An FAA notice of proposed rulemaking would modify the requirements primarily applicable to Part 121 and 135 scheduled air carriers to enhance the professional development of pilots. However, most of the proposed requirements would also apply to Part 91K fractional operators and Part 135 on-demand air taxis that require two pilots and that voluntarily choose and obtain approval to train and qualify pilots under Part 121.
The updated rules will require operators to provide new-hire pilots with an opportunity to observe flight operations to become familiar with procedures before serving as a flight crewmember; revise pilot upgrade curricula; provide leadership and mentoring training for all PICs; and establish pilot professional development committees. It also includes a number of additional conforming changes related to flight training devices; and training and checking of SICs. The FAA believes that this proposed rule would mitigate incidents of “unprofessional pilot behavior" and thus "would reduce pilot errors that can lead to a catastrophic event.”
Compliance with the revised requirements would be required within 24 months of the effective date of the publication of the rules. Comments on the NPRM are due by January 5.
