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:
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• Number of airplanes and flightcrew members,
• Complexity of operations, and
• The nominee’s qualifications.
Note: If the FSDO determines that your company does not need a check airman, they will issue you a letter of denial.
8.11.4 Check Airman Qualifications. Check airmen, selected by the operator, will be required to meet the following qualifications:
1. The requirements of § 125.287 for each type of airplane on which he/she will perform checks.
2. The requirements of § 125.291 for PIC under IFR.
8.11.4.1 Ensure that your nominee meets the following applicable requirements:
8.11.4.1.1 For a pilot check airman:
1. An airman certificate with category, class, ratings, and type ratings appropriate for the airplane in which the tests will take place.
2. A medical certificate appropriate for the category of airman certificate.
3. The PIC requirements of § 125.281.
4. The recent experience requirements of § 125.285.
5. The initial and recurrent pilot testing requirements of § 125.287.
6. The PIC requirements of § 125.291 for IFR flight.
7. The ability to properly evaluate another pilot’s technique and proficiency. This can be determined by a history as a check pilot for another operator, as a certificated flight instructor (CFI), pilot examiner, etc.
8. Good record as a pilot and good reputation in the industry and the local aviation community.
8.11.4.1.2 For an FE check airman:
1. A Flight Engineer Certificate with category, class, ratings, and type ratings appropriate for the airplane in which tests will take place.
2. At least a valid second-class medical certificate, issued within the last 12 calendar-months.
3. The FE experience requirements of § 125.265.
8-11 Note: If the nominee does not meet the above qualifications, the FSDO will issue a letter of denial to the company.
8.12 Approval of Check Airmen.
8.12.1 General. The local FSDO is responsible for verifying the qualifications of check airmen.
The certificate holder is not required to designate check airmen for the purpose of determining the initial or continued competency of F/As. Appropriate supervisors or instructors may be utilized for the purposes of F/A initial and continued competency.
These personnel do not require FAA approval.
8.12.2 Approval. All check airmen must be approved by the jurisdictional FSDO. Approval will be contingent upon the individual being properly certificated, and qualified in accordance with § 125.295, and having demonstrated the ability to conduct and evaluate flight checks and other tests under the observation of an FAA aviation safety inspector (ASI).
8.12.3 Initial Designation. FAA inspectors will determine if a check airman designee possesses the following:
1. A thorough knowledge of requirements associated with administering the particular flight check or test.
2. A clear understanding of what is considered appropriate action to be taken when acceptable standards have not been met.
3. A satisfactory knowledge of FAA procedures and regulations and procedures pertinent to the operations in which he/she will be used.
8.12.3.1 For a pilot check airman nominee, the FAA will observe the following:
1. Did the flight test include a competency check of the maneuvers and procedures currently required for the issuance of a commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating as required by §§ 61.127(a) and 61.65? (Refer to § 125.287(b) and use FAA Form 8410-1 as a job aid.)
2. Was the flight test conducted in an efficient and logical sequence?
3. Was the flight test conducted safely?
4. Did the debriefing reflect the actual performance of the pilot?
5. Did the nominee properly evaluate the results of the flight test?
8.12.3.2 For a FE check airman nominee, the FAA will observe the following:
1. Did the flight test satisfactorily cover the items required by § 63.39(b)?
2. Was the flight test conducted in an efficient and logical sequence?
3. Was the flight test conducted safely?
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4. Did the debriefing reflect the actual performance of the FE?
5. Did the nominee properly evaluate the results of the FE’s flight test?
8.12.4 Unsatisfactory Evaluation of Designee. If a candidate for check airman fails to demonstrate the required knowledge, ability, techniques, and proficiency, that person will not be approved as a check airman. The operator will be advised, by letter, of the reasons for denial.
8.12.5 Approval Procedures. If the check airman applicant is considered to be satisfactory, the certificate holder will be so advised by letter. This letter will state the full name of the check airman, the specific check airman duties he/she is approved for, and the specific type(s) of aircraft on which he/she may conduct the required checks.
8.12.6 Authorization Letter. The check airman authorization letter is issued to the certificate holder, not to the airman. The check airman is limited to checking only those pilots employed by the operator.
8.12.7 Surveillance. Surveillance will be accomplished through observation of flight checks or other tests conducted by the check airmen. Observe the check airman at appropriate intervals depending upon the size of the operation and the number of checks accomplished. After initial authorization of a company check airman, observe two of the first six check flights conducted by the check airman. Observe a minimum of one flight check conducted by each check airman during annual surveillance (check airman other than a check airman approved as a contract check airman for a part 142 training center).
FAA inspectors conducting surveillance of check airmen will normally meet with the check airman prior to the check to review the manner in which the flight will be conducted, areas of special emphasis, and established standards of performance expected during a check.
8.12.8 Surveillance Results. Check airman and the observing FAA inspector should mutually agree on the results of an observed competency or IPC, before the pilot being checked is advised of the results. Any discussion concerning the pilot or the results of the observed check will not be discussed in the presence of the pilot being checked. The FAA will, if there is a problem with regard to the performance of the check airman, inform the company in writing of the problem, document discrepancies (if any), and recommend corrective action. This letter will also advise the company as to the future status of the check airman.
Note: The FAA inspector observing the conduct of the check will normally debrief the check airman following the check airman’s debriefing of the pilot being checked.
8.13 Record of Airmen Proficiency/Qualification Check.
8.13.1 FAA Form 8410-1. Check airmen will record the results of all knowledge and flight tests on an Airman Proficiency/Qualification Check (FAA Form 8410-1) with a copy being
8-13 provided to the pilot being checked, and the original being placed in the pilot’s record as required by § 125.401.
8.13.2 Letter of Competency. A letter of competency will be issued to a pilot who passes an IPC and will contain the make and model of airplane used, and the type of IAPs and facilities authorized.
8.14 Cancellation of Check Airman Authorization.
8.14.1 Withdrawal of Authorization. The FAA will withdraw the check airman authorization and request the return of the letter authorizing the check airman when:
• There is no longer a need for check airman services.
• The check airman’s performance is not satisfactory.
• The check airman leaves the employment of the operator that issued the check airman authorization.
8.15 Contract Check Airmen.
8.15.1 Part 142 Training Centers. Certificate holders who contract with a part 142 training center may elect to nominate a qualified employee from that organization to perform the crewmember checks required by §§ 125.265(b), 125.285, 125.287, and 125.291.
8.15.2 Requirements. This nominee will be subject to all initial and recurrent requirements specified in part 125 for check airmen.
8.15.3 Approval. POIs are authorized to approve part 142 flight instructors or Training Center Evaluators (TCE) as contract check airmen to conduct initial, recurrent, and/or instrument proficiency checks required by §§ 125.265(b), 125.285, 125.287, and/or 125.291.
8.15.4 Multiple Approvals. At the discretion of the POI, the POI may approve more than one contract check airman in a single letter of authorization (LOA). List each individual’s name, certificate number, and associated authorization.
8.15.5 Oversight Responsibility. If you request check airman authority, whether for your own employees or those of a part 142 training center, your company retains oversight responsibility for its authorized contract check airmen. However, if a contract check airman is employed by a part 142 training center, the POI may request assistance from the Training Center Program Manager (TCPM) to assist with these surveillance duties.
8.15.6 Recordkeeping. Part 125 rules require each operator to maintain training and qualification records for its check airmen (refer to § 125.401). If specified in the recordkeeping section of an operator’s PPM and approved by the POI, one operator or training center may maintain a contract check airman’s training and qualification records for all operators for which the contract check airman serves.
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8.15.7 Certificate Holder Responsibility. If such an authorization is issued to the certificate holder, the check airman/contract check airman is only authorized to check the certificate holder’s crewmembers. The authorization remains the property of the certificate holder, and the certificate holder remains responsible for the actions and performance of the check airmen while the airman is conducting checks for the certificate holder’s personnel.
See Chapter 3, paragraph 3.12 for additional information.
9-1 CHAPTER 9. AIRPLANE INSPECTION PROGRAM AND ADDITIONAL
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
9.1 Scope and Contents. This chapter provides information for the development of the certificate holder’s airplane inspection program.
9.2 Inspection Programs—General. Since any inspection program selected under § 125.247(e) must be approved for a specific operator’s use, the FAA will review all programs to ensure that they meet the regulatory requirements, are complete, meet the needs of the intended operation, and do not rely on quality control procedures which are not available or not used. When an inspection program is comprised of the inspection portions of a continuous airworthiness program, approved for an operator under 14 CFR part 121 or 135, consideration must be given to the effect of not doing all the maintenance, required in that program, on the effectiveness of the inspection portion of the program.
9.2.1 Inspection Programs Which May be Approved. The inspection programs which may be approved for use under part 125 include, but are not limited to:
1. A continuous inspection program which is a part of a current Continuous Airworthiness Program (CAP) of a part 121/135 certificate holder;
2. An inspection program currently recommended by the manufacturer of the airplane, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, or survival and emergency equipment; or
3. An inspection program developed by the applicant/operator.
9.3 Inspection Program Content.
9.3.1 Program Coverage. Inspection programs must cover the entire airplane, including the airframe, engines, propellers, survival equipment and emergency equipment, appliances, and the component parts of any of these. If a program is selected under § 125.247(e)(l) or
(2) which does not address all of these items, prior to its use, it must be modified to include them. Most airplane manufacturer’s recommended programs do not include all appliances etc., since the manufacturer has no way of determining what will be installed on the airplane after delivery. When such is the case, the recommendations of the manufacturer of the appliance or equipment will be made a part of the part 125 program.
It should be noted that § 125.247 does not reference only the airplane manufacturer. In addition, to these basic considerations, inspection programs, in order to be complete, must include:
1. Instructions for conducting the inspection. This includes the administrative methods used to ensure that qualified persons conduct the inspection at the proper time and in a proper manner, execute the correct records, and otherwise act in accordance with the procedures of the program.
2. Procedures to be used in actually conducting the inspection. These procedures must be detailed enough to permit a person, unfamiliar with the program, to
9-2 read, understand, and properly conduct the inspection or a segment of the inspection.
3. Standards to which the inspection is to be conducted. Standards differing from or in addition to those specified in 14 CFR part 43, §§ 43.13 and 43.15 are to be included.
4. All checks, routine and special, which must be accomplished in determining the airworthiness of the items being inspected.
5. The engine overhaul periods required by § 125.247(d)(2).
9.3.2 Revisions to the Inspection Program. Changes to inspection programs may be made at the request of the operator or the FAA. Any changes must be approved by the FAA and made a part of the manual prior to use. Changes initiated by the FAA will be coordinated with the operator and the operations specifications (OpSpecs) updated to reflect the change.
9.4 Engine Overhaul Requirements.
9.4.1 Engine Overhaul Period Options. Section 125.247(d) provides only two options regarding engine overhaul periods. It provides that all engines operated under part 125 will be maintained in accordance with a specified engine overhaul period; either one recommended by the manufacturer or one approved by the FAA.
9.4.2 Program Limitations. The rule references only an overhaul period. It does not specify the maintenance procedures to be used on the engine between overhauls or those to be used at overhaul. Therefore, establishing an overhaul period does not preclude the use of manufacturer’s programs, reliability programs, continuous airworthiness programs, or any other system which will ensure the continued airworthiness of the engine. Operators, therefore are at liberty to make their programs as simple or as sophisticated as they desire within two limitations. That is, the programs must be appropriate to the overhaul periods being used and the systems being used must be within the organizational and equipment capabilities of the operator.
9.4.3 Establish Overhaul Period. When an FAA-approved overhaul period is established, either because the manufacturer has not recommended one or in order to operate an engine beyond the manufacturer’s recommended period, it will be based on the manufacturer’s recommended overhaul period or the period specified for that engine in a Maintenance Review Board (MRB) report (for further information on MRB reports reference the current edition of Advisory Circular (AC) 121-22, Maintenance Review Boards, Maintenance Type Boards, and OEM/TCH Recommended Maintenance Procedures).
Those engines for which neither a manufacturer’s recommendation or an MRB report exists will have an overhaul period established which is consistent with the operating history of that make and model engine, in general, and the history of the specific engine.
Regardless of the base used to establish an overhaul period, any program or system proposed, which will ensure the continued airworthiness of the engine, beyond the base period will be given full consideration.