Addendum – EASA Part-FCL & Part-MED — Page 542, Lesson 725

I want to walk you through the definitions and rules that open this EASA Part-FCL and Part-MED addendum. These are the exact legal definitions you'll be tested on, so let's take them one at a time. First, Instrument Flight Time. This is the time during which a pilot is controlling an aircraft in flight solely by reference to instruments. The key word is "solely" — you're flying the aircraft using only the instrument panel, with no outside visual reference. Next, Instrument Ground Time. This is the time during which a pilot is receiving instruction in simulated instrument flight, in flight simulation training devices — the FSTDs. So this is the time you log when you're in a simulator, practising instrument flying on the ground. Then we have the abbreviation IR, which stands for Instrument Rating — the rating that allows you to fly under instrument flight rules. LAPL(A) is the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (Aeroplanes) — a lighter category of licence for smaller aeroplanes. Now, Night. This is a precise legal definition. It's the period between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight — or such other period between sunset and sunrise as may be prescribed by the appropriate authority, as defined by a Member State. So the default is civil twilight, but a Member State can prescribe a different period between sunset and sunrise. Pilot in command, or PIC, is the pilot designated as being in command and charged with the safe conduct of the flight. That's the person legally responsible for the flight. Pilot in command Under Supervision, or PICUS, is a co-pilot performing, under the supervision of the pilot in command, the duties and the functions of a pilot in command. So a co-pilot is acting as PIC, but under the PIC's supervision. Proficiency Check is the demonstration of skill to revalidate or renew ratings, and it includes such oral examination as may be required. So it's a check of your skill, possibly with an oral exam, to keep a rating valid or get it back. Now, two terms that are often confused — Renewal and Revalidation. Renewal is the administrative action taken after a rating or certificate has lapsed, for the purpose of renewing its privileges for a further specified period. Revalidation is the administrative action taken within the period of validity of a rating or certificate, which allows the holder to continue to exercise its privileges for a further specified period. So the key contrast: renewal happens after it has lapsed; revalidation happens while it's still valid. Student Pilot in command, or SPIC, is a student pilot acting as pilot in command on a flight with an instructor, where the latter will only observe the student pilot and shall not influence or control the flight of the aircraft. So the instructor is there purely as an observer. Finally, Touring Motor Glider, or TMG — a specific class of powered sailplane having an integrally mounted, non-retractable engine and non-retractable propeller. It shall be capable of taking off and climbing under its own power according to its flight manual. Now let's move to the rules. Under 5.3, Application & Issue of Licences, Ratings & Certificates — any application for the issue, revalidation or renewal of licences, ratings or certificates shall be submitted to the competent authority in the manner and form approved by that authority. And a person shall not hold more than one licence per category of aircraft. Then 5.4, Theoretical Knowledge Examinations — and here we have the responsibilities of the applicant. Applicants shall take the entire set of examinations for a licence or rating under the responsibility of one Member State. So you can't split your exams across different states. Applicants must be recommended by an ATO — an Approved Training Organisation — before sitting the examinations, and they must have attended an approved training course. The recommendation is valid for 12 months. Should the applicant fail to attempt at least one examination paper within this 12 months, further training must take place as determined by the ATO. So the critical numbers here: the recommendation lasts 12 months, and you must attempt at least one exam paper within that window, or you'll need further training as the ATO decides. That's the full set of definitions and rules in this section.