A new notice of proposed amendment from the European Aviation Safety Agency would update commercial flight crew training requirements to improve pilot competencies and achieve a smooth transition to evidence-based training (EBT). It describes EBT as a methodology that “identifies areas for improvement and allows the re-prioritization of training topics to enhance the confidence and capability of flight crews to operate the aircraft in all flight regimes and to be able to recognize and manage unexpected situations.”

This NPA is a second step in the European rulemaking action to assist state regulatory authorities, commercial air transport operators (including air taxi operators), and approved training organizations to implement EBT. The first step was completed in 2015 with publication of guidance material to allow the implementation of “mixed EBT,” which maintains the current operator proficiency and license proficiency checks. But the new NPA would allow the full implementation of EBT, replacing current proficiency check requirements.

According to EASA, “Further work is foreseen in proposing rulemaking to expand EBT to operator conversion courses and initial type ratings, while expanding the EBT concept to other types of aircraft (e.g. helicopters and business jets).” Comments are due by October 31.