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3.3.2.3 Action Criteria. Procedures for completing a task, including operations in or near a critical environment, when appropriate. These are steps that are active and generally are completed in an order to achieve the goal of the task.
Provide relevant parameters with tolerances to reflect satisfactory levels of performance.
3.4 General. The criteria for normal procedures, airplane handling, and air traffic control (ATC) communications and procedures are applicable to all flight maneuvers and procedures.
3.4.1 Normal Procedures.
3.4.1.1 Condition(s). Not applicable.
3.4.1.2 Awareness Criteria:
1. Maintain situational awareness of the events and circumstances at all times.
2. Demonstrate ability to continuously monitor and to identify any potential hazards or threats to the safety of the flight.
3. Demonstrate ability to communicate and manage available resources.
4. Maintain adequate lookout and traffic avoidance for the conditions.
5. Maintain awareness of airplane position relative to the “nearest suitable airport.”
6. Monitor system indications to ensure normal operation or identify abnormal situations.
3.4.1.3 Action Criteria:
1. Adhere to the duties and responsibilities of the PF and PM as prescribed in the air carrier’s manual.
2. Ensure operation of the airplane within the limitations established by the air carrier’s manual.
3. Comply with the provisions of the air carrier’s manual, minimum equipment list (MEL), and Configuration Deviation List (CDL) (if appropriate), as they pertain to the particular airplane, through all phases of flight and all operations.
4. Accomplish the applicable checklist items, and complete all required checks as specified by the air carrier’s manual.
5. Make correct use of instruments, flight director (FD), autoflight
(e.g., autopilot and autothrottle/autothrust), and navigation and communication equipment as prescribed by the air carrier’s manual and as appropriate to the phase of flight.
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6. Plan and brief automation modes and configurations.
7. Follow guidelines for PF and PM duties during manual flying and for operation of automated systems.
8. Plan workload and allow sufficient time for programming the flight management system (FMS).
9. Change the level of automation to correspond to situational awareness and workload requirements.
10. Call for and complete the proper normal, abnormal, or emergency checklist(s).
11. Alert ATC and the air carrier, as necessary.
12. Ensure proper crew and passenger briefings are completed.
13. Conduct the takeoff briefing according to the air carrier’s manual prior to taking the active runway.
14. Conduct the approach briefing according to the air carrier’s manual prior to initial descent.
15. Ensure potential terrain or obstacle threats are included in departure and arrival briefings.
16. Ensure that passengers, crew, and cargo are properly secured for takeoff or landing.
17. Locate and proceed to the nearest suitable airport when necessary.
18. Determine the best course of action when an immediate landing is required, but not possible.
19. Demonstrate sound judgment and operating practices in those instances where specific instructions or checklist items are not published.
20. Comply with sterile flight deck requirements.
21. Select the systems and procedures appropriate to the air carrier’s operation:
• Air conditioning;
• Airborne radar devices;
• Auxiliary power unit (APU);
• Automatic or other approach aids, including Head-Up Display (HUD) and enhanced flight vision system (EFVS);
• Autoflight (e.g., autopilot and autothrottle/autothrust);
• Anti-icing and deicing;
• Brakes;
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• Communications, including Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) departure/Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C) systems;
• Doors;
• Electrical power;
• Engine;
• Fire protection;
• Flaps;
• Flight controls;
• Fuel and oil;
• Ground proximity warning system (GPWS), enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS), or Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS);
• Hydraulic power;
• Flight instruments;
• Landing gear;
• Navigation;
• Oxygen;
• Pneumatic;
• Pressurization;
• Propellers;
• Stability augmentation devices;
• Stall warning devices and stall avoidance devices;
• Thrust reversers;
• Warning systems; and
• Any other systems, devices, or aids available.
3.4.2 Airplane Handling.
3.4.2.1 Condition(s). Not applicable.
3.4.2.2 Awareness Criteria:
1. Demonstrate awareness of the airplane’s trim condition.
2. Demonstrate awareness of the airplane’s configuration.
3. Demonstrate awareness of the autoflight mode when in use.
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4. Demonstrate awareness of the airplane’s flightpath, attitude, and speed.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the dangerous combinations of sideslip angles, rudder positions, or other flight parameters resulting from maximum, indiscriminate, uncoordinated, or rapid deflection of the rudder.
3.4.2.3 Action Criteria:
3.4.2.3.1 General:
• Maintain smooth, positive airplane attitude control in pitch, roll, and yaw to achieve and maintain appropriate flightpath;
• Maintain proper control of speed, pitch attitude, roll (bank), altitude, rate of descent, configuration, heading, course, and track, in accordance with the procedures and limitations in the approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and/or air carrier’s manual;
• Properly trim for the configuration or condition, if not automatic;
• The successful outcome of a procedure or maneuver can never be in doubt; and
• Continuously correct back to the target parameter.
3.4.2.3.2 Final Approach Segment (FAS). Maintain a stabilized approach:
• Have the airplane in the desired configuration for landing with the engines spooled and stable;
• Maintain a constant pitch attitude;
• Maintain a constant heading (within ±10°) or maintain electronic navigation indication with no more than one-quarter scale deviation vertically and laterally;
• Maintain an appropriate airspeed;
• Maintain a constant rate of descent;
• Keep the airplane trimmed;
• Execute a missed approach when reaching the minimum descent altitude (MDA), decision altitude (DA), or decision height (DH), as appropriate;
and
• For Nonprecision Approaches (NPA) without vertical guidance, maintain altitude at MDA, when reached within +50 to –0 feet.
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3.4.3 ATC Communications and Procedures.
3.4.3.1 Condition(s). The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) is a reference to the generally accepted practices of basic flight rules and instrument flight operations.
3.4.3.2 Awareness Criteria:
1. Interpret all ATC clearances received and, when necessary, request clarification, verification, or change.
2. Recognize the indication(s) of navigational station or waypoint passage.
3. Recognize navigation signal loss or Required Navigation Performance (RNP)-related alerting.
3.4.3.3 Action Criteria:
1. Select and use appropriate communication frequencies.
2. Establish communications with ATC, using proper phraseology or data link procedures.
3. Comply with all ATC clearances, instructions, and airspace restrictions.
4. Promptly advise ATC when unable to comply with a clearance.
5. Comply with ATC reporting requirements.
6. Demonstrate competency in two-way radio communications failure or ATC data link failure.
7. Use the current and appropriate navigation publications for the proposed flight.
8. Identify the navigation aids associated with approach procedures.
9. Select and correctly identify the appropriate navigation frequencies and facilities associated with navigation if not using Area Navigation (RNAV) or Global Positioning System (GPS).
10. Select, tune, identify, and confirm the operational status of ground and airplane navigation equipment to be used for the approach. Low frequency (Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB)) identification should be continuously monitored when used as the primary navigation reference.
Where applicable, check automatic navigational aid identification on the navigation display.
11. Set the correct RNP reference prior to any procedure where the default RNP is not appropriate.
12. Locate the airplane position using radials, bearing, distance measuring equipment (DME) range, coordinates, or navigation displays, as appropriate.
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13. Adhere to ATC airspeed restrictions and adjustments.
14. Intercept all courses, radials, bearings, or DME arcs appropriate to the procedure, route, and clearance.
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(h), 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.
3.7 Takeoffs.
3.7.1 Normal Takeoff with All Engines Operating.
3.7.1.1 Condition(s). Select appropriate weather and environmental conditions.