Flight

Flight Course Scheduling

Students begin their initial flight course during their first year in attendance. The exact start date depends on the academic preparation of the student, student desire, weather conditions, and aircraft and instructor availability. The length of time required to complete a course will also vary based on these same factors. All flight-training courses may begin and end at any time during the academic year and may not coincide with the beginning and ending dates of the published semester schedule. Therefore, students who begin a flight course late in the semester should be prepared for training in that course to continue into the next semester.

Flight courses require a minimum block of time and may include flying on weekends. Study, preparation, and some flight lessons may require time outside this block. Students, particularly beginning students, are cautioned not to overload their course schedules when taking a flight course.

Students in degree programs that require flight training to be conducted on campus may be given priority in their initial flight block registration.

Flight Training Credit

All students desiring to complete off-campus flight training for academic credit after matriculation must be pre-approved in writing in advance by the Flight Department. The credit that will be awarded is Advanced Standing (see Awarding Advanced Standing section below).The procedures for requesting this credit when the preapproved off-campus flight training is satisfactorily completed will be specified in the written approval form "Off Campus Flight Authorization Request". Address any questions to the Flight Department. Credit for any AS courses will not be awarded for flight certificates or ratings attained after matriculation (only FA credit). See the following sections for specific requirements.

Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) Accredited Programs

Students in AABI accredited programs will be awarded credit for FAA certificates held prior to matriculation. Students will be approved in writing in advance by the Flight Department to complete one certificate or rating off campus for Advanced Standing credit if significant flight training from an appropriately rated instructor was logged prior to matriculation. If FAA certificates are held, this training must have occurred after the attainment of the most recent certificate for which credit is granted. After a student matriculates into an AABI accredited program, all flight training for credit must be completed at Embry-Riddle or approved in writing in advance by the Flight Department at another AABI accredited program. In all cases, students must satisfactorily complete at least one FA course on-campus after Advanced Standing credit is awarded or after an AABI accredited program course is transferred for an FA course. In either case, this flight course must include an FAA practical exam that results in the issuance of an FAA certificate or rating. Advanced Standing credit may not be awarded for any AS course for flight ratings attained off campus after matriculation. These requirements also pertain to credit for flight certificates or ratings applied to Flight Minors within an AABI accredited program. Students should refer to their catalog to verify if their degree program is AABI accredited..

Minors, Majors, or Areas of Concentration

Students not in an AABI accredited program may be authorized to complete their Private Pilot Single Engine FAA Certification off campus if approved in writing, in advance, by the Flight Department. Students in non-AABI accredited programs will be awarded credit for FAA certificates, held prior to matriculation. Students will be approved in writing in advance by the Flight Department to complete one certificate or rating off campus for Advanced Standing credit if flight training from an appropriately rated instructor was logged prior to matriculation. If FAA certificates are held, this training must have occurred after the attainment of the most recent certificate for which credit is granted. After a student matriculates into a non-AABI accredited program pursuing Flight Minors, Majors, Areas of Concentration, Specialization or Tracks that require an FA course(s) he or she must complete their flight training at Embry-Riddle (unless approved as described previously in this section). Students must satisfactorily complete at least one FA course on-campus after Advanced Standing credit is awarded for an FA course. This flight course must include an FAA practical exam that results in an issuance of an FAA certificate or rating. Advanced Standing credit may not be awarded for any AS course for flight ratings attained off-campus after matriculation. If students declare a change of program to an AABI accredited program the Advanced Standing credit for flight training after matriculation may not be applicable.

Elective Credit

Students who are not in AABI accredited programs and are not pursuing Flight Minors, Majors, or Areas of Concentration will be awarded credit for FAA certificates held prior to matriculation. After these students matriculate, off-campus flight training for academic credit may be approved in writing in advance by the Flight Department for Advanced Standing credit. Advanced Standing credit is awarded for an FA course. Advanced Standing credit may not be applied towards an AS course for flight ratings attained off-campus after matriculation. Students who declare a change of program to an AABI accredited program are advised the Advanced Standing credit for flight training after matriculation may not transfer. Students declaring a Flight Minor, Major, or Area of Concentration must successfully complete at least one FA course on-campus after, the Advanced Standing credit is awarded for an FA course.

Advanced Standing Credit

Students who obtain off-Campus flight training that was approved in writing in advance by the Flight Department may obtain Advance Standing credit. Upon satisfactory completion of the pre-approved flight training, all students must show their copy of the approved "Off Campus Flight Training Authorization Request" form in addition to the appropriate documents of their training to the Flight Department. Approved Advanced Standing credit for an FA course will be applied to the student's transcript. Advanced Standing credit will not be awarded for any AS course for flight ratings attained off-campus after matriculation.

Aviation and Transportation Security Act

The Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) requires students registered for Flight (FA) courses to show acceptable documentation of U.S. citizenship OR to complete background check requirements.

Students enrolled in an FA course must present ONE of the following to the Flight Data and Certification Department, Flight Operations building room 207:

  1. A valid, unexpired U.S. passport (if the passport expires during training, a current proof of valid citizenship is required)
  2. An original birth certificate with raised seal documenting birth in the United States or one of its territories
  3. An original U.S. naturalization certificate with raised seal, Form N-550 or Form N-570
  4. An original certification of birth abroad, Form FS-545 or Form DS-1350
    -OR-
    An original certificate of U.S. citizenship, Form N-560 or Form N-561

If using other than a valid passport, a valid driver license with a photo or a government-issued photo ID will also be required. Photocopies of the above are not acceptable, even certified copies. This process needs to be completed only one time for the entire curriculum at Embry-Riddle for U.S. Citizens.

Those unable to complete the above requirements, including international and permanent resident alien students, will be able to register for FA courses but must comply with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notification requirements for each course taken. Before receiving any flight training, they must provide DHS through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) a set of fingerprints, a photo, a processing fee, and must register online. Upon receipt of authorization received directly from the TSA, the student can register and begin training. Once the student is registered and has received authorization from the TSA, the student may begin training. Some advanced flight courses may require a waiting period of up to 30 days. If Embry-Riddle receives any directive from the DHS or TSA, the student may be administratively withdrawn as appropriate to the DHS or TSA directive. This information and fee, but not the fingerprints, must be sent periodically during flight training and will be coordinated through Embry-Riddle’s Flight Department. Please contact the Aeronautical Science Department for more information.

Aviation English Language Standards

Purpose 

The purpose of the Aviation English Language Standards Policy and Procedures for Flight Students is to ensure ERAU flight students demonstrate and continuously maintain operational and plain English language proficiency of at least the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Operational Level 4, as required by the FAA Aviation English Language Standards (FAA-AC 28-60).

Scope

The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Aviation English Language Standards Policy and Procedures for Flight Students  applies to all international flight students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida, for whom English is not a first or “native” language, as well as citizens or permanent residents of the United States for whom English is a foreign or second language. In addition, the policy applies to any ERAU flight student who is referred to the Flight Department English Language Coordinator by a flight instructor, training manager, or other FAA flight certified evaluators.

All international flight students in the ERAU Flight Department for whom English is not a first or “native” language are required to take and pass the Embry-Riddle English for Flight Training (FA-135) course. All citizens or permanent residents of the United States who speak English as a foreign or second language are required to take and pass the Embry-Riddle English for Flight Training (FA-135) course.

Non-native English speaking flight students may test out of this course by passing the English for Flight Training Assessment (EFTA). No other English assessments or qualifications will substitute for an EFTA test.  

FAA Aviation English Language Standards

The FAA Aviation English Language Standards (FAA AELS) “apply to any applicant or airman applying for or holding an FAA certificate.” The FAA AELS supersede all ERAU English language requirements for those candidates who wish to enroll in the ERAU flight program.


Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University complies with FAA Aviation English Language Standards that are outlined in FAA Advisory Circular AC 60-28b. Embry-Riddle and Embry-Riddle instructors and evaluators are:  

“…responsible for ensuring that those attending or receiving training continuously demonstrate the eligibility requirements for an FAA certificate specific to the AELS.”
                                                                                        (FAA AC 60-28B, para 5.1.)  

“An applicant for an FAA certificate or rating should be able to communicate in English in a discernible and understandable manner with ATC, pilots, and others involved in preparing an aircraft for flight and operating an aircraft in flight. This communication may or may not involve the use of the radio…For additional guidance, reference AC 60-28, English Language Skill Standards required by 14 CFR parts 61, 63, 65, and 107, as amended.” 
                                                                                        (FAA ACS 2018, Appendix 5, A-8) 

“ICAO ENGLISH LANGUAGE CRITERIA DEFINITIONS. The FAA has accepted the ICAO Language Proficiency Ratings Scale Operational Level 4 as its minimum proficiency requirement. The Proficiency Scale is found in ICAO Document 9835. These definitions apply to any applicant or airman applying for or holding an FAA certificate.
                                                                                                       
Pronunciation (P). This assumes that English is not the applicant’s native language and that the applicant has a dialect or accent that is intelligible to the aeronautical community.

Structure (S). Relevant grammatical structures and sentence patterns are determined by language functions appropriate to the task. Basic grammatical structures and sentence patterns are used creatively and are usually well controlled by the applicant. Errors may occur, particularly in unusual or unexpected circumstances, but rarely interfere with meaning.

Vocabulary (V). The applicant’s vocabulary range and accuracy are usually sufficient to communicate effectively on common, concrete, and work-related topics. The applicant can often paraphrase successfully when lacking vocabulary in unusual or unexpected circumstances.

Fluency (F). The applicant produces stretches of language at an appropriate tempo. There may be occasional loss of fluency on transition from rehearsed or formulaic speech to spontaneous interaction, but this does not prevent effective communication. The applicant can make limited use of discourse markers or connectors. Fillers are not distracting.

Comprehension (C). Comprehension by the applicant is mostly accurate on common, concrete, and work-related topics when the dialect, accent, or variety used is sufficiently intelligible. When the applicant is confronted with a linguistic or situational complication or an unexpected turn of events, comprehension may be slower or require clarification strategies.

Interactions (I). Responses by the applicant are usually immediate, appropriate, and informative. The applicant initiates and maintains exchanges even when dealing with an unexpected turn of events. The applicant deals adequately with apparent misunderstandings by checking, confirming, or clarifying.”

                                                                                          (FAA Order 8900.1 CHG 566, 5-1909)

Embry-Riddle’s English for Flight Training Assessment (EFTA)  

Traditional academic English language admissions standards assessments (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test) or other measures, such as attendance at an English-speaking academic institution, are not designed to and do not account for the linguistic challenges associated with flight training. Because of the importance of English proficiency for safe and efficient flight training, as well as compliance with FAA AELS, Embry-Riddle requires non-native English speaking flight students take Aviation English for Flight Training (FA-135). Non-native English speaking students may test out of FA135 if they pass Embry-Riddle’s English for Flight Training Assessment (EFTA).

The FAA AELS requires that Pronunciation, Structure (grammar), Vocabulary, Fluency, Comprehension, and Interactions be evaluated based on the ICAO rating scale (see ICAO Doc 9835). Embry-Riddle’s English for Flight Training Assessment (EFTA) screens flight students for these skills using a scale adapted from ICAO to reflect the linguistic demands of flight training. This scale is use to determine their “overall plain language proficiency;” in other words, how their language skills are likely to support or interfere with their ability to learn and communicate effectively in a flight training environment. Embry-Riddle’s English for Flight Training Assessment (EFTA) follows ICAO guidance that the prospective flight student’s overall score reflect lowest sub-score.

With respect to flight knowledge, although questions on the EFTA may relate to aviation or to flight, the assessors do not evaluate a prospective flight student’s aviation operation knowledge. The assessors evaluate prospective flight student’s English language proficiency.

Procedures for students

  1. Flight students for whom English is not their native language will be notified of the ERAU requirement to take the Aviation English for Flight Training (FA135) course. They will also be notified that they may test out of this course by passing the EFTA.
  2. Students will receive an email that will provide:
    1. Information about FA135, the Embry-Riddle Language Institute (ERLI) Pathway program, the Aviation English Language Standards Policy and Procedures for Flight Students, and the EFTA;
    2. A link to the ERAU CANVAS EFTA website; and
    3. Instructions for registering for and taking the EFTA.
  3. Flight students may take the EFTA prior to being assigned a course schedule to test out of the FA-135 course.
  4. The EFTA results will be reported to the Flight Training Department and to the student.
  5. Based on EFTA results, a non-native English speaking flight student will:
    1. be recommended to begin flight training with continual monitoring of FAA AELS;
    2. be required to successfully complete English for Flight Training (FA-135); or
    3. be recommended for more extensive English language support through the ERLI pathway program

English for Flight Training Assessment Results

EFTA Results Scores in bands: Exempt from FA135 Aviation English Support Recommendations
Advanced Yes No Aviation English support recommended. FA-135 Aviation English course optional.
Prepared Yes Tutoring available upon administration or student request. FA-135 Aviation English course optional.
Developing No FA-135 Aviation English course required. Following successfuly taking and passing FA-135, tutoring and/or other supplemental Aviation English courses may be recommended.
Elementary or Pre-elementary No FA-135 Aviation English course required. ERLI support program recommended.
  1. Failure to pass FA-135 will result in the inability for a student to register for flight training which may result in a student having to change their degree program.  

EFTA Testing Policy 

  1. A student must have test files for all 13 questions to be considered for flight school recommendation.  
  2. EFTA passing scores are valid for up to one year.  
    1. For example, if a candidate takes the EFTA in December 2019 and earn a passing score, that score is valid until December 2020.
  3. Except for outstanding circumstances, a student with a completed EFTA test and score may not re-take the test until the next semester’s testing window opens.  
    1. EFTA takers who experience technical difficulties while taking the EFTA may be allowed one (1) re-take within the testing window. Candidates who experience technical difficulties during the EFTA should notify the EFTA administrators immediately.
    2. If candidates are unable to successfully complete the EFTA after the one (1) permissible re-take, the candidate will required to take FA-135. An FA-135 instructor reserves the right to evaluate candidate’s language proficiency in the first week of the course and make further recommendations regarding the candidates Aviation English support. 
  4. Test takers are forbidden from receiving any external help during the EFTA. Test takers should carefully review the EFTA instructions. Suspected violators of this policy will be contacted by the EFTA administrators and their test results made invalid.

Forms

  1. EFTA Scoring Rubric

References 

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (2017). Order 8900.1 Flight Standards Information Management System 8900.1 CHG 566. Washington, D.C.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (2017). FAA English language standard for an FAA certificate issued under 14 CFR Parts 61, 63, 65, and 107 (AC 60- 28B). Washington, D.C. 

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). (2010). Manual of implementation of the language proficiency requirements (Doc 9835) (2nd ed.). Montreal, Canada: International Civil Aviation Organization. 

Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate

Upon graduation, the Daytona Beach Aeronautical Science degree can qualify a graduate for the Restricted Airline Transport (R-ATP) certificate under FAR Part 61.160. Note that satisfying the AS degree requirements alone may not qualify the graduate for the R-ATP. This Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation is subject to change. For detailed information, please contact the Aeronautical Science Program Coordinator.

Fill out the online application https://webforms.erau.edu/public/coa/reduced-atp-minimums/