The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will be able to allow on-demand airline operators to get standardized training.
The FAA outlined its framework for Part 142 training centers to offer standardized training to pilots at non-scheduled charters or air taxis in guidance published on Tuesday. The new guidelines are part of a four-year collaboration with the FAA and the aviation industry through the Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ACT ARC).
“A standard training curriculum is a great example of the FAA and industry working together,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “By developing a model that works for operators of all sizes, we improve safety by enhancing consistency.”
According to the FAA, the curriculum would be developed by an industry committee made up of industry and subject matter experts, who would then forward the curriculum on to the FAA for use nationwide.
The agency said this would not only provide consistent training but would also offer operators and alternative to developing and seeking approval for their customized training programs. The new program fits the requirements of the National Safety Board’s Most Wanted List of safety improvements.
Currently, FAA rules require on-demand operators to develop their training programs and keep up with paperwork tracking required check rides and training. The new approach to training will standardize the training for pilots and allow on-demand operators to focus on the quality of the training program, instead of administrating the training.
The FAA anticipates that the first standardized curricula will be available for training center and operator use in 2021.