Commercial and Business Aviation Advisory Circulars

Air Taxi Flight Crew Requirements

PURPOSE

This Commercial and Business Aviation Advisory Circular (CBAAC) is to inform air operators of Transport Canada's policy with respect to multi-crew training and checking requirements.

This CBAAC replaces CBAAC #0198 dated January 24, 2002.

REFERENCES

Sections 703.86, 703.87, 703.88, 703.107 and paragraph 605.33(2)(c) of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and sections 723.86, 723.88 and 723.98 of the Commercial Air Service Standards (CASS).

BACKGROUND

There appears to be confusion regarding the training requirements of a second-in-command (SIC) when an air operator who has Operations Specification 011 decides to operate his/her aeroplane multi-crew.

Operations Specification 011 authorizes the operation of an aircraft with passengers on board in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight without a SIC in accordance with section 723.86 of the CASS. Some air operators with Operations Specification 011 choose to operate multi-crew, which creates confusion as to which regulations are in effect.

When the single pilot IFR regulation was written, single-engine equated to single pilot and multi-engine equated to multi pilot. Consequently, section 703.88 of the CARs states the requirements for flight crew members but does not specifically state the requirement for a "SIC of a single-engine aircraft".

Transport Canada is concerned that in some cases, air operators may not understand the requirements for training and checking of the SIC in a single-engine aircraft. It is unacceptable for an unqualified pilot to participate in pilot duties during a commercial flight. In addition, for two pilots to work together safely and effectively, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must be used. A second pilot improves flight safety only when that pilot is properly trained and qualified.

POLICY

All pilots must complete the training program as detailed in section 723.98 of the CASS and meet the qualifications described in section 723.88 of the CASS, as appropriate for the position before they are assigned pilot duties. Regardless of the number of engines, training and checking requirements shall be consistent with the present regulatory requirements for single pilot or multi-crew operations. The following examples will serve as a guide for air operators of single-engine or multi-engine aeroplanes operated single pilot or multi pilot.

CASE 1

In the case of a Pilatus PC12 or a Beech BE10 operated under Operations Specification 011 (single pilot), the training requirements are as per subsection 723.98(27) of the CARs, tables 1 and 2.

The flight checking requirements are:

1. A Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC) for pilots flying multi-engine aeroplanes and for pilots flying single-engine aeroplanes operated in IFR or night Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with passengers on board; and
2. A Pilot Competency Check (PCC) for pilots flying single-engine aeroplanes operated in day VFR (passengers and cargo), IFR (cargo only) or night VFR (cargo only).

CASE 2

In the case of a PC12 or a BE10 operated in a multi-crew environment, (i.e. with a First Officer (F/O)), the training requirements for the Captain or F/O is as per subsection 723.98(27) of the CARs, tables 1 and 2.

The flight checking requirements are:

1. A PPC for pilots flying as pilot-in-command on multi-engine aeroplanes and for pilots flying single-engine aeroplanes operated in IFR or night VFR with passengers on board; and
2. A PCC for pilots flying as SIC on an aeroplane.

CASE 3

In the case of a PC12 or a BE10 operated in accordance with Operations Specification 011 (Single Pilot), but flown in a multi-crew operation for whatever reason, the training and checking requirements of CASE 2 above are required.

When the same pilots operate a PC12 or BE10 in both single pilot and multi-crew operations, the pilots' PPCs will be assessed first in a multi-crew configuration followed by a single-crew portion that permits the following to be assessed:

1. knowledge of the auto-pilot operations and limitations;
2. performance of normal and emergency procedures without assistance;
3. passenger briefing with respect to emergency evacuation; and
4. demonstration of the use of the auto-pilot during appropriate phases of flight.

In other words the pilot conducts a multi-crew PPC with a SIC where Crew Resource Management (CRM), use of SOPs, checklist, etc. are evaluated, then conducts single pilot exercises. The PPC card must be annotated accordingly.

Section 703.87 of the CARs requires an air operator to designate a pilot-in-command and where the crew includes two pilots, a pilot-in-command and a SIC. If a second pilot is not designated, there shall only be one person completing pilot duties and logging flying time.

When an air operator designates a pilot-in-command and a SIC, it will now be clear that the flight will not be operated under the single pilot authority of Operations Specification 011. Flights conducted under single pilot authority do not require a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).

Air Taxi Operators should be aware that there are two (2) exemptions currently available to them concerning single pilot operating issues.

The first exemption provides relief where the auto-pilot of an aircraft operated under Operations Specification 011 becomes unserviceable. Without an auto-pilot, the subpart now requires two pilots and hence a CVR. The exemption permits these aircraft to be operated by two (2) qualified pilots for a maximum period of 90 days without a CVR following the failure of the auto-pilot. The pilots should also meet the training and checking requirements of CASE 2.

The second exemption permits pilots-in-command to acquire the 50 hours of flight time on the aeroplane type as required by subsection 723.86(1) of the CASS, by using the total of the flight time gained on similar aeroplanes grouped as a single type for the purposes of PPC.

Each of these exemptions has conditions and applicability provisions. Air operators who wish to take advantage of the exemptions should contact their Principal Operations Inspector or regional office for details.

FUTURE DISPOSITION

This CBAAC will remain in effect until further notice.

CONCLUSION

Air operators who have Operations Specification 011 must decide, for any given flight, whether to operate with one or two pilots and dispatch the flight in accordance with the applicable regulations and standards.

M.R. Preuss
Director
Commercial & Business Aviation