FAR 91.1081 — Crewmember Training Requirements
FAR 91.1081 requires fractional ownership program managers to provide initial, transition, upgrade, recurrent, and emergency crewmember training.
In Plain English
FAR 91.1081 lays out what a fractional ownership program manager must include in its crewmember training program. It's the framework rule — other sections (91.1083, 91.1101, 91.1103, 91.1105, 91.1107) fill in the specifics.
Each program must provide:
- Basic indoctrination for new hires, covering crewmember duties, applicable regulations, the program manager's management specifications (not required for flight attendants), and relevant portions of the operating manual.
- Initial and transition ground training per §§ 91.1101 and 91.1105.
- Emergency training per § 91.1083.
- Initial and transition flight training per § 91.1103.
- Recurrent ground and flight training per § 91.1107.
- Upgrade training when a SIC moves to PIC on the same aircraft type.
- Additional training, instruction, and practice so each crewmember stays proficient in their aircraft, position, and type of operation, and qualifies on new equipment, procedures, or aircraft modifications.
Why it matters: in fractional operations, the program manager — not the owner — is responsible for ensuring every crewmember is trained and current for the job they're flying.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.1081§ 91.1081 Crewmember training requirements.
(a) Each program manager must include in its training program the following initial and transition ground training as appropriate to the particular assignment of the crewmember:
(1) Basic indoctrination ground training for newly hired crewmembers including instruction in at least the—
(i) Duties and responsibilities of crewmembers as applicable;
(ii) Appropriate provisions of this chapter;
(iii) Contents of the program manager's management specifications (not required for flight attendants); and
(iv) Appropriate portions of the program manager's operating manual.
(2) The initial and transition ground training in §§ 91.1101 and 91.1105, as applicable.
(3) Emergency training in § 91.1083.
(b) Each training program must provide the initial and transition flight training in § 91.1103, as applicable.
(c) Each training program must provide recurrent ground and flight training as provided in § 91.1107.
(d) Upgrade training in §§ 91.1101 and 91.1103 for a particular type aircraft may be included in the training program for crewmembers who have qualified and served as second in command on that aircraft.
(e) In addition to initial, transition, upgrade and recurrent training, each training program must provide ground and flight training, instruction, and practice necessary to ensure that each crewmember—
(1) Remains adequately trained and currently proficient for each aircraft, crewmember position, and type of operation in which the crewmember serves; and
(2) Qualifies in new equipment, facilities, procedures, and techniques, including modifications to aircraft.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What ground training topics must a fractional program manager include in basic indoctrination for newly hired crewmembers?
Per FAR 91.1081(a)(1), basic indoctrination must cover crewmember duties and responsibilities, applicable regulations, the program manager's management specifications (except for flight attendants), and appropriate portions of the operating manual.
Q2Under FAR 91.1081, what types of training must a fractional ownership training program provide beyond initial training?
FAR 91.1081 requires transition, upgrade, and recurrent ground and flight training, plus emergency training under § 91.1083, and any additional instruction and practice needed to keep crewmembers proficient and qualified on new equipment or modifications.
Q3When can upgrade training be used in a fractional ownership training program?
Per FAR 91.1081(d), upgrade training under §§ 91.1101 and 91.1103 may be used for crewmembers who have already qualified and served as second in command on that particular type of aircraft.
Studying for a checkride?
Related Sections in Part 91