ACRA

[Philip S.]

Anybody else dealt wtih this? I'm currently preparing for my instrument
checkride, so I'm dealing with getting an "FTN #" and filling out the
appropriate form online. Only problem is, the form doesn't work right, and
after much time on the phone with ill-prepared tech support, I've come to
the conclusion that it's because I'm on a Mac (insert standard Macintosh
jibes here).

So when exactly did this whole "ACRA" thing start? I got my private just two
years ago, and didn't have to deal with any of this. Can someone explain
this system to me and its purpose? Thanks.

[Steve.T]

Can you provide a bit more info? Are you a US Citizen?

And then, can I expect the same grief because I use Linux?

Later,
Steve.T
PP ASEL/Instrument

[BTIZ]

I just read about the ACRA in the last AOPA Flight Training mag.. guess I
need to do some research as I'll have two students up soon for their check
rides...

first call is to the DE.. to see if he is using it yet..

BT

"Philip S." > wrote in message
...
> Anybody else dealt wtih this? I'm currently preparing for my instrument
> checkride, so I'm dealing with getting an "FTN #" and filling out the
> appropriate form online. Only problem is, the form doesn't work right, and
> after much time on the phone with ill-prepared tech support, I've come to
> the conclusion that it's because I'm on a Mac (insert standard Macintosh
> jibes here).
>
> So when exactly did this whole "ACRA" thing start? I got my private just
> two
> years ago, and didn't have to deal with any of this. Can someone explain
> this system to me and its purpose? Thanks.
>

[Scott D]

On Wed, 23 Feb 2005 21:12:18 -0800, "BTIZ" >
wrote:

>I just read about the ACRA in the last AOPA Flight Training mag.. guess I
>need to do some research as I'll have two students up soon for their check
>rides...
>
>first call is to the DE.. to see if he is using it yet..
>

I have seen ACRA used for almost 2 years now. We had an examiner give
us a copy because he wanted us to fill it out so he would have it
ready when he came in for a checkride. We then started using another
examiner due to some scheduling conflicts and this examiner told us
that we were not suppose to have this and that we could get in trouble
if we used it. One of his main concerns was the fact that this
program could be used to generate temporary license. We deleted it.
I didn't like using it in the first place. It was much more
complicated than filling out a 8710 in PDF form.

Scott D

[Denny]

Steve, the computer on the other end of an internet connection does not
know what make of computer you are using, what operating system is on
your end, and whether you are still wearing last weeks underwear...
So, the problem is in the FTN form itself... Either you don't
understand the directions (I have that problem most of the time), or
their program has gone off into the weeds (happens)...

denny

[Dave Butler]

Denny wrote:
> Steve, the computer on the other end of an internet connection does not
> know what make of computer you are using, what operating system is on
> your end, and whether you are still wearing last weeks underwear...
> So, the problem is in the FTN form itself... Either you don't
> understand the directions (I have that problem most of the time), or
> their program has gone off into the weeds (happens)...

That statement might be a little too general.

Is ACRA a web application? If so there are plenty of opportunities for browser
incompatibilities. As an example, Microsoft Frontpage (I think that's the right
name, Msoft's web authoring tool) is known to generate content that doesn't
conform to internet standards and is "correctly" displayed only with Microsoft's
Internet Explorer. Most likely an apple or linux user is not using IE.

Dave

[BTIZ]

from what I read on FAA Web site.. the PC program you mentioned is in
"sunset".. being phased out.. now it is all web based and not stand alone
PC..

yes it could print out temp certificates.. but only valid certificates had
the "watermark" on the paper supplied by the DE

right now it looked like the web based program is geared towards part 141
schools or other formal training programs.. starting to open it up to all
part 61 flight training..

we do not have access to internet from our remote training location

BT

<Scott D> wrote in message
...
> On Wed, 23 Feb 2005 21:12:18 -0800, "BTIZ" >
> wrote:
>
>>I just read about the ACRA in the last AOPA Flight Training mag.. guess I
>>need to do some research as I'll have two students up soon for their check
>>rides...
>>
>>first call is to the DE.. to see if he is using it yet..
>>
>
> I have seen ACRA used for almost 2 years now. We had an examiner give
> us a copy because he wanted us to fill it out so he would have it
> ready when he came in for a checkride. We then started using another
> examiner due to some scheduling conflicts and this examiner told us
> that we were not suppose to have this and that we could get in trouble
> if we used it. One of his main concerns was the fact that this
> program could be used to generate temporary license. We deleted it.
> I didn't like using it in the first place. It was much more
> complicated than filling out a 8710 in PDF form.
>
> Scott D
>

[C J Campbell]

The form does not work right if there is a pop-up blocker on the computer.
Otherwise I have never had any trouble with it.