§ 135.339 Initial and transition training and checking: Check airmen (aircraft), check airmen (simulator). ( a ) No certificate holder may use a person nor may any person serve as a check pilot unless— ( 1 ) That person has satisfactorily completed initial or transition check pilot training; and
( 2 ) Within the preceding 24 calendar months, that person satisfactorily conducts a proficiency or competency check under the observation of an FAA inspector or an aircrew designated examiner employed by the operator. The observation check may be accomplished in part or in full in an aircraft, in a flight simulator, or in a flight training device. This paragraph applies after March 19, 1997.
( b ) The observation check required by paragraph (a)(2) of this section is considered to have been completed in the month required if completed in the calendar month before or the calendar month after the month in which it is due.
( c ) The initial ground training for check pilots must include the following: ( 1 ) Check pilot duties, functions, and responsibilities.
( 2 ) The applicable Code of Federal Regulations and the certificate holder's policies and procedures.
( 3 ) The applicable methods, procedures, and techniques for conducting the required checks.
( 4 ) Proper evaluation of student performance including the detection of— ( i ) Improper and insufficient training; and
( ii ) Personal characteristics of an applicant that could adversely affect safety.
( 5 ) The corrective action in the case of unsatisfactory checks.
( 6 ) The approved methods, procedures, and limitations for performing the required normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures in the aircraft.
( d ) The transition ground training for check pilots must include the approved methods, procedures, and limitations for performing the required normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures applicable to the aircraft to which the check pilot is in transition.
( e ) The initial and transition flight training for check pilots (aircraft) must include the following— ( 1 ) The safety measures for emergency situations that are likely to develop during a check;
( 2 ) The potential results of improper, untimely, or nonexecution of safety measures during a check;
( 3 ) Training and practice in conducting flight checks from the left and right pilot seats in the required normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures to ensure competence to conduct the pilot flight checks required by this part; and
( 4 ) The safety measures to be taken from either pilot seat for emergency situations that are likely to develop during checking.
( f ) The requirements of paragraph (e) of this section may be accomplished in full or in part in flight, in a flight simulator, or in a flight training device, as appropriate.
( g ) The initial and transition flight training for check pilots (FSTD) must include the following: ( 1 ) Training and practice in conducting flight checks in the required normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures to ensure competence to conduct the flight checks required by this part. This training and practice must be accomplished in a flight simulator or in a flight training device.
( 2 ) Training in the operation of flight simulators, flight training devices, or both, to ensure competence to conduct the flight checks required by this part.
[Doc. No. 28471, 61 FR 30745, June 17, 1996; 62 FR 3739, Jan. 24, 1997, as amended by Docket No. FAA-2019-0360; Amdt. No. 135-145, 89 FR 51431, June 18, 2024]