European Standard. The licensing of pilots (also Flight Engineers) to JAR… — Page 72, Lesson 119

Let’s start with the European standard for licensing. When we talk about licensing pilots and Flight Engineers to JAR requirements, we’re working under a framework called JAR-FCL, which is split into four parts. - JAR-FCL 1 covers the licensing of pilots of aeroplanes. - JAR-FCL 2 covers the licensing of helicopter pilots. - JAR-FCL 3 covers the medical requirements for licensing of aircrew. - JAR-FCL 4 covers the licensing of Flight Engineers, who are also called Systems Panel Operators. Now, a key note: this whole structure is in the process of being replaced by EASA Part FCL. So you’ll see both references in the industry, but the JAR-FCL system is the one we’re studying here. Next, we move into definitions. These come from Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention, and they apply whenever these terms are used in standards and recommended practices. Let’s go through each one carefully. First, Pilot-in-command, or PIC. The PIC is the pilot who is responsible for the safety of the aircraft and compliance with the rules of the air, during flight time. So the PIC is the one who carries ultimate responsibility for the safe operation of the aircraft and for obeying the rules of the air throughout the flight. Next, Category of aircraft. This is a classification of aircraft according to specified basic characteristics. Examples include aeroplane, helicopter, glider, and free balloon. So when we say "category," we’re grouping aircraft by their fundamental type. Then we have Commander. A Commander is a pilot designated by the operator who is qualified as PIC. The Commander may delegate the responsibility for the conduct of the flight to another qualified pilot. So the Commander is appointed by the operator, holds PIC qualification, and has the authority to hand over the conduct of the flight to someone else who is also qualified. Next, Co-pilot. A Co-pilot is a licensed pilot serving in any capacity other than PIC, but this excludes a pilot who is on board for the sole purpose of receiving instruction. So a co-pilot is a licensed pilot who is not the PIC, and importantly, a pilot who is only there to be trained is not considered a co-pilot under this definition. Finally, Cross-country. This is a flight between the point of departure and a point of arrival following a pre-planned route using standard navigation procedures. So it’s not just any flight — it’s one that goes from departure to arrival along a route that was planned in advance, using standard navigation techniques. That covers the definitions and the JAR-FCL structure. Let me know if you want to go deeper into any of these terms.