IACRA - Federal Aviation Administration

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Frequently Asked Questions
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General
Q.	How do I obtain assistance with IACRA?
A.	If you have a question while using IACRA, you should first review the FAQs and the IACRA Instruction Manual. Additionally, there is a link to the on-line Help in the upper right hand corner of the IACRA application once you have logged in. The Help is context specific to the page on which you are viewing. If you are unable to find the information you are looking for in the online IACRA resources, you may contact the AVS National Service Desk at 1-844-FAA-MYIT(322-6948) -- or send an e-mail to helpdesk@faa.gov. Please do not contact the National Service Desk to reset or recover your IACRA password - the IACRA site provides an immediate online password recovery feature along with recovery via email.
Q.	What does IACRA do?
A.	IACRA processes applications for airman certification via the web. IACRA interfaces with multiple FAA national databases to validate data and verify specific fields. IACRA automatically ensures applicants meet regulatory and policy requirements through business rules and data validation. It implements use of digital signatures throughout the certification process. IACRA automatically forwards your 8710-1 application and your test results to the Airman Registry. No paper documents are sent to the Registry!
Q.	How do I correct an application through IACRA?
A.	If the application has not been submitted for further review, the applicant can edit the application from their user console. If the application has been submitted for further review, the Certifying Officer can return the application to the applicant for correction prior to continuing with the review process. If the application has been signed and submitted to the Airman Certification Branch (Registry), there are a couple of ways to have the application and/or issued temporary certificate corrected. 1. CORRECTING AN APPLICATION THAT WAS RECENTLY SUBMITTED THROUGH IACRA: The Certifying Officer (I.e. Designated Examiner) will print a copy for the application package that needs correction. The corrected copy must have all appropriate e-signatures. If any e-signature(s) are missing, the application must be manually signed by the appropriate official prior to sending to the Registry. Write "Corrected-IACRA" at the top of the application. The Certifying Officer will then go back into IACRA and locate the original application by entering the applicant’s FTN and then selecting “Completed Applications.” Under the “Available Actions” of the application there will be a selectable menu and one of the options will be “ADD DOCUMENT.” The Certifying Officer will then upload the corrected IACRA application and enter a comment regarding what is being corrected. They will then select “SUBMIT DOCUMENT(S) TO AIRMEN REGISTRY.” The Registry will only process a “Corrected IACRA” as long as there is a record of the original application that was submitted through IACRA. If the corrected application is not received by the Registry by the time they process the first application, the applicant, will first receive an incorrect certificate which will be followed by the corrected certificate. You can use the corrected Temporary Certificate to exercise your privileges. NOTE: Ensure that the complete corrected application package (I.e. temporary airman certificate, application form - front and back, knowledge test, if applicable, and PBR) are all uploaded into IACRA. 2. CORRECTING AN APPLICATION OUTSIDE OF IACRA: The applicant will submit a new paper application for the certificate that needs correction. Do not use IACRA. Write “Corrected IACRA” at the top of the application in large red letters. Go to the Certifying Officer (Examiner) and complete the front side of the paper application and have the examiner issue a new temporary that is missing the information or needs other corrections. The Certifying Officer (Examiner) completes the rest of the application in it’s entirety with the proper manual signatures and attaches a note of explanation to the Registry as to why they are submitting a “Corrected IACRA”. Since this is not an IACRA form, the paper application must be submitted to the FSDO for approval. The FSDO will then forward all paperwork (including the note of explanation) to the Registry. If the corrected paper application is not received by the Registry by the time they process the first IACRA application, the applicant will receive an incorrect certificate which will be followed by the corrected certificate. It is critical that the corrected paper application gets mailed in by the FSDO in a timely manner to avoid this from happening. NOTE: Ensure that the complete application package (I.e. temporary airman certificate, application form - front and back, knowledge test, if applicable, and PBR) are all mailed or faxed to the Airmen Certification Branch (AFB-720) along with all corrections or errors annotated.
Q.	What do I do if I believe my personal information has been improperly obtained, used, or disclosed?
A.	Contact the to the Airman Certification Branch, AFS-760, Civil Aviation Registry. Contact information can be found here.
Q.	I am using Chrome and my documents are downloading instead of automatically opening. How can I change this?
A.	If your PDFs are downloading instead of opening automatically in Chrome, Chrome PDF viewer could be turned off. On your computer, open Chrome. At the top right, click More ⠇ > Settings. At the bottom, click Advanced. Under "Privacy and security", click Site Settings. Near the bottom, click PDF documents. Turn off Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in Chrome.
Q.	When I print an application I see an X instead of each page of the application. How can I print the application?
A.	The best way to print an application is using the View/Print PDF button and printing from the PDF. There is a known issue with Internet Explorer preventing it from printing correctly when using the Print button.
Q.	I have an idea to make IACRA even better. How should I notify the IACRA development team?
A.	Select the link to "Site Feedback" that appears in either the top right corner of the screen or in the left menu depending on whether you're logged into IACRA. The IACRA team will be notified immediately. You will receive a confirmation email from IACRA. If you check the box next to "May we contact you regarding this commment?" on the site feedback form, the IACRA team may contact you regarding your comments.
Q.	I've heard that IACRA uses digital signature. What is a digital signature?
A.	A digital signature is a technology used to ensure that the original content of an electronic message or document is unchanged. Digital signatures are: Easily transportable Cannot be imitated by someone else, and Can be automatically time-stamped. Digital signature gives the ability to ensure that the originally signed message has not been altered thus creating a scenario where the "signatory" cannot easily repudiate the authenticity of that signed document.
Q.	What Certifications/Ratings does IACRA currently issue?
A.	The complete path list supported by IACRA is available on the Available Certifications/Ratings page.
Q.	What are the recommended system requirements for using IACRA?
A.	A PC with broadband internet connectivity. Firefox, Chrome or Internet Explorer. Cannot block cookies - Internet Options, Privacy tab. Java scripting must be enabled - Internet Options, Advanced tab. Popup blocker cannot be enabled.
Q.	Why can't I use the BACK and FORWARD buttons in my browser to move through the program?
A.	The application relies on the internal navigation built into the software to correctly save and validate your application information. Using the BACK and FORWARD buttons on your browser may cause data not to be saved correctly and to improperly validate, subsequently causing delays and possible failure in the completion of the application process. Therefore, please use the application's internal navigation. Internal navigation means clicking on each "Step" to move through the application.
Q.	What is the FTN?
A.	The FTN (FAA Tracking Number) is assigned to you by the FAA after you complete your registration in IACRA. Please record your FTN as it will be required later by your instructor and/or certifying officer.
Q.	Can I access IACRA using Internet Explorer 11?
A.	Yes, but you should add FAA.gov to the Compatibility View list to use IACRA. If using IE 11 on an FAA computer, you should turn on Enterprise Mode, in the Tools menu.
Q.	Can the FAA Form 8710-1 be printed using IACRA?
A.	Yes, but it is an "unofficial" copy for review or record keeping purposes only. It should not be mailed to the Registry. If it is mailed to the Registry, it will be a duplication of the IACRA 8710-1.
Q.	Does the Close Browser Button Save My Information?
A.	When you use the Close Browser link to exit IACRA, the information you have entered into the application is saved before the browser closes. The browser closes to ensure that your session to the IACRA web server is properly terminated. This occurs to ensure security for your application particularly if you are using a computer other than your own, such as in a public library or cyber café.
Registration / Login / PasswordTop of Page
Q.	What information will I need in order to register as an applicant and complete an IACRA application?
A.	If you currently hold a pilot certificate, you will need information from the certificate in order to register as an applicant. Please enter the certificate number and date of issuance exactly as they appear on your certificate. If you do not hold a pilot certificate, you can still complete the registration form and register as an applicant in IACRA. Also, if you currently hold a pilot certificate, you will need that information in order to complete an IACRA application. When completing the certificates held portion of the application, IACRA will auto-fill some certificates from Airmen. Please review these certificates and modify if necessary.
Q.	What do I do if I need to reset my password?
A.	Please do not call the help desk if you forgot your username or password. First try to recover and/or reset them by using the recover username and password page.
Q.	Can my medical certificate be used as my certificate number in IACRA?
A.	Yes. Your current medical certificate can also be used as a student certificate for entry into IACRA.
Q.	What are IACRA's password requirements?
A.	Passwords in IACRA should be between 12 and 50 characters in length using characters from all 4 of the following groups: upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers, and special characters (no ampersand or angle brackets (&<>)). Passwords may not contain more than two consecutive like characters or the user's login name and must not be one of the user's previous 24 passwords. For example: iL1ke2F!y or F!y1ng1sFun, etc.
Q.	I'm trying to register in IACRA, but IACRA cannot find my record. Why?
A.	During the registration process, IACRA accesses databases to validate FAA credentials. Data entered by you must match exactly the FAA database. If IACRA cannot find your record, the data you entered does not match the FAA database. If you are registering as an Applicant who currently holds a Pilot Certificate - IACRA cannot verify the Pilot Certificate Number or updated Date of Issuance you entered. If you are registering as a Recommending Instructor - IACRA cannot verify the CFI Certificate Number or updated Date of Issuance you entered. If you are registering as a Designated Examiner - IACRA cannot verify the Pilot Certificate Number, updated Date of Issuance, or Designee Number you entered. Designee Number is referring to the number in the national FAA database for Designated Examiner information (NVIS). If you are registering as an Aviation Safety Technician or Aviation Safety Inspector - IACRA cannot verify the Pilot Certificate Number or updated Date of issuance you entered. If you are registering as an Aircrew Program Designee – IACRA cannot find your Check Airman record in NVIS. If you are still unable to register, contact your local FSDO or the National AVS IT Service desk: 1-844-FAA-MYIT (322-6948) Send an email to 9-NATL-AVS-IT-ServiceDesk@faa.gov
Q.	The data on my medical certificate does not match what is in the FAA Airman Registry database, what should I do?
A.	If it is less than 60 days since the date of issue of your certificate, contact your AME (Aeromedical Examiner) for resolution of this issue. If it is 60 days or more since the date of issue of your certificate, contact the FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division for resolution of this issue. The contact info is below. Aerospace Medical Certification Division, AAM-300 Federal Aviation Administration Civil Aerospace Medical Institute P.O. Box 25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125 (405) 954-4821
Q.	I am trying to register in IACRA but it says I am already registered. I previously registered as a (enter role here....RI, DE, SA). Why can't I register for a new role?
A.	You can only register in IACRA one time. To add another role to your existing registration, login as your currently registered role. In the menu on the left, click on the “Add Role” link. Check the box or boxes next to the roles you would like to add and click 'Next'. Enter any needed data, confirm all existing data is correct, then click 'Save'.
Q.	What do I do if I have more than one last name?
A.	First, you must always use your full name (First, Middle, Last, and any suffixes, i.e. Jr., III) when applying for an FAA Airmen Certificate. Additionally, the name must be the same as on the identification documents you are using to identify yourself to the FAA. A person with more than one last name is a common in some parts of the world. Because of this, IACRA is programmed to accept more than one last name in the last name field. As an example, let’s say your full official name is “Constantino Alberto Suarez Caldas”. In this case your last name for the purpose of applying for an airmen certificate is “Suarez Caldas”. When entering in your name information, you would put “Suarez Caldas” in the last name field, “Constantino” in the first name field and “Alberto” in the middle name field. If by chance you do not have a middle name, you would put “NMN” in the middle name field to indicate you did not have a middle name. The last name field in IACRA can take up to 26 characters, which should be sufficient for most people. If your combined last name is longer than 26 characters, please see your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) for guidance.
ApplicationTop of Page
Q.	I am applying for a Remote Pilot application and hold a pilot certificate (other than a student), how do I know if I have met the flight review requirements?
A.	To determine if you have met the flight review requirements please review §61.56.
Q.	What am I required to send to the Airman Registry after I complete the application?
A.	You aren't required to send anything to the Airman Registry.. All documents are transmitted to the Registry electronically.
Q.	The IACRA Aeronautical Experience grid is requiring flight hours that the applicant didn't accumulate in the current aircraft. Why?
A.	All pilot hours that apply toward the current certification you are seeking should be entered in the grid. See the IACRA Step 5 on-line Help for instructions. If you have further questions, contact your local FSDO or the FAA Flight Standards branch.
Q.	Will I receive a confirmation that the completed 8710-1 form and all related documents have been sent to the Registry?
A.	After the Certifying Officer signs and submits the application, an acknowledgement message will be displayed on the final confirmation page containing the Application ID number. IACRA automatically sends the application to the Airman Registry following the display of the confirmation page (the same day or following day). Currently there is no additional confirmation apart from the confirmation page.
InstructorsTop of Page
Q.	How can I fix a Knowledge Test 'Name Mismatch' error?
A.	1) If it is only a 'NAME CORRECTION', the Designated Examiner must include a signed statement as an attachment to the knowledge test (or include a signed statement on the incorrect knowledge test) that he/she has verified the correct spelling of the applicant's name and attach proof of the correct spelling of the name. (I.e. driver's license, etc.) Also, ensure the correct spelling of the name is also annotated on the attachment or the knowledge test and that it matches the FAA application form. 2) If it is an actual 'NAME CHANGE', the Designated Examiner cannot process the application. The applicant must make an appointment with the FSDO and be positively identified by an ASI or AST and show the legal court documents reflecting the new name.. (I.e. marriage license, divorce decree, etc.)
Q.	Why is the Recommending Instructor certificate number and Expiration Date missing from the Instructor's Recommendation section of the 8710-1 for Second in Command certificates?
A.	A Recommending Instructor does not need to hold a flight instructor certificate to sign Second in Command applications or the flight instructor certificate may be expired. IACRA will not display any certificate information for these applications in the Instructor's Recommendation section of the 8710-1 at this time. Since this is an administrative function only, the Airmen Certification Branch accepts the Recommending Instructor signature without certificate information.
Q.	I’m registered in IACRA as a Recommending Instructor (RI). My CFI certificate has expired, but I recently renewed my CFI certificate. Will I still be able to use IACRA?
A.	CACFI and RI roles will have a 120-day grace period if the user has a pending CFI renewal in IACRA or has renewed on paper. If you do not have a pending renewal, you will no longer be able to use IACRA after the 120-day grace period. IACRA is a totally electronic system and relies on real-time validation checks in FAA databases to validate a user role, such as RI, each time a user logs in. The Airman Registry is in the process of rolling out a new database system that will ultimately improve the speed of entering data into its national databases, however, note that there will always be some interim time frame between CFI renewal activities and receipt of your permanent certificate. This is because the FAA reviews each application and can deny an action, as appropriate. In order to minimize the time frame in which CFI’s cannot log into IACRA during their renewal process, it is suggested that CFI’s initiate the renewal process up to 90 days prior to their current certificate expiration date. This way the Airman Registry has an opportunity to process the renewal request and provide the new certificate with minimal gap between the expiration date and receipt of the renewal certificate.
Q.	I'm a Recommending Instructor. IACRA is asking for the applicant's Knowledge Test ID. Where do I find it?
A.	The applicant's Knowledge Test ID is located on the Airman Test Report. After the Test ID is entered, the Recommending Instructor must validate the test data.
Q.	I currently hold a CFII rating and am applying for an initial CFI rating. How do I do that in IACRA?
A.	Register as an applicant in IACRA if you have not already done so. Then log in to the system, as an applicant, and start an application for the CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) Rating. In Step 2, make sure you choose CFI Added Rating. Then in Step 3, you need to enter in your existing Pilot and Flight Instructor Certificates (CFII). At that point, complete the application following the instructions in the application.
Certifying OfficersTop of Page
Q.	Does the Certifying Officer need to physically sign the IACRA Temporary Certificate? The Temporary Certificate already shows e-signed by the Certifying Officer.
A.	No, the Certifying Officer should not physically sign the IACRA Temporary Certificate, Notice of Disapproval or Letter of Discontinuance before giving these documents to the applicant. AFS-800 has deemed the e-signature to be sufficient for the purposes of issuing these documents to the applicant.
Q.	When I view the CO Summary for the Temp Certificate it displays a limitation stating the user does not have enough PIC time in the aircraft & has a SIC limitation added. What do I do?
A.	Mandatory limitations are automatically being added to the temporary certificate depending on the certificate being applied for. Optional limitations can be removed by selecting the Limitations section from the Certifying Officer’s checklist. Please note some limitations are mandatory and cannot be removed.
Q.	I'm a Designated Examiner. I noticed a mistake when reviewing the IACRA application. Can I reset the application so that the mistake can be corrected?
A.	Currently for unrestricted ATP certificates, a Designated Examiner has the option to edit the application, which returns the application to the applicant for minor corrections. This option is available as long as the applicant has not yet signed the application. The applicant can then resubmit the application, allowing the Designated Examiner to then view the corrected application. For all other certificates at this time the Designated Examiner will have a Reset link on the DE Checklist page if the certification application is of the type that does not require a Recommending Instructor's signature. After the Designated Examiner resets the application, the applicant must log in to IACRA and make any necessary changes to the application. The applicant must then resubmit the application by clicking the Submit button on step 6. The Designated Examiner will be able to retrieve the changed application only after the applicant has resubmitted it. A mistake in the applicant's information cannot be corrected after it has been signed by the Recommending Instructor. The Recommending Instructor's digital signature is used to verify the integrity of the applicant's information. At any time in the future, by checking the digital signature, the Airman Registry can electronically verify that the application information has not changed.
Q.	Is a PTRS automatically generated when an application is processed through IACRA? Do the DE's have to print something to send to the FSDO's?
A.	IACRA will automatically generate a Certification Activity Review for Aviation Safety Inspectors and Aviation Safety Technicians. Post activity for Designees is handled by the Designee Management System. (DMS)
Q.	Should the superseded certificates be mailed to the Airman Registry when using IACRA?
A.	No, the certifying officer should punch a hole through the FAA moniker of the superceded certificates. You do not mail them to the Airman Registry.
Q.	Should the Airman Knowledge Test Results be mailed to the Airman Registry when using IACRA?
A.	No, IACRA retrieves this information during the application process and forwards it electronically to the Airman Registry. with the other certification documentation.
Q.	Why does the applicant have to wait to sign his application until he sees the Certifying Officer? Why can't he just sign his application immediately after he completes it?
A.	IACRA uses digital signatures to ensure that a document has not been changed after signing. It does not use digital signature to verify identity of an individual. An applicant's identity must be verified in person by the Certifying Officer (CO) by way of examining and recording approved identification items (drivers license, Military ID, etc.). This can only be accomplished with a face-to-face meeting between the applicant and CO. Once this verification of the applicant is complete, the CO can log into IACRA and observe the applicant digitally sign his application. This process ensures that the individual signing the application is truly the applicant. Should the applicant be allowed to digitally sign anonymously after first completing his application, his identify would be unknown and the digital signature could be repudiated in court as not signed by the applicant.
Q.	Can limitations be added to or deleted from the IACRA Temporary Airman Certificate?
A.	Yes, the Certifying Officer should select “Click here to Enter Limitations” from the Certifying Officers Checklist or the limitations section if applying for ATP CFR 61, 121, 135 or 141 certificates. Limitations can then be added to the Temporary Airman Certificate by selecting them from the top grid. Free-form text can be added to limitations that have a blank space in the text. Limitations can also be deleted from the Temporary Airman Certificate by selecting them from the bottom grid. After adding or deleting limitations, click the Temporary Summary link to make sure the limitations will print correctly on the Temporary. Please note some limitations are mandatory and cannot be removed.
Schools (141&142)Top of Page
Q.	141/142 School Information. How do I add multiple student records for CFR 141 schools without exiting the Student Affiliation screen?
A.	The School Administrator Console now allows school affiliation to be completed without leaving the console. The School Administrator enters the FTN and last name of the student, clicks 'search', and selects affiliate. The next student's last name and FTN may then be entered and the process repeated.
Q.	141/142 School Information. Can both Students and School Administrators Start an Application?
A.	It is permissible for either students or school administrators to start an 8710-1 application. Students can fill out a new application after registering. School Administrators can initiate multiple student applications. They must make the affiliation between the student and school, and then affiliate the school’s curriculum with the student’s application.
Q.	141/142 School Information. What is a Designation Code and how do I locate it?
A.	A designation code is a 4-digit alphanumeric code that flight schools use in several ways to make associations between the school, the school curriculums, and flight school representatives (School Administrators, Airman Certification Representatives, Training Center Evaluators, etc.) The designation code with which an application is started must be the same one with which the application is finished. Therefore, a participant in the application process (school administrator, Chief Flight Instructor, Recommending Instructor, Airman Certification Representative, etc.) must be assigned to and use initial designation code. IMPORTANT: If you do not know the school’s designation code, you must contact your local Flight Standard District Office (FSDO) and ask for the designation code as it appears in the National Vitals Information System (NVIS).
Q.	141/142 School Information. How do I determine which curriculums have type ratings associated with them?
A.	As a TCE or School Administrator you must select a curriculum/type rating and affiliate it with the student’s application. The student cannot do this. The individual schools will know what their courses require as far as curriculum and type ratings that they use. Contact your school for more information.
Q.	I’m registered as a TCE in IACRA. Do I also need to register as a School Administrator and Recommending Instructor to perform these tasks for a 142 school?
A.	No, if you are registered as a TCE, you do not need to register as a School Administrator or Recommending Instructor. A user can perform School Administrator, Recommending Instructor and Certifying Officer roles when registered as a TCE. The user must re-log in each time he wants to change roles.

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