Welcome

Welcome to the IAAC

I am delighted to welcome you to consider this new accrediting association for your aviation training interests, whether you are a prospective institution wondering what we’re all about, a prospective student looking for an accredited school to attend, or anyone else looking into aerospace issues. We thank you for your interest!

What is the IAAC?

The International Aerospace Accrediting Commission (IAAC) is the first-ever institutional accrediting agency focused solely on flight and aviation education within the United States and internationally. IAAC members currently include independent; Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) certified flight schools that prepare pilots and mechanics for the aviation industry. There are over 1,000 of independent flight schools in the United States, all of which would benefit from IAAC accreditation¹.

Why is IAAC Urgently Needed?

IAAC accreditation shortens the time and significantly reduces the cost for students to earn the FAA mandated flight training required to enter flight training careers. At the same time, IAAC accreditation brings long-need quality control, oversight, and affordability to independent flight schools to promote public safety and transparency. IAAC accreditation standards require accredited schools to maintain the highest standard for aviation training with respect to graduate competency, sound business practices and professionalism. Safety and high quality training are the sole driving forces at the IAAC.

Why is Timely Recognition by the U.S. Department of Education Critical for IAAC?

Formal recognition by the U.S. Department of Education of IAAC as an accrediting agency means that the federal government endorses IAAC as a reliable authority on flight and aerospace education. The Department relies on accrediting agencies to oversee higher education quality by granting “recognition” to an agency so that it can become a “gatekeeper” of quality for schools that seek to participate in the federal student aid programs (Title IV grants and loans). Only institutions and programs accredited by a federally recognized accreditor can provide students with access to federal student aid. This step will permit IAAC accredited schools to participate in U.S. federal student tuition aid programs and for their students to receive federal aid. IAAC is starting the process of applying to the U.S. Department of Education’s Accreditation Group to become recognized under 34 C.F.R. Part 602 as an institutional accrediting agency and is looking for stakeholder support to expedite this process.

Why is NOW the right time for the Department to recognize IAAC?

More Student and Employer Choice: The flight training industry is ripe for modernization. There is no flight-training specific accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Recognizing IAAC will provide more student and employer choice, lowering cost and time for training.
Skills Based Standards Only: Our standards and policies have nothing to do with controversial standards unrelated to academic quality assurance and student outcomes, including diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Our standards are focused solely on skills, competencies and safety.
Massive student and tax payer savings. Students needing federal aid are now forced to attend 4-year programs at traditional colleges and universities accredited by longstanding accrediting agencies that require curriculum and program lengths simply not needed to become a trained pilot. The excess education jacks up costs far beyond what is needed to prepare and train a pilot.

What is the Scope of IAAC Accreditation?

IAAC accreditation is designed for institutions of higher education that offer career training primarily in non-degree clock-hour vocational flight, aviation and aerospace related trade and technical occupational programs. Institutions eligible for application to, and accreditation from, the IAAC must offer programs that lead to gainful employment in an aerospace related field as its primary purpose. Such training may include, but not be limited to, programs that are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Such programs as those offered under 14 CFR Part 141 for Pilot Training, Part 142 Simulator Training Centers, Part 147 for Mechanic Training, Part 65 Dispatch Training, Air Traffic Control (ATC) Training and Part 107 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Pilot Training. [Note: schools training under Part 61 may be eligible if for such training the institution utilizes an FAA Approved Curriculum and meet the IAAC Standards.]

What are the IAAC Accreditation Standards?

IAAC Standards are designed to focus on these core areas within the flight-training environment: Institutional and Program Quality and Integrity, Security, Business Practices, Education, Safety, Risk Management, Finance and Accounting, and Student Satisfaction.

IAACS standards are a set of guidelines that program providers use to:

Deliver the framework of an FAA structured training program.
Align the program with the current demands of the industry.
Specify the program’s capabilities within its field of training.
Identify the most effective teaching methods.
Establish educational protocols for instructors, administrators, and support staff.
Outline the expected results of the program.
Assess if the program conveys the necessary skills and competencies, measured by outcomes.
Evaluate the overall effectiveness of the program.
Ensure that the right personnel, services, and systems are available to fulfill the needs of the students.

What are the Advantages of IAAC’s Accreditation Process?

Alignment with Industry Requirements: IAAC standards are directly aligned with FAA flight training certification requirements, so that graduates are ready on DAY 1 to meet be employed by airlines and other employers.
Third Party Outcome Validation: Since the IAAC standards are geared toward FAA certification requirements, all graduates (pilots and mechanics) are assessed for competency by FAA examiners, acting as a strong third party validator of graduate readiness.
Psychometric Assessment: IAAC standards incorporate the same psychometric evaluation tools as airlines to ensure that graduates have the capacity to meet employers’ rigorous entry standards.
Educational Accessibility: Graduation from an accredited IAAC school will mean that graduates are not forced to spend 4 years obtaining an aviation degree and focus only on the skills they need to work in the aviation industry, saving time and significant money. This will broaden the accessibility of flight training to more students.
Tailored Training: IAAC’s leadership and staff are aviation professionals, helping to focus the agency’s standards on areas that strengthen skills, safety and quality.
Consumer Protection: IAAC accreditation will require schools to accept their state’s consumer protection processes, compared to current state exemptions for FAA flight schools. IAAC standards also govern school closures, to ensure orderly processes that protect student interests. IAAC standards also mandate fair refund policies.
Learn more: On this website go to https://www.iaac.aero/documents_forms.php to review our standards.

Want more information?

International Aerospace Accrediting Commission

Arizona Office, 12740 East Sunnyside Drive, Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85259

(480) 451-7205

Sincerely,

Thomas A. Kube
Executive Director