FAR 141.27 — Pilot School Renewal
FAR 141.27 explains how Part 141 pilot schools renew certificates and ratings, the 24-month renewal term, and rules for provisional school certificates.
In Plain English
FAR 141.27 governs how a Part 141 pilot school renews its school certificate and ratings. This matters because Part 141 schools must maintain continuous FAA approval to offer their structured, syllabus-based training courses to students.
Key points:
- A pilot school may apply for renewal within 30 days before the month its certificate expires.
- If approved, the certificate and ratings are renewed for an additional 24 calendar months.
- To qualify, the Administrator must determine the school's personnel, aircraft, facility and airport, approved training courses, training records, and recent training ability and quality meet Part 141 requirements.
- A school that fails to meet renewal requirements may apply for a provisional pilot school certificate under § 141.7.
For provisional pilot schools:
- A provisional certificate and its ratings cannot be renewed.
- A provisional school may instead apply for a full pilot school certificate under § 141.5.
- A former provisional school may apply for another provisional certificate only after 180 days have passed since its previous provisional certificate expired.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 141.27§ 141.27 Renewal of certificates and ratings.
(a)(1) A pilot school may apply for renewal of its school certificate and ratings within 30 days preceding the month the pilot school's certificate expires, provided the school meets the requirements prescribed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section for renewal of its certificate and ratings.
(2) A pilot school may have its school certificate and ratings renewed for an additional 24 calendar months if the Administrator determines the school's personnel, aircraft, facility and airport, approved training courses, training records, and recent training ability and quality meet the requirements of this part.
(3) A pilot school that does not meet the renewal requirements in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, may apply for a provisional pilot school certificate if the school meets the requirements of § 141.7 of this part.
(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, a provisional pilot school may not have its provisional pilot school certificate or the ratings on that certificate renewed.
(2) A provisional pilot school may apply for a pilot school certificate and associated ratings provided that school meets the requirements of § 141.5 of this part.
(3) A former provisional pilot school may apply for another provisional pilot school certificate, provided 180 days have elapsed since its last provisional pilot school certificate expired.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1How long is a Part 141 pilot school certificate valid after renewal, and when can the school apply?
Per FAR 141.27, a renewed pilot school certificate and ratings are valid for an additional 24 calendar months, and the school may apply within the 30 days preceding the month the certificate expires.
Q2What does the FAA evaluate when deciding whether to renew a Part 141 school's certificate?
Under FAR 141.27(a)(2), the Administrator reviews the school's personnel, aircraft, facility and airport, approved training courses, training records, and recent training ability and quality.
Q3Can a provisional pilot school renew its provisional certificate?
No. FAR 141.27(b)(1) prohibits renewal of a provisional certificate, though the school may apply for a full certificate under § 141.5, or apply for another provisional certificate only after 180 days have elapsed since the prior one expired.
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Related Sections in Part 141