Approved Check Pilot (ACP) / Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) Evaluator Bulletin No. 01/24

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Applicability

Subjects:

Approved Check Pilot (ACP) Manual (10th Edition, Revision One), TP 6533

Pilot Proficiency Check and Aircraft Type Rating – Flight Test Guide (Helicopter), TP 14728

Pilot Proficiency Check and Aircraft Type Rating – Flight Test Guide (Aeroplane), TP 14727

Purpose

1. This bulletin outlines revisions to the ACP Manual and Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC) and Aircraft Type Rating – Flight Test Guides that are pending publication.

   Important note: Revisions discussed in this bulletin are not in effect at this time.

Background

ACP Manual

2. The ACP Manual (10th Edition) was released in June 2017. Since that time, there have been numerous policy initiatives including the ACP/AQPE (Type M) qualification, adjustments to helicopter ACP authorized types and training requirements, the alternative phased-PPC (subparts 702 to 704 of the CARs) and policy adaptations from COVID-19.
3. ACP Manual revisions are intended to improve the quality and standardization of existing policies, incorporate program changes and situate the traditional checking program (i.e., standalone PPC) relative to future competency-based training (CBT) and evidence-based training (EBT) evaluation programs.

PPC and Aircraft Type Rating – Flight Test Guide (Helicopter)

4. The Helicopter Flight Test Guide for the conduct of Pilot Proficiency Checks will be revised to more closely align with the applicable Canadian Aviation Regulations and Standards. The revised document should provide more complete guidance and clarity to the conduct of these check rides, as well as assuring a uniform, national standard for measuring pilot competency and program consistency. The primary goal of any PPC is to ensure the safety of flight operations by confirming pilot competence and knowledge by performance testing of the training received.

PPC and Aircraft Type Rating – Flight Test Guide (Aeroplane)

5. The Aeroplane Flight Test guide for the conduct of Pilot Proficiency Checks will be revised to ensure consistency with the ACP Manual at this time. The ‘General’ section will be updated consistent with revisions found in the new ACP Manual. Some minor policy revisions may also be provided regarding aim statements and Pilot Monitoring (PM) Duties assessment criteria.

Format

6. Significant revisions to the subject documents are provided below. Each content item includes a brief explanation of the expected revision.

Content – ACP Manual

7. Authorized Blanket Aeroplane Types - While one approved aeroplane type may continue to represent several blanket aeroplane types, the type designator per appropriate class rating will be listed on an ACP’s accreditation. This will be implemented in conjunction with normal issuances & re-issuances of the Letter of ACP Accreditation.
8. Aircraft Familiarization Training - ACP aircraft familiarization training requirements (in lieu of a PPC) will be provided for aeroplanes similar to those previously introduced to helicopters authorizations. Requirements will differ (from helicopters) due to aircraft type classifications, CARs subpart applicability and prominence of domestic versus foreign operations. New requirements will be predicated on 500 flight time hours and will contain both a ground and flight training component whereby an FTD, FFS or aircraft may be utilized.
9. Minimum Flight Experience - The 100-hour pilot-in-command (PIC) flight time hours requirement on all authorized individual type rated aeroplanes and multi-engine helicopters will be reintroduced based on the 8th edition of the ACP Manual. Transport Canada Issuing Authorities will be able to waive this requirement where an ACP’s current employment and experience would reasonably compensate.
10. Course Validity Period / ACP Candidates Only - ACP course validity (prior to completing the accreditation process) will be 12 months vs. 36 months. This is to ensure that candidates complete all required training and receive an ACP Monitor within one year. Upon accreditation, this validity period will revert to the normal 36 months from the initial course date.
11. Letter of ACP Accreditation / Sponsored ACPs Only - Where an ACP is sponsored by an air operator, a Letter of ACP Accreditation may or may not specify a valid-to date. Where no valid-to date is specified, the letter will normally stipulate, among other conditions, that the valid-to date is dependent upon the completion date of the most recent and applicable ACP course.
12. 4-Point Marking Scale - The ACP 4-Point Marking Scale is evolving to accommodate future competency-based training (CBT) and evidence-based training (EBT) programs. Information will be added that links CRM information found in Advisory Circular (AC) 700-042. Present technical and non-technical elements will begin to align towards competencies found in ICAO Doc 9868.
13. 4-Point Marking Scale / Errors - The definition of Error has been adjusted based on the Threat and Error Management (TEM) definition of Undesired Aircraft State (UAS). The definition of a Slight Error (i.e., grade of four (4)) will be introduced.
14. 4-Point Marking Scale / Deviation - The definition of Deviation has also been adjusted for a more consistent application of defined tolerances found in the Flight Test Guides. Additionally, Deviations will combine an accuracy and quality component to an assessment. The definition of a Slight Deviation (i.e., grade of four (4)) will be introduced.
15. ACP Grading Discretion - Additional grading discretion will be provided allowing ACPs to increase an assessment grade from one (1) to two (2), two (2) to three (3) or three (3) to four (4). This will be based on satisfactory demonstrations of TEM by a candidate.
16. ACP Training Involvement - ACP training involvement with a candidate prior to a PPC will be increased to 50% under certain conditions.
17. PPC Candidate Medical Restrictions - Candidate PPC eligibility requirements regarding valid medicals will be relaxed in the case of ACPs (Sim Only) and Training Pilots (Sim Only) consistent with CARs Part IV and VII requirements.
18. Unsuccessful Line Check Criteria - New guidance on the Line Check unsuccessful criteria pertaining to the maximum number of permissible two (2) grades will be provided based on a ratio from the PIC/SIC PPC criteria vs. approximate number of flight test exercises.
19. Unsuccessful PIC PPC / Successful SIC PPC Option - A policy introduced in ACP Bulletin no. 02/18 (applicable to helicopter PPCs) will be extended to include aeroplane PPCs. The objective is to provide flexibility in circumstances where a pilot, who is unsuccessful as a PIC PPC candidate, might be considered successful under SIC PPC criteria.

Content – PPC and Aircraft Type Rating – Flight Test Guide (Helicopter)

20. Important Information from the ACP Manual - Some important information from the ACP Manual that is pertinent to PPCs (candidates and ACPs) has been restored to the FTG and the preamble was rewritten to reflect helicopter operations more clearly.
21. Seats Normally Occupied - Pilots must occupy their normal seats for PPCs, appropriate to their position, as per the CASS.
22. Engine Starts - The requirement to commence a PPC with engines off has been restored, with some exceptions.
23. Sloping Ground Landings and Take Offs - The requirement for sloping ground landings and take offs for all helicopters has been included. There are dynamic rollovers every year and training and testing this area may reduce the number of incidents by reinforcing the understanding and mitigation of causal factors of this phenomenon.
24. Autorotations - The requirement for autorotations for all helicopter PPCs has been restored. The technical description of the exercise incorporates appropriate safeguards and limits to permit this to be done safely.
25. Overall Objectives - It is intended that PPCs will meet all CASS requirements and reflect the operator’s specific operations where possible, and that the scripted PPCs incorporate elements of those specific operations. TC inspectors and their operators must coordinate scripted PPC content to ensure relevance to the operations.

Content – PPC and Aircraft Type Rating – Flight Test Guide (Aeroplane)

26. (Reserved)

Effective Dates

27. This bulletin is effective immediately, however, policy revisions discussed are not in effect at this time.
28. The ACP Manual was made available 1 March 2024 with an effective date 1 May 2024.
29. It is expected that the PPC & Aircraft Type Rating – Flight Test Guide (Helicopter) will be available and effective on 1 May 2024.
30. It is expected that the PPC & Aircraft Type Rating – Flight Test guide (Aeroplane) will be available and effective on 1 May 2024.

Approval

Deborah Martin
Chief
Commercial Flight Standards (AARTF)
AARTFInfo-InfoAARTF@tc.gc.ca