Flight crew training rules for certain helicopter and airplane operations would be updated under a notice of proposed amendment (NPA) from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). In addition to implementing evidence-based training (EBT), this NPA proposes to improve existing requirements covering commercial operations by airplanes and helicopters, specialized operations (such as agriculture, construction, photography, surveying, observation, patrol, and aerial advertisement), and non-commercial operations with complex aircraft.  

Specifically, this NPA proposes to: amend the conditions for multi-pilot operations of single-pilot certified helicopters; amend the requirements for initial training and checking under special ops; amend the rules for recurrent training and checking under commercial and special ops; review the conditions for the operation on different aircraft types or variants; introduce the option for complex aircraft operators to accept previous training and checking, and address a number of minor issues regarding flight crew training and checking.

“Some changes are expected to increase safety in a cost-effective way, whereas others should reduce the training costs without an impact on safety,” EASA said. “The proposed rules follow a more performance-based approach,” meaning training requirements are updated to reflect more current, advanced-technology methods. “Several clarifications are also introduced to maintain a high level of safety for air operations by ensuring a harmonized implementation of regulations.”

Currently, EASA promotes evidence-based training on a voluntary program for airplane operators that fly multi-pilot operations and have access to simulators. The concept will soon be extended to helicopters, EASA said.  Comments on this NPA are due by August 13.