Subject
Operational Evaluations
File Number
AARX 1575-5 (AARXB)
Date
2001.01.29
Policy Statement
This Policy Letter explains the circumstances that will initiate an Operational Evaluation.
Applicability
This policy applies to all Commercial and Business Aviation (CBA) managers and inspectors.
Definitions
Operational Evaluation (OE):
A structured process for assessing (1) the type rating, training, checking and currency issues associated with the introduction of a new aircraft type, or variant of an existing type, into Canadian service under Parts VI or VII of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs); and (2) the operational suitability of a new aircraft type (or variant of an existing type) for operations under Parts VI or VII of the CARs.
Flight Standardization Board (FSB):
The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) process equivalent to the OE.
AC 120-53:
The FAA Advisory Circular titled Crew Qualification and Pilot Type rating Requirements for Transport Category Aircraft Operated Under Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 121 that describes the process used to conduct OEs and FSBs.
Background
The introduction of a new aircraft type or variant of an existing type into Canadian service under Part VI subpart 604 or Part VII of the CARs presents issues with respect to defining the associated type rating, training currency and checking requirements. The issues increase if the new type is a variant of an existing type and credits are being sought for experience on the existing type. Generally, the initial cadre of pilots assigned to the new aircraft will be trained by the manufacturer or the manufacturer's contracted training organization. For foreign-manufactured aircraft, the training organization will normally be outside Canada and there is currently no provision in the CARs under which a training course offered by a foreign training provider may be approved. OE establishes a process by which these courses may be approved.
In addition, OE assesses the suitability of the aircraft for line satisfies all applicable additional operational requirements contained in CAR Part VI and Part VII, and the operational documents provided by the manufacturer are acceptable, such as the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL), Flight Crew Operating Manual/Aircraft Operating Manual (FCOM/AOM) and Quick Reaction Handbook (QRH).
Policy
When a Region is informed that an air operator plans to introduce an aircraft type not previously operated in Canada, the Regional Manager, Commercial & Business Aviation (RMCBA) will contact CBA Operational Standards, Programme Manager Flight Technical (PM FT), to determine if an OE will be conducted. The PM FT will review any existing FSB Reports concerning the aircraft type in question and decide if an OE should be conducted and the scope of any evaluation, using AC 120-53 for guidance. A recommendation will then be made to the Chief, Operational Standards.
If an OE is approved, a team will be formed consisting of at least two inspectors. The Team Leader will be an inspector from Operational Standards, and the RMCBA will nominate an inspector as team member. The PM FT will ask the RMCBA to arrange a meeting with the air operator as soon as possible, in order to explain the OE process and what will be required of the air operator and the manufacturer. All costs associated with the OE are recoverable, including overtime, but not including regular salary.
As a minimum, operators will normally also be required to pay the costs of training the OE team to type rating level on the aircraft, using the manufacturer's proposed training programme.
Following successful completion of the OE, a report will be issued detailing the Canadian type rating, training, checking and currency requirements for the aircraft. The report will also confirm that the aircraft satisfies all Canadian operational requirements; and approve the manufacturer's training programme for Canadian air operators.
Future Disposition
This Policy Letter will remain in effect until its contents are included in an amendment of the Air Carrier Inspector Manual.
Reference Number
This Policy Letter is designated AARX No. 136.
M.R. Preuss
Director
Commercial & Business Aviation