School of Aeronautics granted FAA Examining Authority to issue Private Pilot Certificates
April 17, 2026 : By Liberty University School of Aeronautics
Liberty University’s School of Aeronautics recently received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to issue Private Pilot Certificates through its own FAA Part 141 approved flight training program — a process that previously involved an external FAA Designated Pilot Examiner.
Through this new Part 141 Examining Authority, aeronautics flight students can now complete their first FAA certification (Private Pilot) in-house, streamlining the process so they can stay on track to complete their aeronautics degree and reach their career goals.
The first Private Pilot Certificate was issued under the examining authority in late February.
“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.
He said the FAA approval is a formal acknowledgement of the consistent high quality of flight training offered by the School of Aeronautics.
Marcellus Herod, Chief Flight Instructor of Liberty’s Private Pilot course, said the new authorization strengthens the program’s ability “to develop safe, proficient pilots, and it advances the mission of Training Champions for Christ who are prepared to succeed from their very first certificate.”
The FAA requires a 90% first-time pass rate with external DPEs before granting examining authority to a Part 141 flight training program.
“Our team hit that difficult target,” said Dr. Jonny Hewitt, Executive Director of Training and Innovation. “It was no easy task, and we are extremely proud of their hard work and dedication in training world-class Christian aviators.”
The opportunity to certify students in house highlights the continued efforts of the School of Aeronautics and its longstanding relationship with the local FAA Flight Standards District Office located in Richmond, Va.
“This is a significant win for our team,” Hewitt said. “It greatly benefits our students, and it has opened additional opportunities for our other technical training programs as we continue working alongside (representatives of) the FAA.”
“This is a tremendous benefit for our students and instructors and a proud moment for the School of Aeronautics,” Dean Steven Brinly added. “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.”
In 2024, Liberty received FAA examining authority for the instrument rating flight course, typically the second FAA certification earned by aeronautics students.
