The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) states that the safety of a flight is greatly influenced by the airworthiness of the aircraft (maintenance) and adequate crew training. The FAA also acknowledges that these two parameters have a more significant influence than the certification regulations put in place by the regulatory authorities. Aircraft operators need to have a flight manual understood by the crew.
Moreover, the training must prepare the crew for normal and emergency procedures. It is the responsibility of the OEM to develop training tools and documents that encompass initial training and continued refresher training for the flight crew. Flight crew must be current with their knowledge of aircraft and specific flying conditions throughout the aircraft's operational life.
Flight Manuals
The Airworthiness Standards for Normal Category Airplanes require the production of an aircraft flight manual under 14 CFR 23.2620. The flight manual is one of the four documents that an aircraft must carry onboard before the flight. The flight manual provides flight and performance information critical for the safe operations of the aircraft. It details aircraft’s performance under varying conditions and operational limitations.
The information and procedures under normal operating conditions as well as emergency situations are explained in the aircraft flight manual. One of the OEM’s most essential tasks is to ensure that aircraft operators (flight crew) fully understand the operating manual.
While the OEMs may be experts in the technical design and operability of the aircraft, transmitting performance information in the language understood by the operator is essential. The country’s aviation regulatory authority (such as the FAA in the US) assists with the formulation and language of fight manuals. With decades of experience, regulatory authorities know the effectiveness of language under various circumstances during flight.
It is noteworthy that the OEM hands the responsibility to keep the manual current in accordance with the aircraft type certification to the operator. The operating manual may become outdated due to compromised equipment or overdue maintenance. The operator ensures the aircraft remains in airworthiness status during its operational life.
Flight Crew Training
The aircraft operating and flight manual must also be used for a proposed crew training program. For pilots, this also means using flight simulators that familiarize pilots with instruments, controls, and flight systems. Pilots sometimes require transition training from other aircraft types to ensure they are trained on the differences. Both the initial and recurring training is designed to keep the crew current with the aircraft.
Flight simulators aim to prepare pilots for standard procedures for various phases of flight in normal and abnormal conditions. Flight simulators provide the flexibility of learning and debriefing during a flight procedure. For example, a full flight simulator can simulate approach and landing procedures during inclement weather.
During the procedure, the instructor can pause the training to discuss specific actions taken by the trainee. In the actual aircraft, pilots usually verify the training received in the simulator rather than the initial learning of the aircraft. Flight simulators must replicate the aircraft design parameters and flight performance characteristics.
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In the actual aircraft, pilots verify the techniques learned in the simulator. The OEM must establish a requirement of periodic refresher training for the crew to keep them current with the type.
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