1-1 CHAPTER 1. GENERAL
1.1 Purpose. This advisory circular (AC) provides information regarding pilot training and checking under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121 subparts N and O, including part 121 appendices E and F. It is intended to be used as a resource during the development, implementation, and revision of an air carrier’s pilot training and qualification program. This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation.
This AC describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, for an air carrier to develop procedures and performance criteria for pilot training and checking. The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.
1.2 Audience. This AC may be valuable to the following:
• Air carriers conducting operations under part 121, including air carriers using an Advanced Qualification Program (AQP);
• Air carriers and operators conducting operations under 14 CFR part 135 required to comply with part 121 subparts N and O;
• Air carriers and operators conducting operations under part 135 that comply with part 121 subparts N and O;
• Program managers conducting operations under 14 CFR part 91 subpart K (part 91K) that comply with part 121 subparts N and O;
• Title 14 CFR part 142 training centers conducting training and checking under contract to a 14 CFR part 119 air carrier;
• Others involved in the development of standard operating procedures (SOP) and training and qualification programs; and
• Pilots and others involved in flight operations, training, and checking under part 121.
1.3 Regulatory Requirements. Each of the following 14 CFR parts can be found at https://www.ecfr.gov.
• Part 1, Definitions and Abbreviations.
• Part 60, Flight Simulation Training Device Initial and Continuing Qualification and Use.
• Part 61, Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors.
• Part 91, General Operating and Flight Rules.
• Part 121, Operating Requirements: Domestic, Flag, and Supplemental Operations.
• Part 135, Operating Requirements: Commuter and On Demand Operations and Rules Governing Persons On Board Such Aircraft.
• Part 142, Training Centers.
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1.4 Related Reading Material. The current editions of the following documents support the knowledge and skill standards for pilot training and checking.
1.4.1 ACs. The current edition of each of the following ACs can be found at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars.
1. AC 00-6, Aviation Weather.
2. AC 00-45, Aviation Weather Services.
3. AC 60-22, Aeronautical Decision Making.
4. AC 60-28, FAA English Language Standard for an FAA Certificate Issued Under 14 CFR Parts 61, 63, 65, and 107.
5. AC 90-106, Enhanced Flight Vision Systems.
6. AC 91-79, Mitigating the Risks of a Runway Overrun Upon Landing.
7. AC 120-35, Flightcrew Member Line-Operational Simulations: Line-Oriented Flight Training, Special Purpose Operational Training, Line Operational Evaluation.
8. AC 120-50, Guidelines for Operational Approval of Windshear Training Programs.
9. AC 120-51, Crew Resource Management Training.
10. AC 120-53, Guidance for Conducting and Use of Flight Standardization Board Evaluations.
11. AC 120-54, Advanced Qualification Program.
12. AC 120-55, Air Carrier Operational Approval and Use of TCAS II.
13. AC 120-57, Surface Movement Guidance and Control System.
14. AC 120-71, Standard Operating Procedures and Pilot Monitoring Duties for Flight Deck Crewmembers.
15. AC 120-74, Parts 91, 121, 125, and 135 Flightcrew Procedures During Taxi Operations.
16. AC 120-80, In-Flight Fires.
17. AC 120-88, Preventing Injuries Caused by Turbulence.
18. AC 120-109, Stall Prevention and Recovery Training.
19. AC 120-111, Upset Prevention and Recovery Training.
20. AC 120-118, Criteria for Approval/Authorization of All Weather Operations (AWO) for Takeoff, Landing, and Rollout.
21. AC 121-39, Air Carrier Pilot Remedial Training and Tracking Program.
22. AC 121-42, Leadership and Command Training for Pilots in Command.
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1.4.2 Other Documents.
• Pilot Guide to Takeoff Safety: https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airli ne_operators/training/media/takeoff_safety.pdf.
• Wake Turbulence Training Aid: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training/wake/ media/02frmatr.pdf.
• Airplane Upset Recovery Training Aid , Revision 2: https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/a viation_industry/airline_operators/training/media/AP_UpsetRecovery_Book.pdf.
• Report of the Performance-based Operations Aviation Rulemaking Committee/Commercial Aviation Safety Team Flight Deck Automation Working Group: https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/design_approvals/human_factors/media/ OUFPMS_Report.pdf.
• FAA -H-8083-23, Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook.
• Flight Standardization Board (FSB) Report for the specific airplane.
1.5 Introduction. This AC describes procedures for completing tasks during ground training, flight training and checking, and emergency equipment training drills. It further sets out performance criteria for pilots when performing these tasks and conducting these operations. The air carrier should tailor these procedures and performance criteria to the specific airplane type to reflect the air carrier’s operating environment. The recommendations of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the airplane take precedence regarding specific procedures that may differ from those contained herein.
Tasks are applicable when the airplane is equipped for that task and, if appropriate, authorized for that task via operations specifications (OpSpecs).
1.5.1 FSB Reports. Air carriers should refer to the applicable FSB Report for:
• Specific flight characteristics which must be trained and checked, as required by part 121 appendices E and F;
• Part 121 appendix E maneuvers or procedures which are not applicable to the airplane;
• Special emphasis areas which may require additional stress or highlighting during training;
• Seat-dependent tasks; and
• Other training and checking recommendations for unique features or new avionics technologies available on the airplane.
1.5.2 OpSpecs Authorizations. Per part 119, § 119.43, air carriers must publish criteria to support the use of specific OpSpecs authorizations.
1.5.3 Manuals. In accordance with part 121, § 121.135(a), the air carrier’s manual must include instructions and information to allow pilots to perform their duties and responsibilities
1-4 with a high degree of safety. As required by §§ 121.135(b)(2), 121.135(b)(16), and
121.403(b)(3), the manual must include the procedures and duties that apply to the pilot flying (PF) and to the pilot monitoring (PM) the airplane. The manual will be approved by the air carrier’s Principal Operations Inspector (POI) and will be used to develop and conduct the air carrier’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved training and qualification program. Together, these efforts will provide the very best opportunity to ensure that pilots will fly as they are trained and that they will be trained as they are expected to fly.
1.6 Developing Training and Checking Requirements for Pilots.
1.6.1 Regulations. In accordance with § 121.315, each air carrier must develop normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures for each airplane type that pilots must use when operating that airplane type. These procedures may include operational recommendations from the airplane manufacturer provided they do not conflict with the procedures in the approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). Once these procedures are developed, in accordance with § 121.401, the air carrier must develop a training and qualification program that meets the requirements of part 121 subparts N and O and appendices E and F to ensure flightcrews are proficient in their assigned duties.
1.6.2 Ground Training. Ground training is instruction that provides individuals with the required knowledge and cognitive skills necessary to perform the tasks required for the duty position. The required subjects are combined with the information and procedures contained in the air carrier’s manual and other pertinent references to create the ground training requirements. Curricula are then developed to support these knowledge requirements and ensure that knowledge is obtained and maintained. Chapter 2, Ground Subjects, of this AC contains information related to ground training of limitations, systems, performance, and procedures specific to the airplane type. Information related to other required ground training subjects may be found in various FAA publications.
1.6.3 Flight Training and Checking. Flight training is instruction, practice, and review that provides individuals with the practical, hands-on experience of integrating knowledge and cognitive skills with the psychomotor skills necessary to perform the tasks required for the duty position. Flight checking is a practical skills test conducted by a check pilot to determine if the pilot being checked is proficient in all assigned duties to serve in line operation. The flight maneuvers and procedures that should be addressed in initial, transition, conversion, upgrade, and/or recurrent training and/or checking are listed in Chapter 3, Flight Maneuvers and Procedures, of this AC. The operational requirements should reflect the air carrier’s intent for the manner in which each maneuver and procedure is to be accomplished during line operations. These requirements should include recommendations from, (1) the airplane OEM, (2) the airplane FSB Report, or
(3) other appropriate references that directly address specific maneuvers and procedures.
In accordance with § 121.403, air carriers must develop training curricula and performance requirements for each required task.
1.6.4 Emergency Equipment Drills. Emergency equipment drills are the instruction, practice, and hands-on use of emergency equipment as required by § 121.417. When feasible,
1-5 emergency evacuation and ditching drills should be conducted jointly with flight attendants (F/A) to provide all crewmembers the opportunity to experience crew coordination and teamwork. Information related to emergency equipment drills can be found in Chapter 4, Emergency Equipment Drills, of this AC.
1.6.5 Performance Standard. Per part 121 appendix F, the pilot must demonstrate, under the prescribed conditions, good judgment consistent with a high level of safety considering adherence to approved procedures and qualities of prudence and care in selecting a course of action.
1.7 Training and Qualification Program Review and Revision.
1.7.1 Regulatory Requirements. In accordance with § 121.401, each air carrier must provide and keep current the training material, examinations, forms, instructions, and procedures for use in conducting the training and checking required by part 121. In addition, § 121.415(h) requires each air carrier to provide ground and flight training, instruction, and practice, as necessary, to ensure each pilot:
• Remains adequately trained and currently proficient with respect to each airplane, crewmember position, and type of operation in which each pilot serves; and
• Qualifies in new equipment, facilities, procedures, and techniques, including modifications to airplanes.
1.7.2 Review and Revision. In accordance with 14 CFR part 5, an air carrier must have procedures to regularly review the pilot training and qualification program. As a result of these assessments, an air carrier must, when necessary, develop modifications, changes, and/or updates to the training and qualification program (per part 5, § 5.75). Various assessment tools may be used, including, but not limited to, the following:
• Testing results;
• Checking results;
• Critiques from managers, instructors, check pilots, and students regarding the training, testing, checking, or qualification process, including, but not limited to, content, presentation, and applicability;
• Periodic evaluations and analyses by those who have knowledge of the program, its content, and its goals and purpose;
• Data from voluntary safety programs, such as Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), flight operations quality assurance (FOQA), and Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA); and
• Other data from an air carrier’s Safety Management System (SMS).
2-1 CHAPTER 2. GROUND SUBJECTS
2.1 Premise of Ground Training. The basic premise of ground training is to instill a knowledge and understanding of each subject within each area of instruction.
2.1.1 Initial, Transition, Conversion, Upgrade (§ 121.419), and Recurrent. In accordance with §§ 121.419(a)(2) and 121.427(b)(2), the following subjects must be included in initial, transition, upgrade (§ 121.419), and recurrent ground training specific to each airplane type.
2.1.2 Upgrade (§ 121.420). Beginning April 27, 2022, upgrade ground training must include the following subjects, as applicable to the seat-dependent procedures and duty position procedures for the specific airplane type.
2.2 Limitations. As required by part 121 appendix F, the pilot must know the operating limitations appropriate to the airplane with respect to:
• Systems and components; and
• Performance.
2.3 Systems and Components. As required by part 121 appendix F, the pilot must understand and be knowledgeable about the following systems and components (as applicable to the airplane) and be able to explain their operation as described in the air carrier’s manual and their applicability, as appropriate, to the minimum equipment list (MEL), Configuration Deviation List (CDL), and the OpSpecs.
2.3.1 Landing Gear. Landing gear including, as appropriate, extension and retraction system(s), indicators, brakes, anti-skid, tires, nosewheel steering, and shock absorbers.
2.3.2 Engine(s). Engines including controls and indications, induction system, carburetor and fuel injection, turbocharging, cooling, fire detection and protection, mounting points, turbine wheels, compressors, deicing, anti-icing, full-authority digital engine control (FADEC), and other related components.
2.3.3 Propellers. Propellers (if appropriate) including type, controls, feathering and unfeathering, autofeather, negative torque sensing, synchronizing, and synchrophasing.
2.3.4 Fuel Systems. Fuel systems including capacity, drains, pumps, controls, indicators, cross-feeding, transferring, jettison, fuel grade, color and additives, fueling and defueling procedures, and allowable fuel substitutions, if applicable.
2.3.5 Oil Systems. Oil systems including capacity, grade, quantities, and indicators.
2.3.6 Hydraulic Systems. Hydraulic systems including capacity, pumps, pressure, reservoirs, grade, and regulators.
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2.3.7 Electrical Systems. Electrical systems including alternators, generators, battery, circuit breakers and protection devices, controls, indicators, and external and auxiliary power sources and ratings.
2.3.8 Environmental Systems. Environmental systems including heating, cooling, ventilation, oxygen and pressurization, controls, indicators, and regulating devices.
2.3.9 Avionics and Communications. Avionics and communications including flight director (FD), electronic flight instrument systems (EFIS), flight management system(s) (FMS), Head-Up Displays (HUD), enhanced flight vision systems (EFVS), Doppler Radar, inertial navigation systems (INS), Global Positioning System (GPS)/Differential GPS (DGPS), very high frequency omni-directional range (VOR), Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB), instrument landing system (ILS), Area Navigation (RNAV) systems and components, Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting Systems (ACARS), Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), ADS-B In, ADS-B Out, Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) departure/Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C) systems, indicating devices, transponder, and emergency locator transmitter (ELT).
2.3.10 Ice Protection (Anti-Ice and Deice). Ice protection (anti-ice and deice) including pitot static system, propeller (if appropriate), windshield, wing, and tail surfaces.
2.3.11 Emergency Equipment and Procedures. Crewmember and passenger emergency equipment and procedures including oxygen system, survival gear, emergency exits, evacuation procedures with crew duties, and quick donning oxygen mask for crewmembers and passengers.
2.3.12 Flight Controls. Flight controls including ailerons, elevator(s), rudder(s), control tabs, balance tabs, stabilizer, flaps, spoilers, leading edge flaps and slats, and trim systems.
2.3.13 Flight Deck Automation. Flight deck automation (e.g., autopilot and autothrottle/autothrust) including the air carrier’s flightpath management policies and procedures for selecting appropriate levels of automation. As required by OpSpec C060, Category II and Category III Instrument Approach and Landing Operations, this must include the air carrier’s policy for conducting Category (CAT) II and CAT III approaches when authorized.
2.3.14 Pneumatic System. Pneumatic system including compressors, valves, pressure, backup sources, and regulators.
2.4 Normal, Abnormal, and Emergency Procedures. Per part 121 appendix F, the pilot must be knowledgeable in the normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures applicable to the airplane.
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2.5 Performance and Loading. Per part 121 appendix F, the pilot must understand and be proficient in the use of (as appropriate to the airplane) performance charts, tables, graphs, and other data relating to items such as:
1. Accelerate-stop distance.
2. Accelerate-go distance.
3. Balanced field.
4. Takeoff performance, all engines and with engine(s) inoperative, as appropriate.
5. Climb performance including segmented climb performance; with all engines operating, with one or more engines inoperative, and with other engine malfunctions, as appropriate.
6. Service ceiling, all engines and with engine(s) inoperative, including engine(s) inoperative driftdown, if appropriate.
7. Cruise performance.
8. Fuel consumption, range, and endurance.
9. Descent performance.
10. Landing performance, all engines and with engine(s) inoperative, as appropriate.
11. Go-around from rejected landings.
12. The effects of meteorological conditions on performance characteristics with correct application of these factors to a specific chart, table, graph, or other performance data.
13. How to determine longitudinal and lateral center of gravity location for a specific load condition, including how to add, remove, or shift weight to meet longitudinal (forward and aft) and lateral balance limits for takeoff, cruise, and landing.
14. Planning and application of operational factors affecting airplane performance, such as high-altitude airports, cluttered and contaminated runways, and ground and in-flight icing.
15. Other performance data (appropriate to the airplane).
2.6 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). Per part 121 appendix F, the pilot must be knowledgeable on the provisions contained in the approved AFM.
2.7 Stall Prevention and Recovery. Per part 121 appendix F, the pilot must be knowledgeable in stall prevention and recovery in the clean configuration, takeoff and maneuvering configuration, and landing configuration. Refer to the current edition of AC 120-109, Stall Prevention and Recovery Training, for information regarding stall prevention and recovery training.
2.8 Upset Prevention and Recovery. Per part 121 appendix F, the pilot must be knowledgeable in upset prevention and recovery. Refer to the current edition of AC 120-111, Upset Prevention and Recovery Training, for information regarding upset prevention and recovery training.
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2.9 Severe Weather Situations. Per § 121.419(a)(2)(vi), the pilot must be knowledgeable in procedures for recognizing, avoiding, escaping, and operating in or near severe weather or other potentially hazardous meteorological conditions, including, but not limited to:
• Thunderstorms;
• Clear air turbulence;
• Icing;
• Hail; and
• Low-altitude wind shear. (Refer to the current edition of AC 120-50, Guidelines for Operational Approval of Windshear Training Programs, for information regarding wind shear training.)
3-1 CHAPTER 3. FLIGHT MANEUVERS AND PROCEDURES
3.1 Premise of Flight Training. The basic premise of flight training is to provide a pilot with the following:
• An understanding of what maneuvers/procedures are to be performed;
• A general description of what each maneuver/procedure is to look like and what that maneuver/procedure is to provide;
• Sufficient information as to where and how the airplane will be maneuvered, including the timing for that maneuvering, to position the airplane in the proper configuration, location, speed, and inertia that will facilitate the correct accomplishment of the maneuver/procedure;
• Sufficient practice for the pilot to be able to get the airplane to the required configuration, location, speed, and inertia each time he or she attempts a given maneuver/procedure;
• Sufficient understanding of the maneuver/procedure to be able to identify when one or more of the necessary parameters is not correct, or to identify that inertia is taking the airplane to an unsatisfactory condition; and
• Sufficient practice in determining how to correct parameters and continue the maneuver/procedure or determining that the maneuver/procedure should be abandoned.
3.2 Premise of Flight Checking. The basic premise of flight checking is to determine if the pilot is proficient in all assigned duties to serve in line operations.
3.2.1 Waiving of Maneuvers or Procedures. In accordance with § 121.441(d), a check pilot conducting a proficiency check may, at his or her discretion, waive a maneuver or procedure only as specifically identified in part 121 appendix F if:
• The FAA has not specifically required the particular maneuver or procedure to be performed; and
• For recurrent proficiency checks, the pilot is currently qualified for operations under part 121 in the particular type airplane and flightcrew member duty position; or
• For all other proficiency checks, the pilot has, within the preceding 6 calendar-months, satisfactorily completed an approved training curriculum, except upgrade training in accordance with §§ 121.420 and 121.426, for the particular type airplane.
Note: A pilot completing a pilot-in-command (PIC) proficiency check after upgrade training completed in accordance with §§ 121.420 and 121.426 must complete all maneuvers and procedures required by part 121 appendix F without any waiving of events.
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3.2.1.1 Use of Waiver Authority is Not Automatic. The use of waiver authority is not automatic. Air carriers should not have policies requiring check pilots to use waiver authority. Check pilots should exercise judgment in the use of this authority. If a pilot demonstrates a high level of performance, a check pilot may use the waiver authority. If a pilot’s performance only meets the minimum acceptable standards, none of the maneuvers or procedures required for the proficiency check should be waived.
3.2.1.2 Waiving Conditions and Restrictions. Some maneuvers and procedures have specific conditions, identified in part 121 appendix F, which must be met before waiver authority may be used (e.g., either the area arrival or area departure, but not both may be waived). Additionally, some maneuvers and procedures have specific restrictions, identified in part 121 appendix F, on the use of waiver authority (e.g., the circling approach maneuver may not be waived for two successive checks). If a check pilot is unsure whether the specific waiver conditions and restrictions have been met, the maneuver or procedure may not be waived.
3.2.2 Training to Proficiency. In accordance with § 121.441(e), if a pilot fails a maneuver or procedure during a proficiency check, the check pilot may conduct training and repeat the checking of that maneuver or procedure.
3.2.2.1 Training and Checking Not Simultaneous. Training and checking may not be conducted simultaneously. If training is required, the check pilot should complete the following actions:
1. Temporarily suspend the check. The pilot should be clearly informed that the check has been suspended.
2. Provide the pilot with additional training on the maneuver(s) and/or procedure(s) that was failed.
3. Resume the check. The pilot should be clearly informed that the check has been resumed.
4. Repeat/recheck the maneuver(s) and/or procedure(s) that was failed.
3.2.2.2 Recordkeeping. In accordance with §§ 121.415(i) and 121.683, the pilot’s record must identify the maneuver(s) and/or procedure(s) which were initially failed, the additional training provided by the check pilot, and whether the recheck of the maneuver(s) and/or procedure(s) was satisfactory. If the recheck of the maneuver(s) and/or procedure(s) is unsatisfactory, the pilot’s record must identify the second failure and the failure of the proficiency check.
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3.3 Task Organization Legend.
3.3.1 Area of Operations. This chapter is organized by the phases of flight. Each area of operation includes the tasks related to that phase of flight. The competencies for each task are described as conditions, awareness, and action criteria.
3.3.2 Task Description. The pilot flying (PF) and pilot monitoring (PM) should demonstrate the awareness criteria and action criteria under the prescribed conditions. Per §§ 119.43(c) and 121.415(h), the air carrier must train pilots in all tasks, procedures, and environments for which they hold operations specification (OpSpec) approval to operate, under all specified conditions. Any condition may be selected for checking unless a particular condition is specified.
3.3.2.1 Conditions Included.
3.3.2.1.1 Environmental conditions and circumstances, including those that compound the difficulty of the task when encountered. The instructor or check pilot selects conditions, as appropriate:
1. Day or night conditions.
2. Weather that is, or is not, a complicating factor.
3. If visibility is a complicating factor, the task will use the prescribed procedures for the existing conditions.
4. If performance is influenced by temperature, pressure altitude, atmospheric, or precipitation conditions (e.g., rain, drizzle, ice, or snow), the following is required:
• Appropriate adjustments will be made to the type of takeoff or approach and landing that is to be flown;
• The airplane configuration that is to be used; and
• The requirement to operate the airplane within the reduced tolerances applicable, including airspeed and runway touchdown point.
3.3.2.1.2 Clarifying information about the nature of the task.
3.3.2.1.3 Explanatory language about the goal, or intent of the task or area to aid in setting the stage for its effective conduct.
3.3.2.2 Awareness Criteria. Identify the specific aspects of the task and environment that indicate proper operation, a need to seek further information, or a need to take action to prevent encountering a hazard or compounding the difficulty unnecessarily. These are generally an application of cognitive skill to support the action criteria or passive action(s) that should be applied throughout the entire task.