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7.13.3 Additional Pretakeoff Information. The certificate holder should include in this section of the manual any other procedures or polices necessary regarding the pretakeoff phase of operation.
7.14 Flight Operation Procedures.
7.14.1 Checklist. The certificate holder’s policy for the use of cockpit checklists for normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures may be included in this section.
7.14.2 Additional Information. The certificate holder may also want to include procedures or statements of policy regarding:
1. Use of oxygen for medical purposes (refer to § 125.219).
2. Operations in icing conditions (refer to § 125.221).
3. Operations in the vicinity of thunderstorms.
4. Manipulation of controls while carrying passengers (refer to § 125.313).
5. Admission of persons to the flight deck (refer to §§ 125.315 and 125.317).
6. Reporting potentially hazardous weather and apparent irregularities of navigation aids (refer to § 125.321).
7. Carriage of persons without compliance with the passenger carrying requirements of part 125 (refer to § 125.331).
8. The practice of sterile cockpit (mission essential communication) until reaching cruising altitude or descending out of cruising altitude if below 10,000 feet, or when passing 10,000 feet whichever is applicable.
9. Other procedures or policies which the certificate holder deems necessary to the conduct of its operations.
Note: The certificate holder should include a section defining the company’s sterile cockpit procedures. The procedure should include as a minimum the following items:
1. A statement regarding nonessential duties. Example: “No flightcrew member may perform any duties during a critical phase of flight except those duties required for the safe operation of the aircraft.”
2. A statement regarding nonessential activities. Example “No flightcrew member may engage in, nor may any pilot in command permit, any activity during a critical phase of flight which could distract any flightcrew member from the performance of his or her duties or which could interfere in any way with the proper conduct of those duties.”
3. A definition of a critical phase of flight. Example: “For the purposes of this section, critical phases of flight includes all ground operations involving taxi, takeoff, and landing, and all other flight operations conducted below 10,000 feet, except cruise flight.”
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7.15 Postflight Procedures.
7.15.1 Reporting Mechanical Irregularities. This section should include a statement of policy regarding pilot reporting of mechanical irregularities and refer the pilot to the section of the manual which outlines the procedures for handling mechanical irregularities.
7.15.2 Reporting Incidents, Emergencies, and Accidents. It should also outline the certificate holder’s reporting procedures and policies for incidents, emergencies, and accidents. If the procedures for making these reports are contained in another section of the manual such as “Emergencies,” this procedure should refer the employee to the proper section.
7.15.3 Additional Postflight Information. Other procedures which are pertinent to the postflight phase of a part 125 operation should be included; such as, off-loading of cargo;
disposition of flight release, load manifest, and flight plan forms; contacts with the operation base required by flight locating procedures; etc.
7.16 Emergency Procedures. This section is primarily intended for procedures associated with emergencies. It will include:
1. A list of the functions assigned each category of required crewmember in connection with an emergency and emergency evacuation for each type and model of airplane.
2. General guidelines for the evacuation of persons needing assistance (refer to § 125.73(p)).
3. Accident notification procedures.
4. Procedures for the certificate holder’s management personnel to declare an emergency (refer to § 125.319(b)).
5. The procedures used whenever emergency authority is exercised (refer to § 125.319(c)).
7.17 Airplane Inspection Program.
7.17.1 Specific Information. See Chapter 9 for more specific information regarding the airplane inspection program.
7.17.2 Maintenance Manuals. The maintenance manuals required by § 125.249 are an integral part of those required by § 125.71. It should be noted that while those required by § 125.71 are accepted, the portions required by § 125.249 must be approved.
7.17.3 Detailed Program Explanation. Your inspection program should be a detailed explanation of exactly how you intend to control the inspection program and how you will have the airplane inspected. It must also explain what will be inspected, when it will be inspected, and to what standard it will be inspected. FSDO personnel reviewing your manual will make every effort to provide you with complete and specific information regarding any changes or additions required.
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7.17.4 Key Terms. For clarity, key terms used in part 125 relative to inspection programs are defined as follows:
7.17.4.1 Instructions: The explanation of who will do what, and when it will be done.
This includes assignment of responsibilities, assignment of duties, and detailed administrative controls.
7.17.4.2 Procedures: The explanation of how something is to be done, be it inspection, maintenance, recordkeeping, or your administrative systems.
7.17.4.3 Standards: Conditions, specified requirements, and functional limits, which must be met during the accomplishment of inspections and maintenance to determine the airworthiness of an item.
7.17.4.4 Tests: Examination of an item in order to ensure that the item meets specified requirements.
7.17.4.5 Checks: Examination to determine the functional capability or physical integrity of an item.
7.18 Separation of Operational and Maintenance Portions of the Manual.
7.18.1 Issuance and/or Availability. Section 125.71(d) provides for the issuance and/or availability of appropriate portions of the manual to ground and maintenance personnel and crewmembers based on their particular duties.
7.18.2 Two-Part Manual. At the certificate holder’s option, it will be acceptable to have two major portions of the manual, operations and maintenance. If the certificate holder chooses this option, the format of the maintenance portion may be organized in a manner suitable to the operator and readily understandable by its personnel. OpSpecs material in the maintenance portion of the manual must retain its identity as OpSpecs so that the operator’s personnel can readily identify the material as OpSpecs.
8-1 CHAPTER 8. CREWMEMBER, SIMULATOR, AND CHECK AIRMAN
REQUIREMENTS
8.1 Scope and Contents. This chapter outlines the part 125 crewmember requirements with respect to certificates, ratings, experience, initial and recurrent testing, and recency of experience. It also discusses the rules regarding use of simulators to meet part 125 crewmember requirements, and the designation of check airmen.
8.2 Limitations on the Use of Crewmember Services. Part 125 certificate holders may not use the services of any crewmember (pilot, flight engineer (FE), flight navigator, or flight attendant (F/A)) who does not meet all of the requirements of the applicable sections of part 125. Any person who uses the services of crewmembers not specifically qualified under part 125 or performs part 125 operations without having met the required qualifications will have operated contrary to the regulations.
8.3 Pilot in Command (PIC). The part 125 requirements for a PIC are:
8.3.1 Minimum Qualifications.
1. Pilot Certificate: Commercial pilot, with appropriate category, class, and type rating, and an instrument rating (refer to § 125.281(a)).
2. Medical Certificate: At least a valid second-class medical certificate issued within the past 12 calendar-months (refer to 14 CFR part 61, § 61.23(a)(2)).
3. Minimum Flight Experience: 1,200 hours of flight time as a pilot, including 500 hours of cross-country flight time; 100 hours of night flight time, including at least 10 night takeoffs and landings; and 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight time, at least 50 hours of which were actual flight (refer to § 125.281(b)).
8.3.2 Part 125 Testing Requirements.
1. Written or oral test, given by the Administrator or an authorized check pilot, every 12 calendar-months on each type of airplane operated (refer to § 125.287(a)).
2. Competency test, given by the Administrator or an authorized check pilot, in each type of airplane operated every 12 calendar-months. The instrument proficiency check (IPC) required by § 125.291 may be substituted for the competency check required by this section for the type of airplane used in the check (refer to § 125.287(b).
3. For instrument flight rules (IFR), an IPC, conducted by the Administrator or an authorized check pilot, every 6 calendar-months (refer to § 125.291(a)).
The Administrator or an authorized check pilot will certify the successful completion of an IPC in a letter of competency. The letter of competency will contain a list of the types of instrument approach procedures (IAP) and facilities authorized (refer to § 125.291(g)). The letter of competency will be placed in the pilot’s record as required by § 125.401(a)(1).
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4. The requirements for authorized instrument approaches are as follows:
• No pilot may use any type of precision IAP under IFR unless, since the beginning of the sixth calendar month before that use, the pilot has satisfactorily demonstrated that type of approach procedure and that approach procedure is listed on his/her letter of competency (refer to § l25.29l(b)).
• No pilot may use any type of nonprecision IAP under IFR unless, since the beginning of the sixth calendar month before that use, the pilot has satisfactorily demonstrated that type of approach procedure or any other two different types of nonprecision approach procedures and the approach procedures are listed on his/her letter of competency (refer to § 125.291(b)).
• The IAP(s) must include at least one straight-in approach, one circling approach, and one missed approach. Each type of approach procedure demonstrated must be conducted to published minimums for that procedure (refer to § 125.291(b)).
8.3.3 Pilot Qualifications: Recent Experience.
8.3.3.1 Takeoffs and Landings. Three takeoffs and landings in the past 90 calendar-days (refer to § 125.285(a)). In the event a pilot does not maintain this currency on a continuous basis and allows his/her recent experience to lapse, they must then meet the requirements of § 125.285(b) or (c).
8.4 Second in Command (SIC). The part 125 requirements for SIC are as follows:
8.4.1 Minimum Qualifications.
1. Pilot Certificate: Commercial pilot with appropriate category, class, and instrument rating; and for flight under IFR, meets the recent instrument experience requirements prescribed for a PIC under part 61 (refer to § 125.283(a) and (b)).
2. Medical Certificate: At least a valid second-class medical certificate issued within the past 12 calendar-months (refer to § 61.23(a)(2)).
3. Minimum Flight Experience: There are no minimum flight experience requirements specified for SIC, initial qualification, under part 125.
8.4.2 Part 125 Testing Requirements.
1. Written or oral test, given by the Administrator or an authorized check pilot, every 12 calendar-months on each type of airplane (refer to § 125.287(a)).
2. Competency test, given by the Administrator or an authorized check pilot, in the type of airplane used every 12 calendar-months (refer to § 125.287(b)).
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8.4.3 Recent Experience.
1. Takeoffs and Landings. Three takeoffs and landings in the past 90 calendar-days (refer to § 125.285(a)). In the event a pilot does not maintain this currency on a continuous basis and allows his/her recent experience to lapse, they must then meet the requirements of § 125.285(b) or (c).
2. Flight under IFR: Recent experience required under § 61.57(c) for a PIC (refer to § 125.283(b)).
8.5 Flight Engineer (FE). An FE is required where the airplane type certificate requires an FE. The part 125 requirements for the FEs are:
8.5.1 Minimum Qualifications.
1. Flight Engineer Certificate: A current FE certificate with the appropriate class ratings (refer to § 125.265(a)).
2. Medical Certificate: At least a valid second-class medical certificate, issued within the past 12 calendar-months (refer to 14 CFR part 63, § 63.3(a)).
3. Minimum Flight Experience: No minimum flight experience is required for an FE under part 125.
8.5.2 Part 125 Testing Requirements. No initial or recurring testing requirements are specified, under part 125, as long as the FE meets the recent experience requirements for the type of airplane used. If recent experience requirements are not met, the FE must be checked by an authorized representative of the Administrator on that type of airplane to determine that he/she is familiar and competent with all essential current information and operating procedures (refer to § 125.265(b)). The check will be valid for 6 calendar-months.
8.5.3 Recent Experience. No person may serve as a required FE on an airplane unless, within the preceding 6 calendar-months, that person has had at least 50 hours of light time as an FE on that type airplane, or the Administrator has checked that person on that type of airplane and determined that person is familiar and competent with all essential current information and operating procedures.
8.6 Flight Navigator. Flight navigators are required on all flights outside the conterminous U.S. where the airplane’s position cannot be reliably fixed for periods exceeding 1 hour.
The part 125 qualifying requirements for flight navigators are:
8.6.1 Minimum Qualifications.
1. Flight Navigator Certificate: A current flight navigator certificate. (refer to § 125.267(a)(1)).
2. Medical Certificate: A valid second-class medical certificate issued within the past 12 calendar-months (refer to § 63.3(b)).
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8.6.2 Part 125 Testing Requirements. There are no initial or recurring part 125 testing requirements for flight navigators.
8.6.3 Recent Experience. No recent experience for flight navigators is specified in part 125;
however, the following is a recommendation that would ensure your flight navigator is briefed as to the particular type of airplane prior to acting as a flight navigator for a flight requiring a flight navigator.
1. Limitations on climb, cruise, and descent speeds;
2. Each item of navigational equipment installed, including appropriate radio, radar, and other electronic equipment;
3. Airplane performance;
4. Airspeed, temperature, and pressure indicating instruments or systems;
5. Compass limitations and methods of compensation;
6. Cruise control charts and data, including fuel consumption rates;
7. Operating limitations;
8. Fuel consumption and cruise control;
9. Flight planning;
10. Each normal and emergency procedure; and
11. The approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).
8.7 Flight Attendants (F/A). Certificate holders must provide the minimum number of qualified F/As specified in their operations specifications (OpSpecs) for the airplane operated. The part 125 requirements for F/As are:
8.7.1 Minimum Entry Qualifications. No minimum entry qualifications, such as certificates or experience, are specified for F/As; however, the FAA recommends that you assure your F/As are medically fit to perform their assigned duties.
8.7.2 Part 125 Testing Requirements. F/As must be tested before their services are used, and every 12 calendar-months thereafter, on the subjects listed in § 125.289.
8.7.3 Recent Experience. No recent experience for F/As is specified in part 125.
8.8 Crewmember Records. Crewmember records for PIC, SIC, FE, flight navigator, and F/A will be kept in accordance with § 125.401(a) through (c).
8.9 Meeting Testing Requirements and Recency of Experience.
8.9.1 Twelve-Month Check. (Refer to § 125.287.)
8.9.1.1 Written or Oral Tests. All pilots are required to complete a written or oral test of the subjects listed in § 125.287(a) for each type of airplane in which
8-5 they perform in a pilot capacity initially and every 12 calendar-months thereafter. Those who maintain this qualification on more than one airplane will be subject to the knowledge items in § 125.287(a)(2), (3), and (8) for each type of airplane.
Note: See Chapter 4, paragraph 4.11, Testing of Crewmembers, for information on electronic testing systems (ETS) for satisfying the requirements of § 125.287(a)(1) and (4) through (9).
8.9.2 Flight Test. All pilots are required to satisfactorily complete the competency check required by § 125.287(b) for each type of airplane in which they perform in a pilot capacity initially and every 12 calendar-months thereafter. The extent of that competency check shall be determined by the Administrator or authorized check pilot. The competency check may include any of the maneuvers and procedures currently required for the original issuance of the particular pilot certificate required for the operations authorized and appropriate to the category, class, and type of airplane involved.
8.9.3 Flight Check Job Aid. The job aid for a competency flight check can be found on the FAA’s Web site at http://fsims.faa.gov. It should be used by the evaluator to assure all areas required by § 125.287 are covered. FAA Form 8410-1, Airman Proficiency/Qualification Check, is used to determine which specific maneuvers are to be performed, and should be used to indicate whether the maneuvers are satisfactory, unsatisfactory, or waived. The objective standards for the maneuvers are found in either the commercial pilot practical test standards (PTS) or Airman Certification Standards (ACS), as applicable, or the airline transport pilot (ATP) and aircraft type rating PTS or ACS, as appropriate. When the job aid for a competency flight check is used, consider the following information:
8.9.3.1 Use of Checklists. The inspector must note that the flightcrew members not only use all appropriate checklists, but also adhere to their provisions.
8.9.3.2 Crew Coordination. The emphasis is on adherence to company procedures included in the Policy and Procedures Manual (PPM), and accepted cockpit management methods.
8.9.3.3 Takeoffs. Takeoffs, for the purpose of the competency check, begin when the airplane is taxied into position on the runway to be used.
8.9.3.3.1 Crosswind takeoffs should be considered only when meteorological, airport, and traffic conditions allow them to be done safely. If not, crosswind technique can be discussed during the oral or written portion of the check.
8.9.3.3.2 The takeoff with a simulated failure of the most critical engine may be performed in a nonvisual simulator. When to induce the powerplant failure is up to the judgment of the inspector, given the airplane type and the prevailing conditions.
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8.9.3.3.3 The rejected takeoff may be performed during a normal takeoff roll after reaching a reasonable speed. A reasonable speed is determined by considering airplane characteristics, runway length, surface conditions, wind direction and velocity, brake energy limits, and any other pertinent factors that may adversely affect safety. This speed should be no more than 50 percent of the takeoff decision speed (V1).
8.9.3.3.4 Steep turns must be performed at a bank angle of 45°. The turn must be at least 180° and not more than 360°.
8.9.3.3.5 For the purpose of the check, the required approach to a stall is reached when there is a perceptible buffet or activation of stall warning devices (stick shaker or pusher). Where the airplane uses only a zero-flap takeoff configuration, stalls in the takeoff configuration may be omitted. At the discretion of the person conducting the check, one approach to a stall can be performed in one of the configurations while in a turn with a bank angle between 15° and 30°. If the certificate holder is authorized to operate the airplane with any stall warning device or indicator inoperative, the device or indicator may not be used during this maneuver.
8.9.3.4 Flight Characteristics Peculiar to the Airplane Type. Proper control of airspeed, configuration, direction, altitude, and attitude must be in accordance with procedures and limitations in the FAA-approved AFM, the operator’s PPM, checklists, or other approved material appropriate to the airplane.
8.9.3.5 Powerplant Failures. In addition to the specific maneuvers to be demonstrated with an inoperative powerplant, the person conducting the check may require a simulated powerplant failure at any time during the check.
8.9.3.6 Landings. At least two actual landings are required, but the conditions may be combined, as appropriate.
8.9.3.6.1 Crosswind landings may be conducted only if existing meteorological, airport, and traffic conditions allow. If not, discussion of the technique can be included in the oral or written portion of the check.
8.9.3.6.2 The following are conditions for maneuvering to a landing with simulated powerplant failure:
• In the case of three-engine airplanes, a procedure that approximates the loss of two powerplants (center and one outboard), or
• In the case of other multiengine airplanes, a simulated failure of 50 percent of available powerplants with the simulated power loss on one side of the airplane (not to be done on a circling approach).
• The landing that is rejected must be approximately 50 feet above the runway and approximately over the runway threshold.
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8.9.3.7 Normal and Abnormal Procedures. The pilots being tested must demonstrate the proper use of as many systems and devices as the person conducting the check finds are necessary to indicate the required proficiency.
A rejected landing may be combined with instrument circling approach or Missed Approach Procedures (MAP).
8.9.3.8 Emergency Procedures. The pilots being tested must demonstrate the proper emergency procedures for as many of the possible emergency situations as the person conducting the check finds are necessary to indicate adequate knowledge and skill. If any emergency situations cannot be simulated, include these procedures in the oral or written portion of the test.
8.9.4 Emergency FE Functions. Those pilots the certificate holder wants qualified to perform emergency FE functions per § 125.263(c) will be required to demonstrate the knowledge and skill to perform these functions for an authorized representative of the Administrator.
1. This qualifying check may be administered in an airplane of the appropriate type on the ground.
2. It may be given in conjunction with the 12-month check or the IPC in that airplane.
3. The qualifying check will cover all anticipated critical situations with respect to the fuel, electric, hydraulic, and environmental systems, and any other function of the FE critical to the safe operation of that particular airplane.
4. The results of this check will be entered on an FAA Form 8410-1. Those items listed under “Flight Engineer” which were checked will be graded and an entry will be made under “Remarks” stating the results of that test;
e.g., “Satisfactorily demonstrated emergency flight engineer functions per § 125.263(c).”
8.9.5 Six-Month Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC). (Refer to § 125.291.)
8.9.5.1 General. All persons who serve as PIC under IFR of an airplane during part 125 operations must satisfactorily complete the IPC outlined in § 125.291 initially and every 6 calendar-months thereafter.
8.9.5.2 Flight Test. A pilot must take this check in the type(s) of airplanes which the certificate holder has assigned him/her to perform pilot duties under part 125.
If that person is only assigned to one type of airplane, the check must be accomplished in that type (refer to § 125.291(d)). If a pilot is assigned to more than one type of airplane, the check will be done on a rotational basis, but not more than one flight check during each 6-calendar-month period (refer to § 125.291(e)). For example, a pilot assigned to an A-320, B-737, and L-382, whose first IPC was in June 2015 in the A-320, could take the check due in December 2015 in the B-737, and the June 2016 check in the L-382. He/she would not be allowed to use just one of the aircraft to take successive IPCs.
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8.9.5.3 Contents of Check. The IPC will consist of an oral or written equipment test for the type of airplane and a flight check under simulated or actual IFR conditions (refer to § 125.291(c)). The general content of the equipment check and flight check is included in § 125.291(c). The check will include the procedures and maneuvers for a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating and, if required, for the appropriate type rating (refer to § 125.291(c)(1)).
8.9.5.4 Forms Issued. A letter of competency will be issued to the pilot upon successful completion of the IPC. This letter will contain a list of the types of IAPs and facilities authorized (refer to § 125.291(g)). This letter will constitute an authorization for the pilot to perform PIC duties under IFR during operations under part 125. An FAA Form 8410-1 will also be issued showing successful completion of the checks required by § 125.287 (refer to § 125.287(c)).
8.9.6 Flight Attendant (F/A) Testing.
8.9.6.1 F/As may not be used if they have not been tested in the preceding 12 calendar-months by the certificate holder on the areas listed in § 125.289.
8.9.6.2 The certificate holder should develop a test (refer to § 125.289) which will determine that the F/As are knowledgeable and competent to perform their assigned duties and responsibilities as outlined in § 125.289(a) through (i).
This test can be a combination of written and oral questions, and procedures to be performed or simulated. The certificate holder will maintain at least one copy of all test questions, written and oral, and list of procedures which are performed as a part of this test.
8.9.6.3 The results of each F/A’s performance on this test will be inserted in the crewmember’s record. Each attendant should be issued a memo which contains the certificate holder’s name, the date of the test, and a statement that this named F/A has satisfactorily completed the certificate holder’s test.
8.10 Use of Simulators.
8.10.1 Approved Simulators. Section 125.297(a) provides for the use of approved simulators for the checks required by part 125 subpart I. Sections 125.287(f) and 125.291(f) provide for the FAA to approve the use of a simulator or other appropriate training device to give portions of the 12-month check and the IPC. Section 125.285(c), with some limitations, provides for the use of a visual simulator to meet the recent experience requirements outlined in § 125.285(b).
8.10.2 Requirements. Each simulator and flight training device (FTD) that is used in training, testing, and checking, required under part 125, must be used in accordance with an approved training course conducted by a training center certificated under 14 CFR part 142 or meet the requirement specified in § 125.297(b)(1) through (3).
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8.10.3 Inoperative Simulators. Should the simulator or FTD become inoperative, out of tolerance for the applications approved, or otherwise unavailable for the checks authorized, the check maneuvers may be accomplished in the airplane.
8.11 Authorization of a Check Airman.
8.11.1 Types of Checks. Part 125 provides for the authorization of a check airman to perform some or all of the checks required in part 125 subpart H or I (refer to § 125.295). The checks which a check airman may be authorized to perform are:
1. Twelve-month checks required by § 125.287.
2. IPCs required by § 125.291.
3. FE familiarization checks required by § 125.265(b) and the emergency FE function checks given to pilots per § 125.263(c).
4. Recent experience observations required by § 125.285(b) and (c)(2)
8.11.2 Approval Requests. Request for approval of a check airman should be submitted, in letter form, by the operator, to the certificate-holding district office (CHDO).
8.11.2.1 The letter of request constitutes the operator’s nomination. It originates from the operator, not a training center, candidate, or some other party. It will include:
• Candidate’s name;
• Business address;
• Applicable airman’s certificate number;
• Current flightcrew member position;
• Requested check pilot or check FE classification;
• Airplane type;
• Brief résumé of the candidate’s aviation background and experience; and
• Copies of the candidate’s training records, including his or her initial, transition, or upgrade training in requested airplane type; record of most recent applicable recurrent training; and record of check pilot or check FE training.
Note: The principal operations inspector (POI) may require that this information be expanded to suit circumstances.
8.11.3 Review of Requests. Each request received by the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) will be reviewed to determine the need for a check pilot. If a determination is made that a need does not exist, or the nominee is not qualified, the operator will be advised, by letter, of the reasons for not acting on its request. The decision by the FSDO will be based on the following: