The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials issued Tuesday a final rule to enhance the professional development of air carrier pilots, requiring specific training for newly-hired pilots and captain supplemental training.
The Pilot Professional Development rule stipulates newly-hired pilots will be required to observe flight operations and become familiar with company-specific procedures before operating an aircraft as a flight crew member.
Captains are to receive leadership and command training, as well as mentoring training, so that they may effectively mentor first officers, according to the guidelines.
“When I met with the Colgan Flight 3407 families, they emphasized how important this rule on pilot training was in elevating safety in the aviation sector. I am glad that the Department has been successful in finalizing this rule,” Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said.
The final guideline stems from the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 as well as recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board.
“As a pilot with thousands of hours flying in commercial aircraft, I know the importance that ongoing and targeted training can have in keeping pilots at their best,” FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson said. “These new training requirements for flight crews will go a long way in providing the nation’s commercial pilot workforce with the latest and safest flight deck practices and procedures.”
The ruling incorporates the work of the Flight Crewmember Mentoring, Leadership and Professional Development Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), the Flightcrew Member Training Hours Requirement Review ARC, and the Air Carrier Safety and Pilot Training ARC.