CASA asks for comment on new pilot training rules

Draft new rules covering multi-crew pilot training, other integrated training for complex flying and contract training and checking for smaller airline operations have been released by CASA for comment.

The proposed rules, which will form Part 142 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, cover integrated training for private, commercial, air transport and multi-crew pilot licences, as well as training for ratings, endorsements and flight reviews.

The rules set out the way organisations providing integrated training will be required to operate.

Flight training organisations covered by Part 142 will need an air operators certificate for pilot training carried out in aircraft and an authorisation for training conducted in flight simulators.

They will need to develop a detailed exposition to show CASA how they will comply with the relevant safety regulations.

Part 142 will require training organisations to have a number of key personnel, including a chief executive officer, head of operations and a safety manager for aircraft operators or a quality manager for simulator operators.

There will also be a requirement for training organisations to have a safety management system, or in the case of a simulator operator a quality system. Part 142 proposes a regulatory framework covering recurrent training and checking under contract arrangements, which will assist operators of aircraft fitted with 30 or fewer passenger seats.

These air operators may contract a Part 142 training organisation to conduct recurrent training and checking on their behalf.

This training and checking must be conducted in accordance with the air operator's training and checking manual and the air operator remains responsible for the competency of its pilots.

The draft of Part 142 is open for comment until 2 March 2012. Find out more and send your comments.