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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.
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9.4.4 Approval of Overhaul Period. Approval of an overhaul period indicates approval of the programs or systems and data used to substantiate that overhaul period. Consequently, such programs, systems, and the data will need to be thoroughly documented and appropriately referenced in OpSpec D088, indicating the overhaul period.
9.4.5 Include in Manual. The systems or programs, used in conjunction with an overhaul period, together with instructions for their use and control will be made a part of the manual required by § 125.249.
9.4.6 Operators with Limited Experience. The basic overhaul period recommended by the manufacturer or specified in an MRB report is appropriate for operators with limited experience with a particular engine and for operators who have operated an engine(s) under an inspection program which did not contain maintenance requirements to ensure continued airworthiness of the engine.
9.4.7 Engine Time-in-Service Interval Extensions. The engine manufacturer establishes the recommended time-in-service interval, which is an estimated number of hours, cycles, or events that an engine can safely and reliably operate without exceeding the overhaul service wear limits. Some engine manufacturers refer to the recommended time-in-service intervals as time between overhaul (TBO) intervals. When an engine has an established time-in-service interval, the FAA may allow for an extension of the time-in-service interval if the certificate holder can extend the useful life of the engine without compromising safety. Time-in-service interval extensions should be based on demonstrated in-service reliability, proper justification, and risk analysis. The current edition of AC 120-113, Best Practices for Engine Time-in-Service Interval Extensions, provides information on engine time-in-service interval extensions. The AC explains the background of engine time-in-service intervals as well as the FAA regulatory requirements for time limitations and time-in-service intervals for engine overhauls. The AC also provides aircraft operators with information on the best practices for an engine time-in-service interval extension program and how to obtain an engine time-in-service interval extension.
9.4.8 Task-Oriented Engine Maintenance Programs. In response to improvements in engine design and reliability, and responding to the needs of industry, the FAA allows part 125 certificate holders to utilize task-oriented engine maintenance programs, which allow certificate holders to operate certain engines without overhauling those engines at an established time-in-service interval. Currently, engine reliability has improved to a level where the safety of the operations is not impacted to an unacceptable level by the use of a task-oriented engine maintenance program. The certificate holder or engine manufacturers may refer to these engine maintenance programs as task-oriented, task-centered, task-based, on-condition, or condition monitoring programs. The task-oriented engine maintenance program should be based on methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the current engine manufacturer’s maintenance manual, instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) prepared by the engine manufacturer, or other methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the FAA.
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9.5 Maintenance Requirements.
9.5.1 Part 125 Maintenance, and Continued Airworthiness Requirements. The applicant/operator must have policies and procedures to ensure:
9.5.1.1 The replacement times for life-limited parts specified in the aircraft Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS), or other documents approved by the Administrator, are complied with.
9.5.1.2 Defects disclosed between inspections, or as a result of inspection, have been corrected in accordance with part 43.
9.5.1.3 The airplane, including airframe, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, and survival and emergency equipment, and their component parts are inspected in accordance with an inspection program approved by the Administrator.
9.5.1.4 The installed engines have been maintained in accordance with the overhaul periods recommended by the manufacturer or a program approved by the Administrator.
9.5.1.5 The engine overhaul periods are specified in the inspection program required by § 125.247(a)(3).
9.5.1.6 The repairs assessment for pressurized fuselages is complied with, as applicable. (Refer to § 125.505.)
9.5.1.7 The fuel tank system inspection program is complied with, as applicable.
(Refer to § 125.507.)
9.5.1.8 Flammability reduction means (FRM) is complied with, as applicable. (Refer to § 125.509.)
9.5.1.9 Other additional maintenance requirements are completed, to include:
1. Emergency locator transmitter (ELT) test and inspection. (Refer to 14 CFR part 91, § 91.207.)
2. Altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment tests and inspections. (Refer to § 91.411.)
3. Air traffic control (ATC) transponder tests and inspections. (Refer to § 91.413.)
4. Airworthiness Directives (AD) compliance. (Refer to 14 CFR part 39, § 39.11 and § 91.403.)
5. ICA for any alterations or repairs that have been accomplished.
(Refer to 14 CFR part 21, § 21.50 and part 43, § 43.13).
6. Manufacturer’s maintenance manuals having Airworthiness Limitations sections. (Refer to §§ 21.50, 43.16, and 91.403.)
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9.5.1.10 The current empty weight and center of gravity (CG) are calculated from the values established by actual weighing of the airplane within the preceding 36 calendar-months. (Refer to § 125.91.)
9.5.2 Required Inspection Items (RII). The applicant/operator must have policies and procedures for RIIs that include:
9.5.2.1 The operator may not use any person to perform required inspections unless the person performing the inspection is appropriately certificated, properly trained, qualified, and authorized to do so.
9.5.2.2 No person may perform a required inspection if that person performed the item of work required to be inspected.
9.5.2.3 The operator’s manual contains the following RII policies and procedures:
1. The designation of the items that must be inspected (required inspections), including at least those which, if improperly accomplished, could result in a failure, malfunction, or defect endangering the safe operation of the airplane.
2. The method of performing required inspections.
3. Procedures for the inspection of work performed under previously required inspection findings (“buy-back procedures”).
4. Procedures, standards, and limits necessary for required inspections and acceptance or rejection of the items required to be inspected.
5. Instructions to prevent any person who performs any item of work from performing any required inspection of that work.
6. Procedures to ensure that work interruptions do not adversely affect required inspections and to ensure required inspections are properly completed before the airplane is released to service.
9.5.3 Maintenance-Related Records and Reports.
9.5.3.1 As per § 125.249, each operator’s manual shall contain a suitable recordkeeping system which may include a coded system that provides for the retention of the following:
1. A description (or reference to data acceptable to the Administrator) of the work performed.
2. The name of the person performing the work and the person’s certificate type and number.
3. The name of the person approving the work and the person’s certificate type and number.
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9.5.3.2 Part 125 subpart L, Records and Reports, contains certain regulatory requirements for maintenance-related records and reports.
1. Maintenance log: airplanes. (Refer to § 125.407.)
2. Service Difficulty Report (SDR). (Refer to § 125.409.)
3. Airworthiness release or maintenance record entry. (Refer to § 125.411.)
9.5.3.3 Section 91.417 requires registered aircraft owners or operators to keep records containing the following information:
1. The total time-in-service of the airframe, each engine, and each propeller.
2. The current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine, propeller, and appliance.
3. The time since last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft which are required to be overhauled on a specified time basis.
4. The current inspection status of the aircraft, including the time since the last inspection required by the inspection program under which the aircraft and its appliances are maintained.
5. The current status of applicable ADs and safety directives including, for each, the method of compliance, the AD or safety directive number, and revision date. If the AD or safety directive involves recurring action, include the time and date when the next action is required.
6. Copies of the forms prescribed by § 43.9(d) for each major alteration to the airframe and currently installed engines, propellers, and appliances.
7. The records specified in § 91.417(a)(1) shall be retained until the work is repeated or superseded by other work or for 1 year after the work is performed. The records specified in § 91.417(a)(2) shall be retained and transferred with the aircraft at the time the aircraft is sold.
8. The owner or operator shall make all maintenance records required to be kept by this section available for inspection by the Administrator or any authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
9.5.4 Manufacturers’ Service Publications. Refer to the current editions of AC 20-77, Use of Manufacturers’ Maintenance Manuals, and FAA Order 8620.2, Applicability and Enforcement of Manufacturer’s Data. These documents list situations when Service Bulletins (SB) would be regulatory.
9-7 Note: For additional information on the evaluation/certification of a part 125 applicant/operator’s maintenance capabilities, refer to the FAA’s Web site at http://fsims.faa.gov.