Operators specialised endorsements alternative pathway

Part 137 and 138 operators conducting specialised operations can now use an alternative pathway for training and testing to grant endorsements.

Operators can use appropriately experienced and trained pilots to conduct training for specialised endorsements to upskill their pilots in-house.

Using the instrument to deliver training for specialised endorsements in-house

To comply with the instruments, operators must add a training syllabus in compliance with the Part 61 MOS and supporting information described in the instrument to their operations manual.

Instruments include:

  • CASA 05/23 — Flight Training and Flight Tests for Grant of Aerial Mustering Endorsements Approval 2023
  • CASA 31/23 — Flight Training and Flight Tests for Grant of Sling Operations, Winch and Rappelling Operations, and Firefighting Endorsements Approval 2023.

The following lists specific training which must be delivered for each specialised endorsement.

Mustering

Practical requirements include:

  • minimum 20 hours dual flight in same type you will be using after your training.

Firefighting

Practical requirements include:

  • minimum 5 hours dual flight in relevant category while receiving training in firefighting operations that involve dispensing or application of water or retardant
  • minimum 3 flights in the same type you will be using after your training and involving at least 1 simulated firefighting operation during each flight
  • minimum 5 simulated firefighting operations conducting during the flights.

Sling

Practical requirements include:

  • minimum 10 sling load operations conducted during minimum 3 flights in aircraft of the same type you will be using after your training.

Winch and rappelling

Practical requirements include:

  • minimum 5 winch or rappelling operations
  • minimum of 1 winch or rappelling operation during each flight
  • minimum 3 flights in aircraft of the same type you will be using after your training.

The training course for each specialised endorsement must finish with a flight test. On a satisfactory result operators must give the trainee a course completion certificate.

The Part 138 head of operations or head of training and checking or Part 137 head of flight operations is responsible for management of:

  • flight training
  • assigning training pilot duties
  • keeping records of the activity for 3 years.

Process for Part 137 and Part 138 operators

  1. Check prerequisites

    Holder of Part 137 AOC or Part 138 AWC checks organisation and pilot prerequisites to access approval.

  2. Update operations manual

    Include details of the training you plan to conduct in your operations manual. We provide sample syllabi for some ratings and endorsements which you can use to develop the required suite of training documents.

    After meeting these prerequisites, contact us to update your operations manual by using the significant change forms:

    You will receive a letter of approval of the significant change once approved.

  3. Conduct training

    Conduct your training activities in accordance with approval conditions.

  4. Manage training privileges in accordance with approval conditions

    Your approval conditions include:

    • training managed by head of operations (HOO), head of training and checking (HOTC) or head of flight operations (HOFO)
    • training meets requirements
    • trainee meets requirements
    • certificate of completion issued
    • documents retained.

Example : how an operator accesses the pathway

ABC Muster is a Part 138 operator authorised to conduct aerial mustering operations in helicopters.

ABC Muster employs experienced mustering pilots and want to upskill their junior pilot, Sam to become a mustering pilot.

ABC Muster want to use CASA 05/23 to upskill Sam in-house.

ABC Muster develops a training course for the aerial mustering – helicopter endorsement. They update their operations manual to include the training and relevant administrative processes through a significant change application to CASA.

CASA reviews and approves the training course and operations manual updates.

ABC Muster identifies Amy as the pilot most suitable to conduct training and assessment for the aerial mustering – helicopter endorsement. ABC Muster nominates Amy to become a training pilot. She enrols in a training course with a Part 141 flight training operator to gain:

  • basic instructional knowledge and competencies
  • an assessment
  • a certificate of completion.

Amy then applies to CASA for e-learning modules for the flight examiner course After Amy completes the course, CASA gives her access to their Flight Test Management system (FTM).

ABC Muster nominates and records Amy as the training pilot conducting training for the mustering endorsement.

Amy can now conduct the training and flight test for Sam. Amy delivers training under ABC Muster’s approved training course.

ABC Muster’s head of operations manages:

  • the training Amy delivers
  • issue of Sam’s course completion certificate
  • record keeping.

For Part 141 flight training operators

Part 141 operators conducting trainer training for eligible Part 137 and 138 training pilots must have a training endorsement on their Part 141 certificate and the capability to conduct low-level training. Part 141 operators with these capabilities do not need to submit a significant change to conduct the training pilot training.

The course delivered must include:

  • Principles and methods of instructing ( PMI) component of a flight instructor course (CASA PIRC exam not required)
  • at least 5 hours dual flight training in a non-pilot command seat
  • assessment of the pilot’s competence to deliver training
  • issue of a certificate of completion.

Guidance regarding the content of the syllabus instructor rating is contained in section 6.2 of AC 61-07 Flight instructor training.

Eligibility of instructors at a Part 141 operator to train a Part 137 and 138 training pilot

To be eligible to train a training pilot you must hold certain skills and experience. The following lists specific training needed for each specialised endorsement.

Mustering

  • Grade 1 training endorsement or an instructor rating training endorsement
  • Low-level rating training endorsement.

Firefighting

  • Grade 1 training endorsement or an instructor rating training endorsement
  • Low-level rating training endorsement or an aerial application rating (day) training endorsement (category specific).

Sling

  • Grade 1 training endorsement or an instructor rating training endorsement
  • Low-level rating training endorsement or a sling operations training endorsement.

Winch and rappelling

  • Grade 1 training endorsement or an instructor rating training endorsement
  • Low-level rating training endorsement or a winch and rappelling operations training endorsement

Process for Part 141 flight training operators

  1. Meet operator and instructor prerequisites

    To begin the process you must first meet the requirements listed on this page.

  2. Develop a training course for trainer pilots

    The course must include:

    • Principles and methods of instructing (PMI) component of a flight instructor course (CASA PIRC exam not required)
    • at least 5 hours of flight training in operating and training from the non-command seat
    • assessment of the training pilot applicant.

  3. Conduct trainer training

    The trainer pilot receives training according to the developed training course.

  4. Issue of a certificate of completion on satisfactory assessment

    Trainer pilot is awarded a certificate of completion once they have completed the course to the standard.

Related content

Related rules and publications

Last updated:
7 Jul 2023
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//licences-and-certificates/air-operators/operators-specialised-endorsements-alternative-pathway
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