On February 18, 2005 the FAA issued Notice N 8000.294 that requires air carriers, air operators and fractional ownership programs to review the training provided to the operator by Part 142 training centers to confirm that all training, testing and checking performed by the Part 142 training center are approved by the operator’s principal operations inspector (POI) and meet all elements of the operator’s approved training program.
Apparently the FAA believes that some operators are relying upon the training center’s approved course to meet the operator’s training requirements without making sure that the two are consistent. The FAA is giving operators 90 days within which to perform a “self-audit” to review both the Part 142 course and the operator’s training requirements to verify that the Part 142 course is in fact consistent with and meets the operator’s training requirements. If the self-audit is performed before May 29, 2005 and discrepancies are found, operators will have the opportunity to take appropriate corrective action under HBAT 94-01A, Voluntary Self Disclosure.
The Notice was issued as guidance for POI’s who have authorized operators to use Part 142 courses to meet the operator’s training requirments. The Notice contains a series of scenarios with questions and answers and includes supporting information and sample forms that will be used by POIs, Training Center Program Managers (“TCPMs”), as well as operators and fractional program managers. It will be incorporated into FAA Order 8700.1, General Aviation Inspector’s Handbook and FAA Order 8400.10, Air Transportation Operations Inspector’s Handbook
Depending upon the POI, this may be a “non-issue” or it may be a big issue for the operator. Regardless, operators should obtain a copy of the Notice and review it in conjunction with the operator’s review of the 142 course and the operator’s respective training requirements.
If you have any questions as this notice relates to general aviation, contact the General Aviation and Commercial Division, AFS-800 at (202) 267-8212. Any questions pertaining to Part 91 subpart K and air carrier operations should be directed to the Air Transportation Division, Training Branch, AFS-210 at (202) 267-8166.
