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John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
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John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
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Student Pilot Certificate

Students enrolling in AVIT 102 who do not already hold a Private Pilot Certificate must apply for a Student Pilot Certificate from the FAA.

This certificate is required when operating an aircraft in solo flight, an important milestone that happens midway through flight training. In order to begin flight training, students must complete an application for this certificate on the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website.

Follow the steps below to create an IACRA account and apply for a Student Pilot Certificate.

Step 1: Create an IACRA Account and Obtain an FTN

An IACRA account can be created on the IACRA website, by clicking Register below the username and password prompts. Completing IACRA registration will create a unique FAA Tracking Number (FTN) associated with your account. This number is used to track applications for pilot certificates within IACRA, and should be written down or saved for future reference.

What is IACRA?

IACRA stands for Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application. It is the web-based application process the FAA uses to issue pilot certificates.

Where is IACRA?

The address is https://iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx. It can also be found by typing "FAA IACRA" into a search engine.

What is an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)?

This is your personal tracking number generated when you create an IACRA account. You will use this number for the rest of your time as a pilot. It is important to keep it somewhere safe.

Do I need this before orientation?

Yes. This will speed up the process at orientation and is required prior to enrolling in your first flight course at UND

Who can help with account issues?

The IACRA website has a FAQ page. You may also call the AVS National Service at 1.844.322.6948 or email helpdesk@faa.gov.

This process will take about 20 minutes to complete.

Step 1: IACRA Website

  • Find IACRA website at https://iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx or search "IACRA" online
  • Click "Register" on the right side, below the login boxes

Step 2: Select Applicant

  • Click "Applicant" at the top of the page
  • Click "Agree to TOS and Continue" at the bottom of the page.

Step 3: Personal Information

  • You will need to fill out all personal information in the empty boxes
    • Your information must be accurate. Please make sure names are spelled correctly, include all legal names, and verify addresses
    • You may select "Do Not Use" for the Social Security Number

Step 4: Citizenship

  • If you are a United States citizen, enter information required (county of birth not required)
    • If you are NOT a US Citizen, you are required to contact UND to receive further instructions. You may contact Paula Bruse

Step 5: Residential Address

  • Enter your permanent address (not a dorm or temporary living accommodation)
    • You must click the green box "Validate Residential Address" prior to moving forward
    • If you would like to add a dorm or temporary living address, select "Special Mailing Address" to enter that information
      • FAA will send all mail to the Special Mailing address

Step 6: Security Questions

  • Select two questions to use as recovery options. It is recommended this information be kept somewhere safe as it will be used often

Step 7: User Name/Password

  • Recommended to use your first.lastname for the username
  • Password: Must be 12-50 characters and include an uppercase, lowercase, number and symbol
    • This is an unusual password. Please keep it somewhere safe and accessible

Step 8: Account Created and FTN Number

  • Once you hit "register" the system will create your account and generate your FTN Number
  • Please retain your username/password and FTN number. You will need this information in the future

Step 2: Complete an Application for a Student Pilot Certificate in IACRA

Once your IACRA account has been created, you will need to submit an application for a Student Pilot Certificate. Step-by-step instructions for completing a student pilot certificate in IACRA can be found below.

What is a Student Pilot Certificate (SPC)?

Your first FAA pilot certificate! Completing the application for this certificate is required before enrolling in the flight component of AVIT 102.

Do I need an FAA Medical prior to applying for
my SPC?

No. However, you must have an FAA Medical before enrolling in any flight course at UND.

This process will take about 20 minutes to complete.

Step 1: Log into IACRA Account

Go to the IACRA website and log into your account

Step 2: Terms of Service

Click "Accept TOS as Applicant"

Step 3: Applicant Console

Click "Start New Application"

Step 4: Application Type

Select "Pilot" from the drop-down menu

Step 5: Certification

  • Click on "Student Pilot"
  • Click "Start Application"

Step 6: Personal Information

Your information should automatically populate from the profile information you entered when registering for IACRA

Review your information carefully and correct any errors before moving forward. Mistakes in this information will delay your application process.

Step 7: Certificate Held

Click on the "Certificate Held" box near the bottom

Step 8: Certificate Held

  • Answer questions about the following on the IACRA application:
    • English Language
    • Airman certificate
    • Medical certificate
      • NOTE: If you currently hold an FAA medical certificate, enter the information. The doctor name must be identical to that on your medical including the "MD" or other professional designation
    • Drug convictions
  • Click "Save"

Step 9: Basis of Issuance and Pilot Time

Both of these sections should already have green checkmarks, as they do not apply to issuing a Student Pilot Certificate. These sections may be skipped.

Step 10: Review and Submit

  • Answer question regarding Notice of Disapproval
  • Click "View Privacy Act"
    • Pop-up blocker must be disabled to view
  • Privacy act will pop up, read and close

Step 11: Review Application

  • Once Privacy Act is closed, click on "Review Application"
    • Pop-up blocker must be disabled to view
  • Review: Certificate, name, and address are correct
    • Name must match Government Identification and medical (if issued)

Step 12: Submit Application

  • Click "Submit Application"
  • Save the application ID number for your reference

Step 3: Have your Application Validated by a Flight Instructor

Once the application for a Student Pilot Certificate has been submitted, it must be validated by a Flight Instructor. At UND, this can be done when you first meet with your Flight Instructor to begin flight training. You will need a government-issued photo ID, your IACRA username and password, and your FTN to complete the validation process. Make sure you have this information with you when you meet your Flight Instructor.

Department of Aviation
4251 University Ave Stop 9036
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9036
P 701.777.4934
flyUND@UND.edu

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John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences

3980 Campus Rd Stop 9007
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9007

flyUND@UND.edu |  701.777.4934
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