Virginia, USA – Liberty University's School of Aeronautics has received FAA approval to issue Private Pilot Certificates through its own Part 141 examining authority, enabling the school to conduct in-house certification for its first-level flight qualification — a process that previously required an external FAA Designated Pilot Examiner.

The FAA grants Part 141 Examining Authority only after a programme achieves a 90% first-time pass rate with external DPEs; Liberty University's School of Aeronautics met this threshold, with the first Private Pilot Certificate issued under the new authority in late February 2026.
The in-house examining authority streamlines the certification process for aeronautics students, reducing scheduling dependencies on external DPEs and enabling students to progress more efficiently through their FAA certifications toward their aeronautics degrees.
Liberty University previously received FAA Examining Authority for its Instrument Rating flight course in 2024, meaning the school can now conduct in-house certification for both the first and second FAA qualifications typically earned by aeronautics students.
The approval is described by school leadership as a formal acknowledgement of the consistent quality of flight training delivered by the programme and reflects the school's longstanding relationship with the FAA Flight Standards District Office in Richmond, Virginia.

Statements

"The recent FAA approval for examining authority in the Private Pilot course is another testament to Liberty University School of Aeronautics' commitment to excellence," said Tim Chaverri, Director of Flight Training, Liberty University School of Aeronautics.
"Our team hit that difficult target. It was no easy task, and we are extremely proud of their hard work and dedication in training world-class Christian aviators," said Dr. Jonny Hewitt, Executive Director of Training and Innovation, Liberty University School of Aeronautics.
"This is a tremendous benefit for our students and instructors and a proud moment for the School of Aeronautics. I am grateful for the excellence and dedication our flight operations team demonstrates as they fulfill our mission to equip, mentor, and send Champions for Christ into the aerospace community from their very first pilot certificate," said Steven Brinly, Dean, Liberty University School of Aeronautics.

About Liberty University School of Aeronautics
Liberty University's School of Aeronautics, based in Virginia, is one of the most advanced collegiate aviation training providers in the United States, delivering FAA Part 141-approved flight training within Liberty University's broader academic framework.

Source: Liberty University

University Flight Training Program Granted In-House FAA Certification Authority in 2026 for Private Pilot Course

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