FAA Announces Final Rule to Enhance Pilot Training

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a final rule aimed at enhancing the professional development of air carrier pilots. The Pilot Professional Development rule requires specific training for newly-hired pilots and supplemental training for captains.

All captains are now required to receive leadership andcommand training, as well as mentoring training, so that they may effectivelymentor first officers. Newly-hired pilots will be required to observe flightoperations and become familiar with company-specific procedures beforeoperating an aircraft as a flight crew member.

“As a pilot with thousands of hours flying in commercialaircraft, I know the importance that ongoing and targeted training can have inkeeping pilots at their best,” said FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson.“These new training requirements for flight crews will go a long way inproviding the nation’s commercial pilot workforce with the latest and safestflight deck practices and procedures.”

This final rule is in response to the Airline Safety andFederal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 and recommendations fromthe National Transportation Safety Board. It also incorporates the work of theFlight Crewmember Mentoring, Leadership, and Professional Development AviationRulemaking Committee (ARC), the Flightcrew Member Training Hours RequirementReview ARC, and the Air Carrier Safety and Pilot Training ARC. All three ARCswere comprised of labor, industry, and FAA experts who provided recommendationsto the FAA.