NBAA is encouraging the FAA to take further steps toward scenario-based training. In comments on the FAA’s draft Advisory Circular on Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) and Type Rating for Airplane Airman Certification Standards (ACS), the association supported the development of standards and guidance that are “evidence- and scenario-based” and that emphasize crew resource management, as well as single-pilot resource management.

“NBAA recommends recurrent training and checking be evidence-based and target operations and procedures that address leading accident causes for turbine-powered aircraft,” the association said. It further asked the FAA for greater clarification on pilot proficiency requirements and for more guidance on teaching and evaluating risk-management skills.

The agency announced the release of the draft AC in October, outlining standards and guidance for pilot preparations for the FAA ATP knowledge test, practical test, and ultimately ATP certificate or airplane type rating, as applicable. Its draft AC addresses areas including preflight preparation, takeoffs and landings, in-flight maneuvers, stall prevention, instrument procedures, emergency operations, and post-flight procedures. In addition, it includes guidance on eligibility requirements for single-engine or multiengine airplane knowledge tests and practical tests.

The FAA developed the draft following the release of recommendations of a government/industry work group that was tasked with exploring the creation of ACS for type training and ATP training.

“NBAA members have long wanted to move beyond ‘cookie cutter’ maneuvers-based training standards,” working group participant Robert Wright, president of Wright Aviation Solutions and a member of the NBAA Safety Committee, said in an NBAA article on the AC comments. “Operators want more scenario-based training, tailored to their specific operation and addressing the safety issues they’re most concerned about.”

NBAA acknowledges the proposal moves toward more “real world” instruction but believes more needs to be laid out on how to carry through on such instruction, particularly in recurrent training. The same is true for improved risk-management proficiency.

Further, NBAA is encouraging the FAA to incorporate guidance that includes language from the association’s Risk Management Guide for Single-Pilot Light Business Aircraft.