Are you looking into accreditation for your flight academy? Here’s everything you need to know about the process and available resources at your disposal.
There are 890 flying schools in the U.S.
If you’re looking to distinguish your flight school from others, you’ll need to go above and beyond your competitors. One way to make sure your flight academy stands out from the rest is to become accredited.
We’re here to tell you what you need to know about getting your flight school accredited.
How Does a Flight Academy Become Accredited?
Whether you’re teaching students who’ve never flown before or helping experienced pilots master their instrument rating requirements, the process of becoming accredited is the same.
To receive accreditation, your flying school will need to meet the Flight School Accreditation Standards established by the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA).
Once your flight school has met the standards, it can begin the accreditation process. There are several steps to the process
1. The Application
The first step is to complete and submit an application for accreditation. You must submit both an electronic copy and a printed hard copy of the application.
2. Self-Evaluation
Completing a self-evaluation is a required element of the accreditation process. This self-evaluation is meant to be a continuing process and part of normal business operations.
The outcome of the self-evaluation is a series of recommendations for improvements to your school. All improvements to the school should be the result of these internal efforts and not the result of an on-site evaluation by outside inspectors.
3. On-Site Inspection
After the receipt and approval of the accreditation application, setting up an on-site inspection is the next step.
Volunteer inspectors approved by FSANA will conduct the on-site inspection of your flight school. You will have a minimum of 90 days’ notice prior to the start of the on-site inspection.
The on-site inspections last no longer than one working day.
Following the on-site inspection, the inspectors will file a report identifying any non-conforming standards. Based on these findings, you must file a progress report explaining how the identified non-conforming standards were addressed.
This progress report is to be filed at least four weeks before any hearing date is scheduled.
4. Accreditation Hearing
The next step in the process requires the owner or senior manager of the flight academy to attend an FSANA Commission hearing. At the hearing, the Commission will ask questions to evaluate the flight school’s eligibility for accreditation.
At the end of the hearing, the Commission will either approve, deny, or table the request for accreditation. Should the Commission deny the application, you can appeal the decision in writing within 30 days.
5. Renewal
After a flight academy receives initial accreditation, it must renew the accreditation every three years. Because the standards for accreditation change often, it is up to you to implement all new standards at your flying school to maintain your accreditation.
Growing Your Business
Getting your flight academy accredited is a great way to make your flying school stand out from others. This will help you grow your business.
When it comes to your business, we have all the resources you need to help you along the way. Whether you’re looking to or learn about , we’re here for you.
Be sure to with your questions and comments.
