FAA To Expand Use of ATDs, Ease Proficiency Rules

Following its recent adoption of FAR Part 61 rules expanding the use of aviation training devices (ATDs) for instrument training, the FAA has published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) further expanding the use of ATDs for maintaining instrument currency and satisfying recent-experience requirements.

“Training devices have proven to be an effective, safe, and affordable means of obtaining pilot experience,” the FAA said.

Additionally, the revised rules would expand opportunities for logging pilot time. For example, currently an airman may log second-in-command (SIC) flight time only when more than one pilot is required, either by type certificate or operational limits. According to the proposal, the FAA believes that, under certain conditions, it would be appropriate to allow pilots in Part 135 operations to log time in an airplane that does not require an SIC.

This rulemaking also would broaden the opportunities for military instructors to obtain civilian ratings based on military experience, and it contains other benefits for maintaining pilot proficiency. Comments on the NPRM are due by August 10.