What does Part 135 training entail?

Question

If a charter operator has an in-house training program for a specific aircraft (specifically a pressurized twin like a C-421 or C-414), what types & amount of training are required? Is there a specific amount of ground &/or flight training that must be given?

Answer 1

Coffee is correct,  you are going to be required to meet the criteria as specified in the company's Ops Specs, which are in turn certified by the FAA. Each 135 operator will have a POI, or Principle Operations Inspector... because there are a lot more operators than there are Feds. They will set the requirements for all aspects of the airman acceptance and training program. You don't just open up a charter business with a couple of airplanes and start hauling people. It takes months of paper work, inspections, to certify EVERYTHING and everyone involved. When you get finished.. that 135 manual that you put together and got approved is quite an accomplishement, and if you do it as a D.O. or C.P. for a company, is nice for you to put on your resume.

You do all the ground school, and then take your 135 ride.. back in the old days you could do it with a Fed.. but again... not enough to go around so you will likely ride with a company check airman... someone the FAA has approved to check new/current pilots. Even still.. the company check airman is only allowed to give so many rides, and then he himself must be observed giving a ride by a Fed.. so you have a Fed watching him,watching you.

Answer 2

Every operator's training is specific to their operation.  The FAA must approve the operator's training program, including the topics and programmed hours.

You can expect basic indoctrination to include company structure, operations manual, weight and balance programs, winter operations (if applicable), dangerous goods, emergency procedures, and operations specifications at the minimum in addition to specific aircraft training.  The company should have a training manual that outlines the specific training.  Yes, there is a specific amount of ground and flight training, but again, that's specific to the operator.  You can see FAR 135 Subpart H for a general idea of the requirements.  Here's a link: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/tex...

Answer 3

A 421 is still considered a light twin, so basically all you need is to be checked out on the aircraft by someone and you're good to go.

This does not take away the need to familiarize yourself with the aircraft and the specific characteristics and systems (take a look at the fuel system for instance!).

So in short: there's no specific amount of time stated.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) requires operators to prepare and keep current various manuals and checklists for the direction and guidance of flight and ground personnel conducting air transportation operations.  This will include a training manual witch is all spelled out in the operators General Operations Manual (GOM).

The GOM is the basic manual that explains how all operations for the Part 135 will take place.  The training manual will be referenced in the GOM and will explain who, what, when, and where all types of pilot and mechanic training will take place.

Part 135.21 require that each operator prepare and keep current a manual providing guidance for all categories of flight and ground personnel conducting air transportation operations.  This requirement does not apply to part 135 single pilot operators and those operators granted a deviation from this requirement by paragraph A5 of the operations specifications (OpSpecs).  The operator’s general manual or (GOM) must include the duties and responsibilities of each category of employee.  The manual must also include adequate policy, direction, and guidance for the safe and efficient performance of the duties assigned to each category of employee.  Title 14 CFR only requires an operator to produce a single manual.  In practice, however, a system of manuals is usually necessary, even for relatively simple operations.  Operators have wide latitude in structuring their manuals.

So to answer the in house training on your Cessna aircraft you will have to answer a few questions;

· Do you have a Chief pilot?

· Do you have a designated pilot examiner (DPE)?

· Does the training manual contain a clear description of the types and kinds of operations the company is authorized?

· Does the manual contain procedures to insure pilot enroute qualification in accordance with FAR 135.299(c)?

· Guidance by which personnel can acquire and apply airport/facility info and NOTAMS?

· Procedures to verify crew qualifications?

The above are a few questions you may want to know before you contact your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) and discuss required training under part 135 and part 119.  Just from what you stated I think you have a lot of questions that need to be answered.  I would suggest contacting your local FSDO and ask to speak to an Operations Inspector who can provide you with a list items you will need.