Recently we announced our intention to adjust the transition process for training and checking systems (TCS) requirements for air transport operators, as well as rotorcraft performance standards that form part of the new flight operations regulations.
Date
This included making improvements to our guidance materials and processes to facilitate more streamlined submission and transition.
We have now set the next dates for 2024 and finalised the transition options.
A key change to the transition approach is a self-assessment by operators. We’ve developed a checklist for this process that we will ask all operators to complete and submit.
It’s aimed at making sure that the accountable person is confident that the training and checking requirements have been properly addressed in operational procedures. We’ll rely on the assurance to inform whether more detailed assessment or surveillance is necessary.
The self-assessment will cover many of the areas where we’ve found that procedures haven’t been clearly understood or addressed, as well as areas where our original guidance material may not have hit the mark.
>If an operator is relying on Part 61 qualified instructors or examiners, which we strongly encourage for most operators, we will only need to formally approve the head of training and checking.
For operators choosing to develop their own in-house training and checking processes and procedures using pilots who do not hold Part 61 instructor or examiner ratings, a full approval of the training and checking system will be required.
All operators who are required to have a TCS in place (including those who have previously submitted manuals), will need to meet the following deadlines:
- complete a self-assessment and submit the checklist to us by 31 August 2024
- implement their TCS by 28 February 2025.
For existing crew members, currency in events such as pilot flight reviews or instrument proficiency checks will be deemed to satisfy the training and checking requirements for a period beyond the implementation date.
The 2024 deadlines for rotorcraft performance operations will be announced soon.
Specific information will be emailed to operators over the next week.
To learn more visit our flight operations transition deadlines webpage.