The Federal Aviation Administration recently released Order 8100.15C updating its Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Procedures—a step in the right direction, although changes to part 135 operators are limited to four specific tasks:
- Conducting pilot airmen certification tasks;
- Conducting air carrier checking pilot evaluation;
- Conducting Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) initial qualification checks; and
- Conducting Airman Certificate Qualification review.
Additionally, the Order will eventually reduce the number of designees in favor of ODAs, as “managing organizations is more efficient for the FAA than managing the activity of many individual designees.”
In comments submitted on January 31, 2025, NATA encouraged the FAA to expand the use of ODAs, centralize oversight and promote specialization with ODAs, and clarify roles in aircraft configuration conformity. NATA applauds the FAA’s initiative to address certification challenges through the expanded use of ODAs and hopes to see them broadened further to streamline processes, enhance safety, and support the aviation industry’s continued growth. We look forward to collaborating with the FAA to ensure the success of this program and to advance the shared goals of efficiency, safety, and professionalism in aviation.