NATA and NBAA Welcome FAA’s Move to Streamline Training for On-Demand Operators

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed new guidance from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) allowing pilots at Part 135 operators to train at certified training centers using a standardized curriculum.

The guidance, published in draft Advisory Circular 142-SCC, was issued in response to recommendations from an industry working group to streamline the relationship between training centers and air carriers, reducing inefficiencies in the approvals and qualification process.

Since May 2014, NATA, NBAA and a diverse group of representatives from on-demand carriers and Part 142 training centers, including CAE, Executive Jet Management, FlightSafety International and Jet Logistics have been developing the standardized curriculum model with FAA officials through the Air Carrier & Contract Training Working Group.

“It is great to see the FAA respond to the industry’s recommendations and provide a much needed update to training guidance as well as administrative relief for on-demand air carriers, which will result in a dynamic, responsive and more efficient pilot training program,” said John McGraw, NATA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs and Chair of the working group. “The standardized curriculum concept will allow operators to train with pilots from other companies and ease the transition for pilots moving between companies. It also removes the need to conduct individualized supplemental training for inspectors and check airmen for each Part 135 operator.”

The new guidance reflects the industry and FAA’s understanding that the voluntary use of a standardized curriculum promotes safety, enables continuous improvement through analysis of training data and increases administrative efficiency for Part 135 operators. For these reasons, the FAA anticipates most Part 135 operators will choose to use standardized curricula and training centers, after full implementation of the advisory circular.

The draft AC also introduces a Training Standards Board to develop a standardized training program for each aircraft type. The Board will represent training centers, OEMs, operators and the FAA.

“The Training Standards Board consists of both regulators and industry experts, ensuring the training meets real-world needs,” said Brian Koester, NBAA’s Senior Manager of Flight Operations and Regulation.

The new guidance on standardized training curricula will be the focus of a special education session at NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 9:15 a.m. The session will be moderated by McGraw with panelists including FAA and other working group members. Air carriers, training providers and other interested parties are encouraged to attend.