AMC3 ORA.ATO.125 Training programme

ED Decision 2012/007/R

TYPE RATING COURSES – HELICOPTERS

(a) Introduction

(1) when developing the training programme for a type rating course, in addition to complying with the standards included in the OSD as established in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1702/2003 for the applicable type, the ATO should also follow any further recommendations contained therein.

(2) the course should, as far as possible, provide for integrated ground, FSTD and flight training designated to enable the student to operate safely and qualify for the grant of a type rating. The course should be directed towards a helicopter type, but where variants exist, all flying and ground training forming the basis of the course should relate to a single variant.

(b) Variants

(1) Familiarisation training: where a helicopter type rating also includes variants of the same aircraft type requiring familiarisation training, the additional familiarisation training may be included in the theoretical knowledge training of the initial type rating course.

(2) Differences training: where a helicopter type rating also includes variants of the same aircraft type for which difference training is required, the initial training course should be directed towards a single variant. Additional training to operate other variants within the same type rating should be completed after successful completion of the initial type rating course, although elements of this differences training may be undertaken at appropriate stages of the initial course, with the agreement of the competent authority.

(c) Training in helicopter and FSTDs

The training programme should specify the amounts of flight training in the helicopter type and in FSTDs (FFSs, flight training devices (FTDs), or other training devices (OTDs)). Where a suitable FFS is geographically remote from the normal training base, the competent authority may agree to some additional training being included in the programme at a remote facility.

(d) Skill test

The content of the flight training programme should be directed towards the skill test for that type. The practical training given in Part-FCL should be modified as necessary.

The skill test may be completed in a helicopter, in an FFS or partially in a helicopter and in an FSTD. The use of an FSTD for skill tests is governed by the level of approval of the flight simulator and the previous experience of the candidate. Where an FSTD is not available, abnormal operations of systems should not be practised in a helicopter other than as allowed for in the skill test form for the type.

(e) Phase progress tests and final theoretical knowledge examination

Prior to the final theoretical knowledge examination covering the whole syllabus, the training programme should provide for phase progress tests associated with each phase of theoretical knowledge instruction. The phase progress tests should assess the candidate’s knowledge on completion of each phase of the training programme.

(f) Facilities: ground school equipment, training facilities and aids

The ATO should provide, as a minimum, facilities for classroom instruction. Additional classroom training aids and equipment including, where appropriate, computers, should reflect the content of the course and the complexity of the helicopter. For multi-engine and multi-pilot helicopters, the minimum level of ground training aids should include equipment that provides a realistic cockpit working environment. Task analysis and the latest state-of–the-art training technology is encouraged and should be fully incorporated into the training facilities wherever possible. Facilities for self and supervised testing should be available to the student.

(g) Training devices

An FTD or OTD may be provided to supplement classroom training in order to enable students to practice and consolidate theoretical instruction. Where suitable equipment is not available, or is not appropriate, a helicopter or flight simulator of the relevant variant should be available. If an FTD represents a different variant of the same helicopter type for which the student is being trained, then differences or familiarisation training is required.

(h) Computer-based training (CBT)

Where CBT aids are used as a training tool, the ATO should ensure that a fully qualified ground instructor is available at all times when such equipment is being used by course students. Other than for revision periods, CBT lessons should be briefed and debriefed by a qualified ground instructor.

(i) Theoretical knowledge instruction

The theoretical knowledge instruction training should meet the general objectives of giving the student:

(1) a thorough knowledge of the helicopter structure, transmissions, rotors and equipment, powerplant and systems, and their associated limitations;

(2) a knowledge of the positioning and operation of the cockpit controls and indicators for the helicopter and its systems;

(3) a knowledge of performance, flight planning and monitoring, mass and balance, servicing and optional equipment items;

(4) an understanding of system malfunctions, their effect on helicopter operations and interaction with other systems; and

(5) the understanding of normal, abnormal and emergency procedures and giving the student the understanding of potential control problems near the edge of the handling envelope. In particular, the phenomenon of ‘servo transparency’ (also known as ‘jack stall’) should be covered for those helicopter types where it is a known problem.

The amount of time and the contents of the theoretical instruction will depend on the complexity of the helicopter type involved and, to some extent, on the previous experience of the student.

(j) Flight training

(1) FSTDs

The level of qualification and the complexity of the type will determine the amount of practical training that may be accomplished in an FSTD, including completion of the skill test. Prior to undertaking the skill test, a student should demonstrate competency in the skill test items during the practical training.

(2) Helicopter (with FSTD)

With the exception of courses approved for ZFTT, the amount of flight time in a helicopter should be adequate for completion of the skill test.

(3) Helicopters (without FSTD)

Whenever a helicopter is used for training, the amount of flight time practical training should be adequate for the completion of the skill test. The amount of flight training will depend on the complexity of the helicopter type involved and, to some extent, on the previous experience of the applicant.