AFS-12-046-E 

February 23, 2012 

 Exemption No. 10016A 

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2010-0097 

Mr. Douglas W. Ecks 

Director of Education 

National Aviation Academy 

6225 Ulmerton Road 

Clearwater, FL 33760 

Dear Mr. Ecks: 

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your petition to extend Exemption No. 

10016. It explains the basis for our decision and describes its effect. 

The Basis for Our Decision 

By letter dated October 24, 2011, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

on behalf of National Aviation Academy (National) for an extension of Exemption No. 

10016. That exemption from § 65.75(a) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 

allows National to administer the aviation mechanic general (AMG) written test to students 

immediately following successful completion of the general curriculum, prior to meeting the 

experience requirements of 14 CFR § 65.77. 

In your petition, you indicate that there has been no change in the conditions and reasons 

relative to public interest and safety that were the basis for granting the original exemption. 

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to National. 

However, in reviewing your current exemption, we have determined a need to add conditions 

and limitations regarding procedures to administer the general test requirements for 

mechanics at an authorized FAA test site. The test sites are administered by an Organization 

Delegation Authorization (ODA). 
 2

As stated in FAA Order 8900.2, the mechanic ratings are issued as airframe and or 

powerplant ratings, and each would normally include an authorization to test for the general 

eligibility requirements when the student completes the curriculum requirements for a rating. 

However, the general eligibility requirements do not result in a rating and the only way a 

student can test for the general eligibility requirements is to obtain an exemption from 

§ 65.75(a). In addition to relief from § 65.75(a), the school and the ODA must have written 

procedures for testing applicants for the general eligibility requirements. 

The Aviation Maintenance Technician School must provide a list of students eligible under 

the exemption to test for the general requirements prior to completion of the airframe and or 

powerplant curriculum requirements. In addition, the procedures for testing applicants for the 

general eligibility requirements must be approved by the certificate holding district office. 

The exemption has been amended to include these conditions and limitations. 

Our Decision 

The FAA has determined that the justification for the issuance of Exemption No. 10016 

remains valid with respect to this exemption and is in the public interest. Therefore, under the 

authority provided by 49 U.S.C. §§ 40113 and 44701, which the FAA Administrator has 

delegated to me, I grant your petition. 

Conditions and Limitations 

Before exercising the privileges of this exemption, National Aviation Academy must: 

1. Develop written procedures for administering the authorization to test for the 

general test requirements with an affiliated Organization Delegation Authorization 

(ODA) Airman Knowledge Testing Unit member. 

2. Ensure these procedures are included in the schools operating procedures or 

curriculum procedures document or manual, as applicable. 

3. Ensure the procedures are acceptable to the certificate holding district office 

before operating under this exemption. 

The Effect of Our Decision 

Our decision extends the termination date of Exemption No. 10016 to February 28, 2014 

unless sooner superseded or rescinded. This letter must be attached to, and is a part of, 

Exemption No. 10016, as amended. 

Sincerely, 

/s/ 

John S. Duncan 

Acting Director, Flight Standards 

 Service