Applicability
| ACP | AQP |
|---|---|
| X |
Subject: ACP Type A (VFR-only) – Practical Training Requirements (Initial Course)
Purpose
- The purpose of this bulletin is to define the acceptable methods of completing the practical training that an ACP Type A (VFR-only) is required to receive during initial ACP training.
Background
- The ACP Program Course Training Standard (CTS) states that the practical phase of an ACP course is to include a minimum of two grading sessions in an appropriate Flight Training Device (FTD) to provide sufficient exposure to flight checks. The sessions must replicate a complete, or representative part of a flight check, and include sufficient time to conduct all briefings, debriefings and administrative duties.
- Section 4.8 of the ACP Manual states that the practical phase of the ACP Type A (VFR-only) initial course may be altered with written permission from TCCA. The intent of this policy is to increase the available options to complete the practical training for ACPs that only conduct VFR PPCs. Broad interpretations of this policy have created regional disparities in its application. This has resulted in situations where the intent of the policy is not being met, in that some candidates have received insufficient or no practical training prior to undergoing a monitor check by a TCCA inspector.
- The policy changes defined below will ensure that a candidate pursuing an initial ACP Type A (VFR-only) accreditation receives a minimum level of practical training.
Policy Changes
- The following methods of training are the only approved options to complete the practical training requirements for an ACP Type A (VFR-only) candidate during initial ACP training. This policy change is in effect immediately and supercedes any previous written permissions that may have been granted by TCCA to deviate from the CTS.
- Option 1: Completion of the practical training prescribed in the CTS with an ACP course provider – (i.e. two grading sessions in an appropriate FTD); or
- Option 2: Completion of the practical phase with an air operator after the academic phase has been completed with an ACP course provider. The practical phase with an air operator must include the following events as a minimum standard:
- (i) The candidate must observe the conduct of a full PPC (or mock PPC) that is carried out by an ACP in an aircraft or FTD, including the briefing, debriefing and administrative duties;
- (ii) The candidate must conduct a full, or representative part of a mock flight check in an aircraft or FTD under the supervision of an ACP. This event must include the briefing, debriefing and administrative duties, followed by a debriefing from the ACP supervising the event. (Note - If the candidate’s performance is not considered satisfactory, a subsequent event(s) shall be conducted to achieve the required standard);
- (iii) The mentoring ACP that is conducting the above activities must have at least two years of experience as an ACP and use the practical training objectives stated in the CTS to structure and deliver the training. A copy of the CTS is available through regional POIs (RDIMS 5154456) and course providers; and
- (iv) The candidate must retain copies of the practice documents that were completed during the mock PPC until the initial monitor check has been completed. The TCCA inspector conducting the candidate’s monitor check may choose to review these documents or any other documents that verify the completion of the practical phase, such as an aircraft journey logbook.
- In cases where a candidate only completes the academic phase of an initial ACP course (with no practical phase), the course provider shall annotate the candidate’s course assessment and completion certificate accordingly - (‘academic only’).
- On a related note, it is recognized that the CTS for initial and recurrent ACP courses does not fully address the unique aspects of single-pilot VFR PPCs. This shortfall will be reviewed and addressed through a revision to the CTS to define additional academic training that must be delivered by any course provider that is providing training to a VFR-only ACP candidate. Course providers and regional inspectors will be advised when the revision to the CTS has been completed, which will include a defined grace period to accommodate adjustments to curriculum.
- Please direct questions or comments to your regional TCCA Principal Operations Inspector (POI) or to the ACP Program Manager at:
Email: TC.ACPAQPProgram-ProgrammePVAPAQ.TC@tc.gc.ca
Approval
/// signed by Gordon Manuel, for ///
Deborah Martin
Chief
Commercial Flight Standards (AARTF)