ORO.FC.A.245 Alternative training and qualification programme

(a)     The aeroplane operator having appropriate experience may substitute one or more of the following training and checking requirements for flight crew by an alternative training and qualification programme (ATQP), approved by the competent authority:

(1)     set out in point SPA.LVO.120 on flight crew training and qualifications;

(2)     set out in point ORO.FC.220 on conversion training and checking;

          (3)     set out in point ORO.FC.125 on differences training, familiarisation, equipment and procedure training;

          (4)     set out in point ORO.FC.205 on command course;

(5)     set out in point ORO.FC.230 on recurrent training and checking; and

          (6)     set out in point ORO.FC.240 on operation on more than one type or variant.

(b)     The ATQP shall contain training and checking that establishes and maintains at least an equivalent level of proficiency achieved by complying with the provisions of ORO.FC.220 and ORO.FC.230. The level of flight crew training and qualification proficiency shall be demonstrated prior to being granted the ATQP approval by the competent authority.

(c)      The operator applying for an ATQP approval shall provide the competent authority with an implementation plan, including a description of the level of flight crew training and qualification proficiency to be achieved.

(d)     In addition to the checks required by points ORO.FC.230 and FCL.060 of Annex I (Part-FCL) to Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011, each flight crew member shall complete a line oriented evaluation (LOE) conducted in an FSTD. The validity period of an LOE shall be 12 calendar months. The LOE is completed when both of the following conditions are met:

(1)     the syllabus of the LOE is completed; and

(2)     the flight crew member has demonstrated an acceptable level of performance.

(e)     After 2 years of operating with an approved ATQP, the operator may, with the approval of the competent authority, extend the validity periods of the checks referred to in point ORO.FC.230 as follows:

(1)     Operator proficiency check to 12 calendar months.

(2)     Line check to 24 calendar months.

(3)     Emergency and safety equipment checking to 24 calendar months.

(f)      Each flight crew member shall undergo specific modular CRM training. All major topics of CRM training shall be covered by distributing modular training sessions as evenly as possible over each 3-year period.

(g)     The ATQP programme shall include 48 hours on an FSTD for each flight crew member, distributed evenly over a 3-year programme. The operator may reduce the number of FSTD hours, but no lower than 36 hours, provided that it demonstrates that the level of safety that is achieved is equivalent to that of the programme the ATQP may substitute in accordance with point (a).