CHAPTER 2. DEFINITIONS GENERAL. The following terms are used throughout this advisory circular and are defined as follows:
a. Line Qualified. Describes a flight crewmember or instructor who is current and qualified to conduct actual flight operations in an assigned aircraft and duty position.
Line Familiar. Describes a flight crewmember or instructor who is familiar with a certificate holder's line operations. This person is either line qualified or otherwise qualified by participation in an approved line observation program. (An acceptable line observation program would include observation from the cockpit jump seat of a line crew on at least two operational flight segments. This should be accomplished twice annually, and the line observation program should be included as a part of the approved training program.)
Task Familiar. Describes a flight crewmember who is familiar with and can satisfactorily accomplish the duties of a particular cockpit duty position though not qualified for that duty position. For example, a second-in-command (SIC) candidate who performs the duties of the pilot-in-command (PIC) during simulator training.
d. Qualification LOFT. An approved flight simulator course of LOFT to facilitate transition from training using flight simulation to operational flying. Qualification LOFT meets the requirements of FAR Part 121, Appendix H.
e. Recurrent LOFT. An approved flight simulator course of LOFT which may be used to meet recurrent flight training requirements and to substitute for alternate proficiency checks. Recurrent LOFT meets the requirements of FAR § 121.409 as allowed under FAR § 121.441(a).
Line Operational Evaluation. An evaluation of crewmembers and crews in a flight training device or flight simulator during real-time Line Operational Simulations.
g. Special Purpose Operational Training. An approved course of operationally oriented flight training, conducted in a flight simulator or flight training device, which may be used to learn, practice, and accomplish specific training objectives; e.g., training in variant aircraft or special aircraft equipment.
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CHAPTER 3. BASIC ELEMENTS OF LOFT GENERAL. Certain elements about LOFT must be understood to ensure that its primary objective, to provide realistic line-oriented training, is met.
These elements apply to both Recurrent and Qualification LOFT and are described in this chapter. (NOTE: Some or all of these elements may also apply to Special Purpose Operational Training and Line Operational Evaluation.
See chapters 5 and 6 for more information on how these concepts apply to these types of Line Operational Simulations.)
CREW COMPOSITION AND PARTICIPATION. LOFT should take place in a line operational environment with a complete crew. A complete crew will always be scheduled and every effort will be made to maintain crew integrity. During LOFT, each crewmember performs both as an individual and as a member of a team, as is expected during line operations.
REAL-WORLD SITUATIONS. LOFT should contain scenarios of real-world, line operational situations, which progress in real time. These scenarios should be representative of flight segments where an entire en route operation is completed. In cases of flights involving repetitive events, the en route segments may be compressed. However, enough time should be allotted to allow crewmembers to become sufficiently familiar with the scenario to ensure that if the scenario is compressed, crewmembers will be able to resume or restart the scenario without confusion.
13. NO-JEOPARDY TRAINING. LOFT is "no-jeopardy" training, i.e., the instructor does not issue a passing or failing grade to a participating crewmember. As a LOFT scenario progresses, it is allowed to continue without interruption so crewmembers may learn by experiencing the results of their decisions. Decisions which produce unwanted results do not indicate a training failure, but serve as a learning experience. If the LOFT instructor identifies crewmember performance deficiencies, additional training or instruction will be provided. This training or instruction may be in any form, including additional LOFT. Before the crewmember may return to line operations, the performance deficiencies will be corrected and the instructor will document the training as satisfactorily completed. The "no-jeopardy" concept allows crewmembers to use their full resources and creativity without instructor interference. At the end of a LOFT session and after debriefing,
14. UNINTERRUPTED TRAINING. LOFT scenarios run full-length, with no interruption by the instructor permitted. The effects of crewmember decisions are allowed to accrue and influence the rest of the flight. The concept is that crewmembers will learn more effectively if they are allowed to learn from their experiences, rather than being interrupted and corrected by an instructor. In rare cases, and only during Qualification LOFT, an instructor may choose to intervene if he determines negative learning is taking place.
15. FEEDBACK. LOFT includes feedback to crewmembers on their performance in the scenario. This takes place during the debriefing phase. (See the following paragraph for further detail on feedback and debriefing.)
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16- PHASES OF LOFT. LOFT scenarios should contain the following phases:
briefing, preflight planning documents and activities, flight time, and debriefing. These are described in the following paragraphs.
a. Briefing. Before the flight segment begins, the instructor should brief crewmembers on the LOFT scenario, including the training objectives, and the role of the instructor (i.e., the instructor is considered "not present," except as an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) or as another ground base entity).
The role of the flightcrew should be discussed in the briefing (i.e., flight crewmembers should perform their duties just as they would in line operations). Information about "the environmental setting of the scenario" should also be discussed.
b. Preflight Planning Documents and Activities. Preflight planning documents (e.g., weather reports and flight plans) should be prepared with the operator's particular training objectives in mind. For example, the operator may choose to have crewmembers learn how to handle unfavorable weather conditions or how to correct improper fuel loads. Preflight activities include cockpit setup, computation of takeoff data, etc.
c. Flight Segment. The flight segment includes taxiing, takeoff, flying, and landing. It should also include the time in which communication with ATC and other ground agencies takes place.
d. Debriefing. Debriefing should include feedback to crewmembers on Positive comments regarding crew performance should be emphasized in the debriefing as well as crew performance which needs improvement. The debriefing involves instructor critiques of individual crewmembers and of the crew as a team. Also, it is important that crewmembers be given the opportunity to critique and analyze their own performance and review key points of the video record, if used. (See paragraphs 21 and 22 for further discussion of critiques, debriefing, and use of video records.)
TRAINING HOURS, RECURRENT AND QUALIFICATION LOFT. Both recurrent and qualification LOFT sessions should be based on at least 4 hours of total crewmember training activity, which should include at least 2 1/2 hours of LOFT scenarios. Reasonable amounts of time should be allowed for problem solving (e.g., consulting minimum equipment lists and operations manuals, preparing takeoff data, as well as other crew actions which are occasioned by the training scenario). For qualification LOFT, the 4 hours of crewmember training should include cockpit preparation, preflight activities, crew briefings, and interactions with flight dispatch and other ground agencies.
For Recurrent LOFT, any additional hours of training, beyond the 2 1/2 hours of LOFT scenarios necessary to comply with FAR § 121.409(b) may, subject to the approval of the FAA, be utilized for other specific training requirements.
All crewmembers participating in a LOFT session are credited with 4 hours of training time.
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LOFT SCENARIOS. LOFT scenarios should be constructed with the following guidelines in mind:
a. Objectives. The operator should assign specific training objectives to each scenario. These training objectives should be based on the particular needs of the operator. For example, if an operator is experiencing an unusual frequency of a specific operational problem, such as wet or icy runways, then the scenarios should be designed to include exposure to that particular operational problem. Training objectives may also be identified by the FAA based upon documented trends. Other specific objectives may include winter operations training, unusual airport or runway operations, alternate operation of automated systems, etc.
b. Constructing Scenarios. A variety of scenarios can be constructed by choosing different combinations of elements from the suggested categories listed below. Scenarios should normally be representative of the flight segment appropriate to the operations being conducted by the operator.
(1) Origin, routing, and destination (e.g., short vs. long routes).
(2) Revised arrival procedures (e.g., an unexpected runway change).
(3) Alternate operation of flight management systems.
(4) Abnormal and emergency conditions, including simple conditions
(e.g., a potential hot start) and complex conditions which continue for the entire flight (e.g., a failed essential A.c. bus).
(5) Adverse weather conditions.
(6) Partial or full loss of integrated flight management systems.
Timing. Scenarios should run in real time. This may include inactive time to realistically resemble actual operations.
d. Realism. Scenarios should contain realistic circumstances; e.g., messages from the ATC, or flight attendant interruptions.
Operators may use these elements to design full-length, real-time scenarios, as well as shorter scenarios which teach specific skills (e.g., windshear, special navigation equipment, TCAS, etc.). Scenarios should also be developed to observe checklist management procedures, standard callouts, leadership qualities, assertiveness, crew coordination, and communication. Scenarios should be updated periodically to ensure they continue to meet training objectives. Just as crewmembers could not anticipate all flight operational situations, operators should try to prevent crewmembers from anticipating the entire content of the scenarios.
APPROVAL OF SCENARIOS. Scenarios will be approved by the FAA.
submitting LOFT scenarios for approval, operators should state what training objectives are expected to be attained through completion of the LOFT.
Operators may elect to submit specific LOFT scenarios or a description of a Chap 3 Par 18 9
9/6/90 AC 120-35B system which uses a menu of different flight situations and environmental conditions which can be selected randomly to construct a variety of LOFT scenarios. In any case, scenarios which comply with the elements provided in this AC and meet the operator's stated training objectives may be approved.
Detailed scripts of the scenarios need not be considered for approval. When updated, scenarios should conform to the same guidelines that apply to original approval.
20. LOFT AND CRM. LOFT scenarios should contain CRM skills, whereby crewmembers utilize and reinforce various CRM concepts. CRM skills should be integrated into each operator's manuever/procedure learning objectives. In addition, focused CRM training could be provided independently during separate Special Purpose Operational Training. (For further information on CRM skills, see AC 120-51, Cockpit Resource Management Training.)
CRITIQUE OF CREWMEMBER PERFORMANCE. Critique of crewmembers should take place during the debriefing by the instructor. Critiques should include positive feedback regarding crew performance. Critiques should include discussion of individual and flightcrew performance by the instructor as well as assessment by the crewmembers of their own performance. The critique should consider the crewmember's judgment and the crew's interaction with all resources in handling problems. This includes interaction with ATC, company communications, software materials (e.g., company operations manuals and flight manuals), workload-reducing devices (e.g., autopilot and flight management systems), and other crewmembers.
22. USE OF AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT. Recorded audiovisual feedback is very useful as a debriefing aid for most types of LOFT because it allows crewmembers to view themselves from a third person perspective. This feedback helps crewmembers to better understand their performance, identify and accept their weak areas, and build upon their strong areas, thereby encouraging positive changes in attitudes and behavior. Recorded audiovisual feedback should be destroyed at completion of the debriefing.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING/LOFT COMPLETION. Decisions which produce unwanted results do not indicate a training failure, but serve as a learning experience which may indicate need for additional instruction or modified training activities. The additional training could be any form, including additional LOFT. In any case, required additional training shall be provided and documented as satisfactorily complete prior to the crewmember's return to line operations. Although additional training for a particular individual may be necessary, each LOFT scenario will be recorded as "complete" at the end of the debriefing stage.
24. BASIC ELEMENTS OF LOFT: SUMMARY. LOFT is defined by the following basic concepts:
a. It takes place in a simulated line operational environment.
b. It uses a complete crew with total participation.
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c. It contains real-world incidents, unfolding in real time.
d. It is "no-jeopardy" training.
e. It contains scenarios and segments which run uninterrupted.
f. It contains scenarios tailored to the operator's learning objectives.
g . It incorporates CRM skills.
h. It provides critique of individual and crew performance.
25. FAA PHILOSOPHY REGARDING LOFT.
a. The FAA believes that the effectiveness of LOFT is dependent on four important aspects. First, the use of the highest fidelity simulator available. Second, ensuring that only line qualified crewmembers are scheduled to participate in Recurrent LOFT, and that only crewmembers who are in training for a particular duty position or line qualified crewmembers are scheduled to participate in Qualification LOFT. Third, that LOFT scenarios run their full, uninterrupted course. Fourth, that a variety of scenarios, fully compatible with training objectives, are available and periodically updated to ensure that the LOFT experience does not become repetitive or stale.
b. In keeping with this philosophy the FAA expects that an operator, who has available a range of flight simulators for a particular model aircraft, will conduct LOFT in the flight simulator with the most fidelity.
example, if the operator has both a Level A and a Level D B-737-300 simulator at its training facility, the FAA expects the operator will conduct LOFT in the Level D simulator.
The FAA believes that the training value of LOFT can be seriously diminished when inappropriate crew substitutions are made. Operators should not schedule any person other than "line qualified" crewmembers for Recurrent LOFT. For Qualification LOFT, operators should schedule only line qualified crewmembers or those crewmembers who are in training for a particular duty position. In both cases, the FAA expects operators to make every reasonable effort to meet these scheduling guidelines. when, due to reasons beyond the control of the operator, the need for substitution arises, the substitution tables in this AC may be used. However, these tables are intended to be used only after the operator has made all reasonable efforts to provide a substitute crewmember of equal status to the person originally scheduled. The FAA recommends that the operator have an identified pool of cockpit crewmembers available to serve as substitutes in LOFT. This pool might include reserve crewmembers and/or newly qualified crewmembers. (Newly qualified crewmembers could benefit from the additional experience they would receive by serving as substitutes.) In any case, the FAA would expect operators to use the contingency features of the substitution tables only to permit continuation of scheduled training for extraordinary and infrequent situations.
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AC 120- 35B 9/6/90
d. The FAA considers interruption of LOFT scenarios a determent to the learning qualities inherent in LOFT. Arbitrary interruption of LOFT is not acceptable. LOFT scenarios should be allowed to continue to their logical completion. In Qualification LOFT, if the instructor is certain that negative training is occurring, the scenario may be interrupted. The FAA believes that well-thought-out and properly developed scenarios will not lead often to situations which require interruption.
e. Proper planning and development of LOFT scenarios are essential to ensure that training objectives are met. This is a critical characteristic of any FAA approved LOFT program. Training value is diminished when students Therefore, a variety and a sufficient number of LOFT scenarios are required to guard against crewmembers experiencing repetitious situations. In addition, the FAA expects operators to regularly update LOFT scenarios, thereby ensuring that crewmembers are exposed to new technology, procedures, and current operational problems.
26.-30. RESERVED.
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CHAPTER 4. TYPES OF LOFT GENERAL. As discussed throughout this AC, there are two types of LOFT;
Recurrent LOFT and Qualification LOFT. Guidelines for designing and conducting these types of LOFT are presented below.
32. RECURRENT LOFT. Recurrent LOFT is designed to ensure that each crewmember maintains proficiency in the type of aircraft and crewmember duty position involved. (See §§ 121.409, 121.427, 121.433, and 121.441.)
Recurrent LOFT is intended for flight crewmembers who are presently qualified in a particular make model and series aircraft. Recurrent LOFT is best conducted with a complete line qualified crew. Interruption of Recurrent LOFT is not permitted. Recurrent LOFT may be substituted on an alternate basis for the proficiency check requirements of FAR § 121.441.
33. GUIDELINES FOR RECURRENT LOFT. Recurrent LOFT should meet the following guidelines:
a. No Direct Instruction or Scenario Interruption. Recurrent LOFT does not permit direct instruction and normally does not permit interruption of the scenario by the instructor.
b. Crew Composition. Recurrent LOFT requires scheduling of a complete crew which is line qualified.
Crew Substitutes. The use of substitutes is discouraged and substitution should be rare. When the composition of the scheduled line qualified crew cannot be maintained, the operator may use substitutions based on the guidelines in Table 4-1. However, the operator will attempt first to substitute with another line qualified crewmember. This table should be used only as a last resort to prevent interruption of scheduled training.
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Table 4-1. Recurrent LOFT Substitution Table Pilot-in-Command Second-in-Command Flight Engineer Position Position (FE) Position
1. Another person of the same status for that position.
2. PIC' SIC' FEl
3. Pilot Instructor? PIC' FE Instructor?
4 . Pilot Instructor?
- Includes those who are either line qualified or in training for the position.
2 - May act as a substitute when a line qualified crewmember is not available. The instructor should not have previous knowledge of the scenario; however, when this is unavoidable, the instructor should not use that knowledge to influence or direct the scenario.
NOTE: The instructor conducting the LOFT session may not act as a substitute crewmember.
d. Number and Type of Segments. A Recurrent LOFT scenario may include one or more flight segments, depending upon the training objectives.
e. Training Media. The highest fidelity flight simulator available should be scheduled for Recurrent LOFT. (See AC 120-40, Airplane Simulator Qualification, as amended.) Recurrent LOFT may be conducted in a Level A, B, C, or D flight simulator, however, the use of the highest level simulator (Level D) is encouraged and the use of Level A simulators is discouraged.
34. QUALIFICATION LOFT. Qualification LOFT is designed to prepare crewmembers, who are not yet fully qualified for line operations and whose training has been provided in accordance with an Advanced Simulation Plan, for actual flight operations. Qualification LOFT provides training that facilitates the transition from flight simulator training to operational flying. Scenarios are designed to represent typical flight segments.
Qualification LOFT is instructional in nature; therefore, when it is essential to do so, instructors may momentarily interrupt a scenario for instructional purposes. Qualification LOFT is best conducted when the student crewmember, who is not yet fully qualified, is scheduled with a crew complement whose other members are line qualified. For example, a PIC candidate would be scheduled with a line qualified SIC and FE.
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35. GUIDELINES FOR QUALIFICATION LOFT. Qualification LOFT should meet the following guidelines:
a. Direct Instruction and Scenario Interruption. Qualification LOFT permits minimal interruption of the scenario for the purpose of instruction.
Interruption is allowed only when the instructor is certain that negative learning is taking place.
Crew Composition. Qualification LOFT requires the scheduling of a complete crew complement. Ideally, the crewmember who is qualifying would be scheduled with other crewmembers who are fully line qualified. In any case, the crewmembers will be Task Familiar with their assigned duty position but need not be Line Familiar.
Crew Substitutes. The use of substitutes is highly discouraged and substitution should be implemented rarely. when the composition of the scheduled crew cannot be maintained, the operator may substitute crewmembers using Table 4-2. Operators should attempt first to substitute another person in the same status.
Table 4-2. Qualification LOFT Substitution Table Pilot-in-Command Second-in-Command Flight Engineer Position Position Position
1. Another person of the same status for that position.
2. PICI SIC' FEl
3. SIC' PIC' FE Instructor
4. Pilot Instructor Pilot Instructor Pilot Instructor 1 - Includes those who are either qualified or in training for the position and will be Task Familiar for the position in which they are substituting.
d. Number and Type of Segments. Qualification LOFT should consist of at least two flight segments, one containing normal line operations and one containing abnormal and emergency occurrences.
e. Training Media. Qualification LOFT will be conducted in flight simulators qualified at Levels C or D. (See AC 120-40, Airplane Simulator Qualification, as amended.)
36.-40. RESERVED.
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