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15. Comply with the procedures for the instrument or visual approach.
16. Perform correct altimetry procedures, in accordance with the regulations, the air carrier’s manual, and ATC requirements.
3.5 Preflight Procedures.
3.5.1 Exterior Inspection.
3.5.1.1 Condition(s). The exterior inspection is a demonstration of a pilot’s ability to perform appropriate safety checks. Training and checking should include recognition of unsafe conditions.
3.5.1.2 Awareness Criteria. Check the general area around the airplane for hazards to the safety of the airplane and personnel.
3.5.1.3 Action Criteria. As appropriate to the airplane and the air carrier’s manual, check the following items:
1. Engines, for closed and latched access panels, leaks other than normal drainage, intake and exhaust areas for freedom from foreign object damage (FOD) hazards, and pylon alignment marks.
2. Fuel quantity.
3. Oil quantity.
4. Hydraulic fluid quantity.
5. Crew and passenger oxygen quantity, pressures and discharge indications.
6. Steering system, brakes, and landing gear, including removal of pins.
7. Tires for condition, inflation, and correct mounting.
8. Fire protection and detection systems pressures and discharge indications.
9. Pneumatic system pressures.
10. APU, for closed and latched access panels, leaks other than normal drainage, intake and exhaust areas for freedom from FOD hazards.
11. Flight control systems, including trim, spoilers, ailerons, leading and trailing edge slats and flaps, elevator, stabilizer, and rudder.
12. Anti-ice and deice systems, including ice detector probes and deice boots.
13. Windshields and windows.
14. Pitot tubes, static ports, angle of attack (AOA) vanes, stall warning vanes, static wicks, and probes.
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15. Radome, communication and navigation antennas.
16. Air inlets for avionics bays and air conditioning systems.
17. All exterior lights, including landing, taxi, navigation, recognition, and strobe lights.
18. Entry door stairs.
19. General airframe and structural integrity, including scratches, tears, holes, or dents and the fit and security of panels, doors, and hatches.
3.5.2 Cabin and Cargo Compartment Inspection.
3.5.2.1 Condition(s). The cabin and/or cargo compartment inspection is a demonstration of a pilot’s ability to perform appropriate safety checks.
Training and checking should include recognition of unsafe conditions.
3.5.2.2 Awareness Criteria. Conduct a visual inspection of the cabin and/or cargo compartment for hazards to the safety of the airplane, personnel, and passengers.
3.5.2.3 Action Criteria:
1. Note any discrepancies and take proper corrective action.
2. Determine if the airplane is Airworthy and safe for flight.
3. Per part 121 appendix F, the pilot must verify that the airplane is safe for flight by examining, as appropriate, items such as:
• Emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, Protective Breathing Equipment (PBE), portable oxygen bottles, first aid kits, emergency medical kits, megaphones, flotation devices, liferafts, and flashlights;
• Emergency exits and emergency lighting system;
• Signs, placards, passenger safety information cards, and emergency exit row cards;
• Passenger seats, seatbelts, tray tables, and passenger service units (PSU);
• Galley equipment;
• Flight attendant (F/A) seats;
• Lavatories; and
• For cargo airplanes, check load security.
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3.5.3 Flight Deck Inspection.
3.5.3.1 Condition(s). Select appropriate weather and environmental conditions.
3.5.3.2 Awareness Criteria:
1. Coordinate with ground crew and ensure adequate clearance prior to supplying power to, or operating, any devices such as doors, hatches, or flight control surfaces.
2. Know the system tests that are required.
3.5.3.3 Action Criteria:
1. Demonstrate proper operation of applicable airplane systems.
2. Note any discrepancies and take proper corrective action.
3. Determine if the airplane is Airworthy and safe for flight.
4. Locate the documents required for flight, including airworthiness and registration certificates, OpSpecs (if appropriate), the air carrier’s manual, MEL, CDL, Weight and Balance (W&B) data, and the maintenance logbook.
5. Per part 121 appendix F, the pilot must verify that the airplane is safe for flight by examining, as appropriate, items such as:
• Engines, including controls and indicators;
• Fuel quantity and distribution;
• Oil quantity and pressure;
• Hydraulic fluid quantity and pressure;
• Crew and passenger oxygen quantity, pressures, and discharge indications;
• Fire protection and detection systems, pressures, and discharge indications;
• Pneumatic system for proper operation and pressures;
• Ground environmental systems;
• APU;
• Anti-ice and deice systems;
• Avionics systems, including communication, navigation, weather radar, GPWS, Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), passenger address, and interphone;
• Lighting systems;
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• Warning systems;
• Electrical systems;
• Airspeed indicators, heading indicators, attitude indicators, vertical speed indicators, and altitude indicators;
• Flight controls and steering system;
• Emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers, PBEs, flashlights, life vests, escape ropes, smoke goggles, oxygen masks, and crash axe;
• Circuit breaker panels; and
• Seats and seatbelts.
3.5.4 Navigation System Setup.
3.5.4.1 Condition(s). Select appropriate weather and environmental conditions. Setup includes, but is not limited to, FMS, inertial navigation systems (INS), and GPS.
3.5.4.2 Awareness Criteria:
1. Monitor the navigation system for fault indication, or for the results of self-tests.
2. Ensure the system is operating normally.
3.5.4.3 Action Criteria:
1. Verify airplane, engine, and other data for accuracy.
2. Enter or recall the planned route of flight.
3. Enter performance-related data, such as thrust levels, planned speeds, airplane weight, and other vertical navigation (VNAV) profile information.
4. Perform crosschecks and crew verification procedures in accordance with the air carrier’s manual.
3.6 Ground Operations.
3.6.1 Engine Start.
3.6.1.1 Condition(s). Select appropriate weather and environmental conditions, including, but not limited to: hot or cold weather, tailwind, icing condition, and low-density altitude.
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3.6.1.2 Awareness Criteria:
1. Exhibit adequate knowledge of the correct engine start procedures under various atmospheric conditions, normal and abnormal starting limitations, and the proper action required in the event of a malfunction.
2. Ensure ground safety procedures are followed during the before-start, start, and after-start phases.
3. Ensure the use of appropriate ground crew personnel during the start procedures.
4. Consider the effect of jet blast on personnel, other aircraft, vehicles, ground equipment, and structures.
3.6.1.3 Action Criteria:
1. Use required ground crew personnel during the before-start, start, and after-start phases (as appropriate).
2. Start the engine(s) under varying environmental conditions using normal, APU, external power, battery, pneumatic sources, or cross-bleed, as appropriate.
3. Take appropriate action in the event of a malfunction during the start process.
3.6.2 Pushback and Powerback.
3.6.2.1 Condition(s). Select appropriate weather and environmental conditions.
3.6.2.2 Awareness Criteria:
1. Maintain constant vigilance and lookout of the general area around the airplane for hazards to the safety of the airplane, personnel, other aircraft, vehicles, equipment, and structures.
2. Properly divide attention inside and outside the flight deck.
3. Consider the effect of jet blast on personnel, other aircraft, vehicles, ground equipment, and structures.
3.6.2.3 Action Criteria:
1. Maintain proper spacing from other aircraft, obstructions, and personnel.
2. Maintain communications with the ground crew.
3. Avoid use of brakes unless requested by the ground crew.
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3.6.3 Taxi.
3.6.3.1 Condition(s). Select appropriate weather and environmental conditions.
Training must, as required by §§ 119.5(g), 121.415(g), and OpSpec C078, IFR Lower-Than-Standard Takeoff Minima, 14 CFR Part 121 Airplane Operations—All Airports, as applicable, be conducted in taxi operations at the lowest visibility authorized for takeoff by OpSpecs. Training should also include Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (SMGCS) procedures if the air carrier is authorized to conduct operations at an airport with SMGCS. Refer to the current edition of AC 120-57, Surface Movement Guidance and Control System, for recommended training items for SMGCS.
Refer to the Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook (FAA-H-8083-23) for recommended training items for seaplanes.
3.6.3.2 Awareness Criteria:
1. Comply with air carrier and airport low-visibility procedures, as applicable.
2. Exhibit adequate knowledge of safe taxi procedures.
3. Maintain constant vigilance and lookout of the general area around the airplane for hazards to the safety of the airplane, personnel, other aircraft, vehicles, equipment, and structures.
4. Properly divide attention inside and outside the flight deck.
5. Consider the effect of jet blast on personnel, other aircraft, vehicles, ground equipment, and structures.
3.6.3.3 Action Criteria:
1. Use the minimum thrust necessary to breakaway and to maintain taxi speed.
2. Demonstrate proficiency by maintaining correct and positive airplane control.
3. Maintain proper spacing on other aircraft, vehicles, ground equipment, structures, and persons.
4. Maintain desired track and speed.
5. Comply with ATC instructions.
6. Use airport diagram (surface movement chart).
7. Obtain appropriate clearance before crossing or entering active runways.
8. Observe all surface movement guidance control markings and lighting.
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3.6.4 Pretakeoff Procedures.
3.6.4.1 Condition(s). Not applicable.
3.6.4.2 Awareness Criteria:
1. Be aware of the operational factors that could affect takeoff, such as takeoff warning inhibit systems or other airplane characteristics, runway length, surface conditions, wind, wake turbulence, obstructions, and other related factors that could adversely affect safety.
2. Divide attention properly inside and outside flight deck.
3. Be able to determine the need for deicing and/or anti-icing prior to takeoff.
3.6.4.3 Action Criteria:
1. Determine if the airplane is safe for the proposed flight.
2. Determine the airplane’s takeoff performance, considering such factors as wind, density altitude, weight, temperature, pressure altitude, obstructions, and runway condition and length.
3. Determine airspeeds/V-speeds and properly set all instrument references.
4. Configure the FD and autoflight controls, and navigation and communications equipment, to properly fly the airplane in accordance with the ATC clearance.
5. Review procedures for emergency and abnormal situations which may be encountered during takeoff.
6. Obtain and correctly interpret the takeoff and departure clearance as issued by ATC.
7. Confirm that the airplane trim and high-lift devices are configured properly.
8. Complete engine checks.
9. In accordance with the air carrier’s procedures, ensure the wings, control surfaces, and other critical surfaces are free of frost, ice, and snow before flight.
10. Correctly operate anti-icing and deicing systems or equipment.
11. Confirm airplane location and FMS entry (if appropriate) for departure runway prior to crossing hold-short line for takeoff.
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3.7 Takeoffs.
3.7.1 Normal Takeoff with All Engines Operating.
3.7.1.1 Condition(s). Select appropriate weather and environmental conditions.
3.7.1.2 Awareness Criteria:
1. Monitor engine and other airplane controls, settings, and instruments during takeoff to ensure all predetermined parameters are achieved and maintained.
2. Monitor airplane airspeed to determine normal acceleration during takeoff ground roll.
3. Assess takeoff and climb hazards, particularly those related to obstacles.
4. Consider the effect of land-and-hold-short operations (LAHSO), if applicable.
5. Monitor the airplane’s position relative to the departure end of the runway using runway signage, marking(s) and lighting.
3.7.1.3 Action Criteria:
1. Taxi into position to maximize the available runway.
2. Align the airplane on the runway centerline (RCL).
3. Apply the controls correctly to maintain longitudinal alignment on the center line of the runway prior to and during the takeoff.
4. Adjust the engine controls for the existing conditions and verify expected engine performance.
5. Maintain a wings-level attitude during the takeoff roll and during the rotation to proper pitch attitude.
6. For tricycle-gear airplanes, maintain forward pitch control pressure, as necessary, to ensure positive contact of the nose gear with the runway surface for adequate nosewheel/rudder pedal steering capability until sufficient aerodynamic control is achieved.
7. Rotate at the proper airspeed, at the proper rate, to the proper pitch attitude for the airplane configuration.
8. Perform required pitch changes and, as appropriate, perform or call for and verify the accomplishment of, gear and flap retractions, power adjustments, and other required pilot-related activities at the required airspeeds.
9. After lift-off, maintain required ground track or heading ±5°, as appropriate, until a turn is required.
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10. Maintain a positive rate of climb throughout the takeoff and initial climb.
11. Adjust to the desired pitch attitude at the predetermined airspeed ±5 knots to attain the desired performance for the particular takeoff segment.
12. Use the applicable noise abatement and wake turbulence avoidance procedures, as required.
3.7.2 Takeoff with Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
3.7.2.1 Condition(s):
1. Takeoffs with instrument conditions simulated at or before reaching an altitude of 100 feet above the airport elevation.
2. Takeoffs practiced to proficiency in training under the lowest visibility authorized by the air carrier’s OpSpecs.
3.7.2.2 Awareness Criteria:
1. Comply with normal takeoff awareness criteria in paragraph 3.7.1.2.
2. Exhibit knowledge of an instrument takeoff.
3.7.2.3 Action Criteria:
1. Comply with normal takeoff action criteria in paragraph 3.7.1.3.
2. Transition smoothly and accurately from outside visual references to IMC.
3.7.3 Crosswind Takeoff Including Crosswind Takeoff with Gusts.
3.7.3.1 Condition(s):
1. When conducting training or checking in a flight simulation training device (FSTD), select appropriate weather and environmental conditions, including crosswind with gusts.
2. When conducting training or checking in an airplane in flight, crosswind takeoff with gusts is required, if practicable under the existing meteorological, airport, and traffic conditions.
3. Per § 121.415(g), takeoff with the maximum crosswind for the airplane, as specified in the air carrier’s manual, must be trained to proficiency (if practicable for training conducted in an airplane in flight).
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3.7.3.2 Awareness Criteria:
1. Assess the changing effect of the crosswind component to make control corrections as required.
2. Comply with normal takeoff awareness criteria in paragraph 3.7.1.2.
3.7.3.3 Action Criteria. Comply with normal takeoff action criteria in paragraph 3.7.1.3.
3.7.4 Takeoff with Simulated Engine Failure.
3.7.4.1 Condition(s). Select appropriate weather and environmental conditions.
Per part 121 appendices E and F, takeoff must be demonstrated with a simulated failure of the most critical engine:
1. After takeoff decision speed (V1) and prior to takeoff safety speed (V2);
2. As close as possible after V1 when V1 and V2, or V1 and rotation speed (VR), are identical; or
3. At the appropriate speed for nontransport category airplanes.
3.7.4.2 Awareness Criteria:
1. Comply with normal takeoff awareness criteria in paragraph 3.7.1.2.
2. For nontransport category airplanes, be able to determine the appropriate speed at which the takeoff will continue with an abnormality or emergency.
3. Observe flight and engine instruments or divergence from the RCL to assess loss of thrust.
4. Identify those situations that require a rejected takeoff and make timely decision to continue the takeoff or reject the takeoff.
5. Identify the location of the engine failure (e.g., right side, left side, or center).
3.7.4.3 Action Criteria:
1. Comply with normal takeoff action criteria in paragraph 3.7.1.3.
2. Apply rudder as required to counteract asymmetric thrust.
3. Maintain the airplane alignment with the runway.
4. For transport category airplanes, continue the takeoff if abnormality or emergency occurs at or after V1 speed. For
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5. Transition smoothly and accurately into a stabilized climb, achieving and maintaining the airplane in coordinated flight.
6. Maintain required ground track (or heading) and attitude appropriate for climb performance and terrain clearance, as appropriate, until a turn is required.
7. Make suitable decision to return to airport or divert, as appropriate.
3.7.5 Rejected Takeoff.
3.7.5.1 Condition(s). Select appropriate weather and environmental conditions. The cause for the decision to reject needs to be presented so that the first action to reject the takeoff may be made by (1) V1 speed for transport category airplanes or (2) a predetermined speed for nontransport category airplanes.
Rejected takeoffs should be conducted in realistic scenarios, such as:
1. Airspeed discrepancies;
2. Takeoff configuration warnings;
3. Cargo or cabin door warnings;
4. Mechanical issues;
5. Tire failures;
6. ATC instruction to reject or canceled clearance;
7. Bird strike;
8. Engine failure; or
9. Other scenarios, that per the air carrier’s manual, should require a rejected takeoff.
3.7.5.2 Awareness Criteria:
1. Identify a critical situation and take action in a timely manner to reject the takeoff.
2. For nontransport category airplanes, be able to determine the appropriate speed at which the takeoff will continue with an abnormality or emergency.
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3.7.5.3 Action Criteria:
1. Reduce the power promptly to idle and simultaneously apply maximum wheel brakes when a cause for aborting the takeoff is recognized.
2. Use spoilers, thrust or propeller reverse, and other drag or braking devices, as appropriate, to bring the airplane to a safe stop on the runway or stopway surface.
3.8 In-Flight Maneuvers. The purpose of these maneuvers is to provide familiarity with the handling behavior of the airplane. The intent is to teach the pilot to recognize deviation from normal flight and to practice the return of the airplane to a safe state. In this context, a safe state is considered an airplane attitude (e.g., pitch, bank, and yaw), airspeed, trim, and thrust setting appropriate for the airplane configuration and altitude at which the pilot is able to maintain control of the airplane. If the instructor or check pilot requires the assistance of the pilot to maneuver or configure the airplane, to fly a particular airspeed, or to set a particular power or trim setting, the instructor or check pilot should provide progressive instructions to the pilot to achieve the desired “set up” position for the task.
Returning the airplane to a safe state requires that the pilot continue to control the airplane away from attitudes and airspeeds that would exceed critical performance parameters (e.g., airspeed limits and “G” loading).
3.8.1 Turns With and Without Spoilers.
3.8.1.1 Condition(s):
1. The airplane may be equipped with ailerons or a combination of ailerons and roll control flight spoilers. For those airplanes equipped with a combination of ailerons and roll control flight spoilers, this maneuver should be accomplished without the roll control flight spoilers.
2. Training should include use of manual and autoflight controls at altitudes, airspeeds, airplane configurations, and environmental conditions representative of normal operations during departures, arrivals, and cruise.
3.8.1.2 Awareness Criteria. Experience the handling qualities of the airplane with various spoiler configurations.
3.8.1.3 Action Criteria:
1. Make turns left and right with a normal flight control configuration.
2. Make turns left and right with ailerons only.