FAA Draft Notice Clarifies Part 135 Initial Training

The FAA published a draft Notice that proposes to require that FAA inspectors review Part 135 operators’ pilot training programs “to identify and correct those programs which erroneously issued credit for previous training or checking.” Operators have been complaining that their FAA inspectors are no longer allowing previous training by new job candidates or temporary (contract) pilots to be used to meet initial training requirements. The big sticking point for operators has been that some FAA inspectors apparently incorrectly allowed credit for previous training, which made it easier for contract pilots to fly for multiple operators. But according to the FAA, “Regulations do not permit the crediting of such training.” However, the draft notice also offers a small consolation, outlining “guidance on constructing reduced hour training programs based on previous experience.” The new notice shows how operators “may then also apply for a reduced new-hire curriculum for pilots who have previous experience as a crewmember in Part 135 operations and/or the particular aircraft and duty position.” Comments on the draft notice (docket number FAA–2011–1397) are due by February 27.