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  5. § 135.339
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14 CFR · Part 135

14 CFR § 135.339

Initial and transition training and checking: Check pilots.

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Read in Subpart H
Part 135 Contents
  • Subpart A: General
  • Subpart B: Flight Operations
  • Subpart C: Aircraft and Equipment
  • Subpart D: VFR/IFR Operating Limitations and Weather Requirements
  • Subpart E: Flight Crewmember Requirements
  • Subpart F: Crewmember Flight Time and Duty Period Limitations and Rest Requirements
  • Subpart G: Crewmember Testing Requirements
  • Subpart H: Training
  • Subpart I: Airplane Performance Operating Limitations
  • Subpart J: Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations
  • Subpart K: Hazardous Materials Training Program
  • Subpart L: Helicopter Air Ambulance Equipment, Operations, and Training Requirements
  • Appendix A to Part 135: Additional Airworthiness Standards for 10 or More Passenger Airplanes
  • Appendix B to Part 135: Airplane Flight Recorder Specifications
  • Appendix C to Part 135: Helicopter Flight Recorder Specifications
  • Appendix D to Part 135: Airplane Flight Recorder Specification
  • Appendix E to Part 135: Helicopter Flight Recorder Specifications
  • Appendix F to Part 135: Airplane Flight Recorder Specification
  • Appendix G to Part 135: Extended Operations (ETOPS)
(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, or in the case of powered-lift with one pilot seat from that seat as well as providing training and instruction from an observation seat, 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, or in the case of powered-lift with one pilot seat from that seat as well as providing training and instruction from an observation 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.

Referenced By

Interpretations of This Section (3)

  • Filler (Tab Associates), 2020
  • Brown, 2017
  • Cimperman (FlightOptions), 2011

Documents that cite this section, found in their catalog metadata or text. Listed by date, not by significance.

Reflects the eCFR edition current as of September 29, 2026. Retrieved from ecfr.gov on October 16, 2026.

Primary Source

  • Official Source (14 CFR · Part 135)