FAR 91.1093 — Check Pilot Training
FAR 91.1093 sets initial and transition training, checking, and currency requirements for check pilots and simulator check pilots in fractional ownership programs.
In Plain English
FAR 91.1093 governs how a fractional ownership program manager qualifies and maintains its check pilots — the people who give proficiency and competency checks to other pilots in the program.
Before serving, a check pilot must:
- Satisfactorily complete initial or transition check pilot training; and
- Within the preceding 24 months, conduct a proficiency or competency check while being observed by an FAA inspector or an aircrew designated examiner employed by the program manager. That observation can occur in the aircraft, a flight simulator, or a flight training device, and counts as on-time if done in the month before, of, or after it's due.
Initial ground training must cover check pilot duties, applicable regulations and company policies, check techniques, evaluation of student performance (including spotting weak training or unsafe personal traits), corrective action for unsatisfactory checks, and approved normal/abnormal/emergency procedures. Transition ground training focuses on those procedures for the new aircraft.
Flight training for aircraft check pilots covers safety measures during checks, the consequences of mishandling them, and practice giving checks from either pilot seat. Simulator check pilots must be trained to conduct checks competently in a flight simulator or FTD and to operate those devices.
This matters operationally because the integrity of every checkride in a fractional program depends on a properly trained, current check pilot.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.1093§ 91.1093 Initial and transition training and checking: Check pilots (aircraft), check pilots (simulator).
(a) No program manager may use a person nor may any person serve as a check pilot unless—
(1) That person has satisfactorily completed initial or transition check pilot training; and
(2) Within the preceding 24 months, that person satisfactorily conducts a proficiency or competency check under the observation of an FAA inspector or an aircrew designated examiner employed by the program manager. The observation check may be accomplished in part or in full in an aircraft, in a flight simulator, or in a flight training device.
(b) The observation check required by paragraph (a)(2) of this section is considered to have been completed in the month required if completed in the month before or the month after the month in which it is due.
(c) The initial ground training for check pilots must include the following:
(1) Check pilot duties, functions, and responsibilities.
(2) The applicable provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations and the program manager's policies and procedures.
(3) The applicable methods, procedures, and techniques for conducting the required checks.
(4) Proper evaluation of student performance including the detection of—
(i) Improper and insufficient training; and
(ii) Personal characteristics of an applicant that could adversely affect safety.
(5) The corrective action in the case of unsatisfactory checks.
(6) The approved methods, procedures, and limitations for performing the required normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures in the aircraft.
(d) The transition ground training for a check pilot must include the approved methods, procedures, and limitations for performing the required normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures applicable to the aircraft to which the check pilot is in transition.
(e) The initial and transition flight training for a check pilot (aircraft) must include the following—
(1) The safety measures for emergency situations that are likely to develop during a check;
(2) The potential results of improper, untimely, or nonexecution of safety measures during a check;
(3) Training and practice in conducting flight checks from the left and right pilot seats in the required normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures to ensure competence to conduct the pilot flight checks required by this subpart; and
(4) The safety measures to be taken from either pilot seat for emergency situations that are likely to develop during checking.
(f) The requirements of paragraph (e) of this section may be accomplished in full or in part in flight, in a flight simulator, or in a flight training device, as appropriate.
(g) The initial and transition flight training for a check pilot (simulator) must include the following:
(1) Training and practice in conducting flight checks in the required normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures to ensure competence to conduct the flight checks required by this subpart. This training and practice must be accomplished in a flight simulator or in a flight training device.
(2) Training in the operation of flight simulators, flight training devices, or both, to ensure competence to conduct the flight checks required by this subpart.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Who can serve as a check pilot under a fractional ownership program, and what currency must they maintain?
Per FAR 91.1093(a), a person may serve as a check pilot only after satisfactorily completing initial or transition check pilot training, and within the preceding 24 months must conduct a proficiency or competency check observed by an FAA inspector or an aircrew designated examiner employed by the program manager.
Q2What subjects must initial ground training for a check pilot cover?
FAR 91.1093(c) requires initial ground training to cover check pilot duties and responsibilities, applicable CFR provisions and company policies, check methods and techniques, proper evaluation of student performance including detection of improper training and unsafe personal traits, corrective action for unsatisfactory checks, and approved normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures.
Q3How does flight training differ between an aircraft check pilot and a simulator check pilot?
Under FAR 91.1093(e), aircraft check pilot flight training emphasizes safety measures for in-flight emergencies during checks and conducting checks from both pilot seats, while FAR 91.1093(g) requires simulator check pilots to be trained — in a simulator or FTD — to conduct the required checks and to competently operate the training device itself.
Studying for a checkride?
Related Sections in Part 91