INTRODUCTION
The FAA Academy | Location | Training Facilities | Academic Excellence | Curriculum | Organization | Attending Class at the Academy | General Information | Courses for International Participants | Dedicated International Courses | Customized Training | Admission | Language Requirements | Course Prerequisites
| INTRODUCTION |
| Throughout the global
air transportation system, safety is the paramount issue. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) shares with aviation authorities worldwide mutual
responsibility for international aviation safety and security. The FAA fulfills
its international mission in a number of ways including participating with
other nations in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and with
regional organizations to establish international standards for the safe and
efficient operation of civil aircraft. The variety of U.S. aviation technology
and its diverse applications by the FAA create unique opportunities for
aviation authorities throughout the world to benefit from FAA experience. The international aviation system is dynamic, complex, and critical to the world's economic well-being and progress. Harmonization of rules, practices, procedures and standards is essential to bring about global improvements. Technical training and staff development will continue to play a vital role in fostering effective changes. Technical assistance in international civil aviation takes many forms, but at its heart is training. The primary source of FAA aviation training is the FAA Academy located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Aeronautical Center is a vital service and support facility for the FAA and the Department of Transportation (DOT). The Center's primary functions are training, logistics, research and service. The Center is home to the largest concentration of employees in the Department. Almost every aviation-related activity is supported by the Center's vast facilities and operations. Access to FAA and other DOT operational resources enhances training and provides a very effective learning environment. In addition to the FAA Academy, the Center is home to the Transportation Safety Institute (TSI), the Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI), and the U.S. Coast Guard Institute. These organizations provide specialized technical training in aviation and related transportation safety and security areas. TSI is the primary source of training in transportation safety for DOT and other federal agencies. TSI's safety training programs have a direct impact on DOT's mission to reduce deaths and injuries in transportation. CAMI is the medical certification, research, education, and occupational health wing of the FAA's Office of Aviation Medicine. CAMI promotes aviation safety through aeromedical education programs, which select, train and evaluate Aviation Medical Examiners, and train pilots and FAA aircrews in physiological and survival skills. The Coast Guard Institute is responsible for administering correspondence study courses and advancement examinations used for Coast Guard training. This catalog outlines the range of FAA training available for international participants. It contains brief descriptions of resident courses offered at the FAA Academy and the Transportation Safety Institute, and describes FAA capabilities to provide customized training to meet specific needs. Training for international aviation officials is also available from selected companies in the aviation industry, at academic institutions, and at other FAA facilities. Technical training outside the Academy encompasses a wide spectrum of colleges, universities, vocational schools, and specialized training institutions located in the United States. Familiarization and on-the-job training at FAA facilities can often be arranged in conjunction with formal training programs. Additionally, the FAA Center for Management and Executive Leadership (CMEL) in Palm Coast, Florida, offers supervisory and management training for international participants upon request. The FAA has representatives in several countries outside the United States. These representatives are responsible for the overall coordination and liaison of all FAA activities in designated geographic areas. They are available to respond to inquiries concerning FAA technical assistance and training. For further information on the FAA's international training programs contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or contact the FAA directly: Federal Aviation Administration Office of International Aviation International Training 800 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC 20591 Telephone: (202) 385-8896 Facsimile: (202) 267-7172 E-mail: 9-awa-aia-intl-training@faa.gov top |
| THE FAA ACADEMY |
| The FAA Academy is one
of the oldest and best-known aviation training facilities in the world. Each
year the Academy provides individualized training to thousands of FAA
personnel, enabling them to operate and maintain the busiest and most complex
airspace system in the world. For more than 50 years, governments from around
the world have relied on the FAA Academy for the training of their personnel.
Since its opening in 1946, over 11,000 international participants from more
than 172 countries have been trained at the Academy. top |
| LOCATION |
| The FAA Academy is
located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Oklahoma City is a vibrant capital city
with a metropolitan area population of more than 1,000,000. Strategically
located in the heart of America's sunbelt region, Oklahoma City is a major
industrial and trade center. Areas of economic importance are aviation,
computer electronics, automobile assembly, livestock and agricultural
production, natural gas development and petroleum refining. Oklahoma City's
central location makes air transportation convenient through all of the major
U.S. airports. The climate is generally moderate and dry, but the weather is often unpredictable in the spring and fall. Seasonal variations can generate temperatures above 100°F (38°C) in the summer and below 32°F (0°C) in the winter. Because temperatures and wind vary radically - especially from November through April - it is best to bring along at least one warm coat and be prepared for any type of weather. From May through September lightweight clothes are most comfortable. The Oklahoma City community provides a friendly and warm welcome for our international guests. The Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce's International Visitors Council is very active and provides effective support for the FAA and international participants attending Academy training. top |
| TRAINING FACILITIES |
| The Academy is housed in
modern facilities with state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories and training
equipment. Training is conducted in both multi-media classrooms and
full-fidelity laboratories using a variety of progressive teaching methods.
Collocation of the agency's technical training programs maximizes use of
facilities and equipment, eliminates duplication, and reduces overall costs. top |
| ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE |
| The Academy is
accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Accreditation certifies that the Academy has been recognized as a quality
institution by a non-governmental voluntary association of education
institutions. Additionally, the American Council on Education, the nationally
recognized coordinating body for post-secondary education, evaluates Academy
courses for college credit. Over 300 Academy courses currently meet their
rigorous standards and are acceptable for college credit. The Academy is committed to the development of highly skilled aviation professionals through innovative methodologies, cutting-edge technology, and most importantly, the Train To Succeed philosophy. The diverse Academy team embodies the FAA success- oriented approach. Training is designed to allow participants to master small portions of a complex task before being required to perform the entire task. We recognize our participants as individuals with unique needs. We don't just teach rules; we develop skills. The Academy's training services provide maximum flexibility to meet the diverse needs of the international community. top |
| CURRICULUM |
| Courses evolve through
the continuous efforts of subject matter experts and instructional system
specialists. Training is designed to provide a balance between theory and
practical application by combining classroom sessions with "hands-on"
experience in laboratory simulations and on operations equipment. Certified,
experienced FAA specialists give participants individual attention and stress
key course elements. The Academy also offers a full range of distance learning services including interactive video teletraining, computer- based instruction, and correspondence study. The Academy has a digital up-link and maintains a fully equipped video presentation studio. top |
| ORGANIZATION |
| The Academy is comprised
of six technical training divisions and two support divisions: Air Traffic Division Airway Facilities Division Airports and Logistics Division National Airspace System (NAS) Technical Services Division Operational Support Division Regulatory Standards Division Training Support Division International Training Division The Academy's International Training Services Center (ITD) serves as the focal point to coordinate the Academy's international training and assistance program and manages the dedicated international courses. The other five technical training divisions provide basic, recurrent and advanced training for FAA personnel to meet FAA operational needs. The functions of the training divisions and their respective courses for international participants are described on the following pages. top |
| ATTENDING CLASS AT THE ACADEMY |
| The ITD is available to
assist participants with coordination of their training program, housing, and
non-academic personal issues or concerns they may have while training at the
Academy. The staff will also make arrangements for international participants
to become acquainted with a friendship family from the local area. International participants coming to the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City for training will report to the International Training Division. The office is located in Building 5 (ANF-1), Room 220, at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. After enrollment is completed, if you need information about attending class at the Academy, please contact the ITD: FAA Academy International Training Division 6500 S. MacArthur Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73125 Telephone: (405) 954-3508 Facsimile: (405) 954-4779 E-mail: 9-amc-ama-itd@faa.gov top |
| GENERAL INFORMATION |
| Housing - FAA
uses nearby hotels and apartments to house FAA international participants while
in training at the Academy. FAA has negotiated with apartment owners to allow
for short-term leases for apartments containing furniture, dishes, cooking
utensils, linens, and a television set. Housing is reasonably priced. All
housing is at the participant's expense. Local Transportation - Free bus transportation between the Academy and nearby hotels and apartments is available to international participants. Support Facilities - Facilities include a full-service cafeteria, snack bars in major buildings, a Post Office, the FAA Employees Credit Union, automated teller machines (ATMs), and the Employee Association Bookstore. The Aeronautical Center Library is open to everyone. The library's focus is aviation; however, management, technical and general reference material is also available. The Aero Fitness Health Center is also available to international participants at a minimal fee. Medical Care - Limited emergency medical care is available at the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute's employee health clinic located at the Aeronautical Center. If more extensive health care is required, the clinic will recommend appropriate medical professionals. Either participants themselves, or their sponsoring governments or international organizations, are responsible for providing medical insurance coverage. top |
| COURSES FOR INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS |
| This catalog outlines
FAA training available for international participants. Most of the FAA
Academy's training courses are designed to address the needs of FAA specialists
engaged in the operation, maintenance, administration, and management of the
U.S. civil aviation system. With some exceptions, international participants
are welcome to attend FAA courses. They will be placed in the same classes with
FAA employees on a space-available basis. Priority for enrollment in most FAA
courses must be given to meeting the agency's own training needs. However, the
Academy will do everything possible to accommodate international participants. top |
| DEDICATED INTERNATIONAL COURSES |
| There are a number of
courses designed exclusively to meet the needs of international participants.
These are courses for which there has been a continuing request by other
governments to the extent that the FAA has tailored course content to meet
international training needs. All enrollment spaces in these classes have been
reserved for international participants. top |
| CUSTOMIZED TRAINING |
| Customized training is a
key ingredient in the Academy's international training program. Some countries
have situations which require specific training solutions. For these customers,
the Academy can design, develop, and deliver unique training products tailored
to meet specifically defined requirements. Customized training normally
requires an in-country, customer- funded assessment of existing operational and
training systems. The assessment is followed by a comprehensive report of
findings and a list of recommended training solutions. Customized courses are
based on ICAO standards, when appropriate, and country- specific requirements.
The training can be delivered at the Academy or in-country, depending upon the
customer's needs. Contact your FAA Representative or the FAA Office of International Aviation for information on in-country or customized training. top |
| ADMISSION |
| FAA training and
assistance is provided under government-to-government training agreements.
These reimbursable agreements are generally between the FAA and the civil
aviation authority in the recipient country. Governments wishing to arrange for
FAA training may submit their requests through the U.S. Embassy in their
country. Requests for training individual participants should specify the
desired dates as broadly as possible and provide the participant's name,
biographical information, and English language capabilities. Admission to FAA Academy courses is on a first-come, first-served basis. Class schedules and tuition information are published separately in an annual supplement to this catalog. All associated costs of training, such as travel, living allowances, medical insurance, and other personal, incidental expenses, must be paid by the participants or their sponsoring government or international organization. Financial assistance to attend FAA training may be available through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). top |
| LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS |
| All resident classes for
FAA employees are taught in English. The ability to fluently speak, read, and
understand technical subject matter in the English language is prerequisite for
admission. When international participants need a better command of English
before beginning their aviation training, arrangements can be made through the
FAA for enrollment in English language training at a U.S. college or
university. Dedicated international classes and customized training may be provided via simultaneous translation upon request. This service is provided at the expense of the sponsoring government or international organization. top |
| COURSE PREREQUISITES |
| Successful completion of
advanced level courses requires appropriate background knowledge prior to
enrollment. This required background is generally indicated in this catalog by
listing one or more FAA courses that should have been completed prior to
enrollment. These prerequisite FAA course requirements may be waived for
international participants who have completed equivalent training elsewhere or
whose work experience can be demonstrated to have provided them with the
equivalent background knowledge. Prerequisites are listed in the course descriptions. Requests for waivers of prerequisite requirements should accompany the request for training. The request should be forwarded, with supporting documentation describing the equivalent training or work experience, to the Office of International Aviation for review. top |