Crew, Logs and Records — Page 95, Lesson 158

I want to walk you through the section on Conversion, Training and Checking from the Crew, Logs and Records chapter. This is where we look at how an operator makes sure every flight crew member is properly qualified to do the job they're assigned. First, the big-picture responsibility: Operators are responsible for ensuring that all flight crew are correctly qualified for the role and duty they are employed for. That's the operator's legal and safety duty — they can't just assume you're qualified; they have to verify it and keep records. Now, let's break down the two main training events: Type Rating and Conversion Training. Type Rating — each flight crew member is required to complete a type rating course when changing from one type of aeroplane to another that requires a new type or class rating. That course must be approved by the Authority and must be in accordance with Part-FCL — that's the European flight crew licensing regulation. Successful completion means you pass a skill test, and that skill test has a period of validity of 12 months. So your type rating is valid for one year from the date you pass that test. Conversion Training — this is required before you start unsupervised line flying when either (a) you're changing to an aeroplane that requires a new type or class rating, or (b) you're changing operator, even if it's the same aircraft type. The conversion training must be conducted by suitably qualified personnel, and the syllabus of training must be specified in the OM — that's the Operations Manual. Also, the personnel integrating CRM — Crew Resource Management — into the conversion training must be appropriately qualified themselves. How much conversion training do you need? The amount is determined by your previous training, as recorded in the training records the operator is required to keep. So if you've got a strong background on a similar aircraft, the course might be shorter; if you're coming in with less relevant experience, it'll be longer. The minimum standard of qualification and experience required before you can even start conversion training is specified in the OM. Now, the excerpt also lists specific items that are checked during recurrent checks — these are the ongoing proficiency checks you do to stay current. Let me go through them: - Engine management and emergency handling — how you manage the engines in normal and failure situations. - Use of normal, abnormal and emergency checklists — you need to demonstrate proper checklist discipline for all phases. - ATC Communications — radio phraseology and procedures. - SIDs and STARs — Standard Instrument Departures and Standard Terminal Arrival Routes. - Autopilot management — proper use of the autopilot and flight director systems. - Use of simplified in-flight documentation — things like quick-reference handbooks or simplified checklists. Now, the conditions for these recurrent checks: they must be performed in the single-pilot role on the type or class of aeroplane, and in an environment representative of the operation — so not just a benign simulator session; it has to reflect real operational conditions. There are also minimum experience requirements for the pilot before taking these checks: - You need a minimum of 50 hours flight time on the specific type or class of aeroplane under IFR — Instrument Flight Rules. Of those 50 hours, 10 hours must be as Commander. - For recent experience, you need a minimum of 5 IFR flights including 3 instrument approaches carried out during the preceding 90 days on the type or class of aeroplane in the single-pilot role. However, this recent experience requirement can be replaced by an IFR instrument approach check on the type or class of aeroplane — so if you haven't flown enough in the last 90 days, you can do a check ride instead to regain currency. Let me bring up the diagram that shows destination alternates, which relates to the operational context these checks support. And here's the continuation of that figure. So to summarise: the operator must ensure you're qualified. Type rating gives you the initial qualification for a new aircraft type, valid for 12 months. Conversion training gets you ready for unsupervised line flying when you change aircraft or operator. And recurrent checks keep you current in the single-pilot IFR environment, with specific minimum hour and recency requirements.