What is IACRA, and what should I do before I start flight training?

Hello. My name is Richard Greenwood. I serve as the Training Center Manager for the FAR Part 142 Training Center here at Aerostar Training Services.

I’d like to speak to you today just for a few moments about IACRA.

IACRA is an electronic system used by the FAA to process airman certifications and ratings. The benefit to using IACRA is it decreases errors and it helps you to get your permanent license a lot faster.

Before coming to train with us, we need you to do one thing for us, and that is make sure that you have an account set up in the IACRA system. The website is IACRA.FAA.gov. Once you set up your account, you will be issued what’s called an FTN number. It begins with a letter and has a series of numbers behind it. Make sure that you write that number down, take a picture of it with your phone, or some other way that you’re going to remember what it was. Also make sure you write down your username and password because you’ll need that to the system. Armed with all those things, we can guide you through the process of doing your application once you arrive here.

The process is not long, but it can be confusing if it’s your first time. Not to worry, we will guide you through it every step of the way. These tips were intended to help make your transition smooth and to help you get the most out of your training. We look forward to having you train with us and we’ll see you soon.