AF Form 8: Certificate of Aircrew Qualification Guide 2026

AF Form 8: Certificate of Aircrew Qualification Guide 2026 – The AF Form 8, officially titled Certificate of Aircrew Qualification, is a critical U.S. Air Force document used to officially record and certify an aircrew member’s qualifications following ground and flight evaluations. It serves as the primary source document for establishing and tracking aircrew qualifications in the Aviation Resource Management System (ARMS).

This form is prescribed by AFMAN 11-202 Volume 2, Aircrew Standardization/Evaluation Program, and plays a key role in the broader aircrew training and evaluation framework governed by AFI/AFMAN 11-202 series publications.

What Is AF Form 8 Used For?

The AF Form 8 documents the results of aircrew evaluations, including checkrides, instrument proficiency checks, and mission-specific qualifications. It certifies whether the examinee is qualified or unqualified in a specific Mission Design Series (MDS) aircraft and crew position.

Key uses include:

  • Recording initial qualification training (IQT), requalification, conversion, difference, or mission qualification.
  • Documenting evaluation outcomes such as written tests, simulator emergency procedures, and flight performance.
  • Establishing qualification levels, expiration dates, and any required additional training.
  • Supporting flight record maintenance in the member’s Flight Evaluation Folder (FEF), where it is retained permanently alongside AF Form 942 (Record of Evaluation).

It is distinct from AF Form 8A (Certificate of Universal Aircrew Qualification for multiple aircraft) and is commonly referenced during transitions to civilian aviation, such as FAA military competence certificates, where it helps verify pilot qualifications.

Note: The current version is AF FORM 8, 20190626 (with corrective action applied 20210831). Previous editions are obsolete.

Who Needs AF Form 8?

All rated and non-rated aircrew members in the U.S. Air Force (Active Duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve) who undergo standardization and evaluation checks require this form. This includes pilots, navigators, flight engineers, loadmasters, and other crew positions across various MDS aircraft.

It is especially important for:

  • Graduates of Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) or other formal training pipelines moving to operational units.
  • Aircrew completing periodic evaluations or upgrades.
  • Senior officers requiring qualification for operational flying duties.

The form ensures compliance with Air Force standards for mission readiness and safety.

Key Sections of AF Form 8

The two-page form includes structured sections for clear documentation:

Section I: Examinee Identification

  • Name (Last, First, Middle Initial)
  • Grade/Rank
  • DoD ID
  • Organization and Location
  • Eligibility Period

Section II: Aircrew Evaluation Information

  • Requisites (with Yes/No indicators and checkboxes)
  • Aircrew Evaluation Date and Results
  • MDS/Crew Position

Section IV: Qualification Level

  • Qualified or Unqualified designation.

Section V: Additional Training

  • Expiration dates of qualifications
  • Due dates
  • Dates additional training completed.

Section VI & VII: Other/Endorsements

  • Indicators for restrictions, exceptionally qualified status, or commander-directed downgrade (explanations required in comments).
  • Signatures and concurrence from:
    • Flight Examiner
    • Reviewing Officer
    • Final Approving Officer

Examinee Certification

  • Statement: “I CERTIFY that I have been briefed and understand the action being taken this date.”
  • Examinee signature and date.

Section VIII: Comments (on the reverse)

  • Mission description
  • Discrepancies noted
  • Recommended additional training (or “None”)
  • Additional comments (or “None”)
  • Remarks from reviewing and final approving officers.

Privacy Act Statement (reverse side): Authority is 10 USC 8013. The principal purpose is to establish and record aircrew qualification. Disclosure is voluntary, but failure to provide information may prevent qualification and record maintenance. System of record: F011 AF XO Aviation Resource Management System (ARMS).

How to Complete AF Form 8?

Completion follows strict guidelines in AFMAN 11-202V2. The flight examiner is responsible for accuracy and should not sign until all required items are properly documented per the applicable AFI/AFMAN 11-2MDS Volume 2.

  1. Fill in examinee details accurately.
  2. Document evaluation requisites, dates, and results.
  3. Mark qualification level and any additional training needs.
  4. Note restrictions or special qualifications in comments if applicable.
  5. Obtain sequential endorsements: Flight Examiner → Reviewing Officer → Final Approving Officer → Examinee.
  6. Use the comments section thoroughly for discrepancies, mission details, and recommendations (enter “None” where not applicable).
  7. The final approving officer ensures any deficiencies are addressed.

The form must be reviewed for quality control by the unit Stan/Eval section. It is maintained in the aircrew member’s permanent Flight Evaluation Folder.

Download the Official AF Form 8 PDF
Access the latest fillable version directly from the official source:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/form/af8/af8.pdf

Always use the most current version from the Air Force e-Publishing website (www.e-publishing.af.mil) to ensure compliance.

  • AFMAN 11-202 Volume 1: Aircrew Training
  • AFMAN 11-202 Volume 2: Aircrew Standardization and Evaluation Program (primary prescribing document for the form)
  • AFI 11-202 Volume 1: Aircrew Training Program
  • Companion forms: AF Form 8A (multiple aircraft), AF Form 942 (Record of Evaluation), AF Form 4348 (Aircrew Certifications)

These publications outline phases of qualification training (initial, requalification, conversion, etc.) and ensure standardized procedures across the force.

Why AF Form 8 Matters for Aircrew Readiness?

Accurate completion of the AF Form 8 supports operational safety, mission effectiveness, and career progression. It provides a verifiable record of qualifications that follows the aircrew member throughout their service and can assist in post-military transitions, such as applying for FAA ratings based on military competence.

For the most authoritative guidance, consult your unit Standardization and Evaluation (Stan/Eval) office or the latest versions of AFMAN 11-202V2 and MDS-specific volumes on the Air Force e-Publishing site.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available U.S. Air Force publications. Always refer to official directives and consult your chain of command or Stan/Eval personnel for specific procedures, as policies may be updated.