be assigned an FAA tracking number (FTN) that enables them and any certifying officer to access airman information in a consistent format that’s expected to eliminate errors with an applicant’s name. Name inconsistencies have previously led to returned files and lengthy delays, according to the regulator.
IACRA is an online system for applicants seeking airman certification and ratings that also serves to guide users through the application process. Informational webinars have been scheduled for 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT on December 19; and 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. CT on January 8.