Download the PDF consolidation of Part 121 [PDF 886 KB]
This Subpart prescribes rules governing the establishment and implementation of training programmes specified in this Subpart for flight crew members and flight attendants who are not participating in an advanced qualification programme specified in Subpart M.
(a) A holder of an air operator certificate must establish a crew member training programme under this Subpart to ensure that each flight crew member and each flight attendant assigned to act as a crew member on an aeroplane conducting an air operation, and who is not participating in an advanced qualification programme specified in Subpart M, is trained to perform their assigned functions.
(b) The certificate holder must ensure that the training programme required by paragraph (a) is conducted safely, in a structured manner, and without unacceptable risk to the equipment and personnel, or third parties.
(c) The certificate holder must ensure that the training programme required by paragraph (a) contains the following segments—
(1) introduction training:
(2) transition training:
(3) upgrade training:
(4) recurrent training.
(d) The certificate holder must ensure that the training programme required by paragraph (a) includes human factors as an integral component in every training segment referred to in paragraph (c).
(e) The certificate holder must ensure that a pilot who completes an introduction training segment, a transition training segment, or an upgrade training segment also completes the pilot line training requirements specified in rule 121.567, and the pilot consolidation requirements specified in rule 121.569.
(f) The certificate holder must ensure that the person responsible for its flight crew training programme holds a flight examiner rating.
(g) The certificate holder must ensure that the person responsible for its flight attendant training programme is qualified as specified in rule 121.525, or rule 121.527, or has appropriate qualifications and experience that are acceptable to the Director.
(h) The certificate holder is responsible for controlling the training programme required by paragraph (a).
(i) The certificate holder may—
(1) conduct the training in accordance with the training programme required by paragraph (a); or
(2) contract with the holder of an aviation training organisation certificate issued under Part 141, to conduct the training in accordance with the training programme required by paragraph (a) if the Part 141 certificate authorises the holder to conduct that type of training; or
(3) for a training conducted outside New Zealand, contract with an organisation that meets a standard equivalent to that specified in Part 141 to conduct the training in accordance with the training programme required by paragraph (a) for flight crew members.
(j) The certificate holder must ensure that when a crew member completes a training segment of the training programme—
(1) the training record for that crew member is updated with the details of the qualification acquired; and
(2) the training record and details of the qualification referred to in paragraph (1) are kept in accordance with the procedures referred to in rule 119.67; and
(3) the crew member is informed of the qualification.
(a) A holder of an air operator certificate must ensure that each segment of the training programme for flight crew members and flight attendants includes a syllabus that is applicable to the certificate holder’s operations and is acceptable to the Director.
(b) Each syllabus required by paragraph (a) must include at least the following elements as applicable to—
(1) the aeroplane type to be used, including special equipment fitted for the intended operation:
(2) the routes and aerodromes appropriate to the intended operation:
(3) the crew member assignments, functions, responsibilities, and the relationship of these to the assignments, functions and responsibilities of other crew members, particularly in regard to abnormal or emergency procedures:
(4) training in all types of emergency and abnormal situations or procedures caused by power plant, airframe or system malfunctions, fire or other abnormalities:
(5) the location and operation of emergency equipment available for use by crew members:
(6) the location and use of oxygen equipment:
(7) the location and use of all normal and emergency exits, including evacuation slides and escape ropes:
(8) training on human factors and crew resource management:
(9) training in strategies to manage risks including threat and error management:
(10) the requirements of Part 92 regarding the carriage of dangerous goods:
(11) security training in accordance with the air operator security programme required by rule 119.75:
(12) the certificate holder’s policies and procedures appropriate to its air operations.
(a) Subject to paragraphs (b) and (c), a holder of an air operator certificate must ensure that a pilot or flight attendant who is not qualified and currently serving as a crew member in an air operation under the authority of the certificate, completes the introduction segment of the training programme required by rule 121.553, and in accordance with the syllabus required by rule 121.555.
(b) The certificate holder may, with prior acceptance of the Director, vary the syllabus of the introduction segment of the training programme in the holder’s exposition for a crew member if details of the variation and the reasons for the variation are recorded and certified in the crew member’s record of training.
(c) The certificate holder must ensure that the introduction segment of the training programme includes training on human factors, and crew resource management.
(d) A pilot may not commence an introduction segment of the training programme under paragraph (a) unless the pilot—
(1) has acquired at least 500 hours of flight time experience as pilot; or
(2) completes the certificate holder’s airline pilot training programme acceptable to the Director; and
(3) holds a current instrument rating; and
(4) has acquired at least 25 hours of night flight time experience as pilot.
(a) Subject to paragraph (b), a holder of an air operator certificate must ensure that a pilot or flight attendant who is qualified and currently acting as a crew member on an air operation under the authority of the certificate completes the transition segment of the training programme required by rule 121.553 if—
(1) the crew member is changing from one aeroplane type or variant to another type or variant ; or
(2) there is a change to the nature of the operation, or new equipment is introduced, which affects the operation of the aeroplane type or variant.
(b) The transition segment of the training programme referred to in paragraph (a) must address at least the following—
(1) the use of all safety and emergency equipment and procedures applicable to the aeroplane type or variant; and
(2) new procedures or equipment introduced on the existing aeroplane type or variant; and
(3) any required human factors and crew resource management training brought about by the different aeroplane, equipment, or procedures.
(a) Subject to paragraph (b), a holder of an air operator certificate must ensure that a pilot or flight attendant who is qualified and currently acting as a crew member on an air operation conducted under the authority of the certificate completes the upgrade segment of the training programme required by rule 121.553 on the same aeroplane type if—
(1) for pilots, the crew member is changing from one crew position to a more responsible crew position, and;
(2) for flight attendants, the flight attendant is upgrading to a role of increased responsibility.
(b) The upgrade training must address the use of all safety and emergency equipment and procedures applicable to the new flight crew position for pilots, and the more responsible role for flight attendants on the aeroplane for which the upgrade is sought and must—
(1) include training on human factors, and crew resource management, with particular emphasis on the changes brought about by the different flight crew position and new responsibilities; and
(2) include training in supervisory skills.
(a) A holder of an air operator certificate must ensure that a pilot or flight attendant of an aeroplane operating under the authority of the certificate completes the recurrent segment of the training programme required by rule 121.553 in order for the crew member to be current, and proficient on the aeroplane type, crew member position, and type of operation in which the crew member serves.
(b) The holder of an air operator certificate must ensure that the recurrent segment includes flight training for flight crew members—
(1) every 6 months for an air operation conducted under IFR; and
(2) every 12 months for an air operation conducted under VFR.
(c) The holder of an air operator certificate must ensure that an air operator completes a recurrent segment of the training programme using the training equipment specified in rule 121.565.
(d) The holder of an air operator certificate must ensure that the recurrent segment of the training programme addresses training on human factors and crew resource management.
(a) A holder of an air operator certificate must ensure that the crew member training programme required by rule 121.553 for flight crew members includes both ground and flight instruction using—
(1) training devices; and
(2) a flight simulator for the aeroplane type being used.
(b) The certificate holder must ensure that each flight simulator and each training device that is used in its training programme is—
(1) approved for use by the certificate holder; and
(2) approved for the aeroplane type, and if applicable, the particular variant within that type, for which the training or check is being conducted; and
(3) approved for the particular manoeuvre, procedure, or crew member function involved; and
(4) specified in the exposition required by rule 119.81.
(c) The certificate holder must ensure that any flight simulator or training device used for flight training in the training programme, —
(1) maintains the performance, functional, and other characteristics that are required for approval; and
(2) is modified to conform with any modification to the aeroplane being simulated that results in changes to performance, functional, or other characteristics required for approval; and
(3) is given a functional pre-flight check before being used, and any discrepancy detected during use is logged by the appropriate pilot instructor or flight examiner at the end of each training or flight assessment.
(d) When flight crew training is conducted using equipment or resources that are not used solely for training, the certificate holder must ensure that sufficient access is available to the equipment or resource to enable the training to be completed—
(1) without unplanned interruption; and
(2) in an environment that is conducive to the objective and safety outcome of the training task.
(e) The certificate holder must ensure that for each aeroplane type operated under the authority of the certificate, a flight simulator for that aeroplane type is used for the flight crew training components of the training programme.
(f) Despite paragraph (e), if a flight simulator for a particular aeroplane type is not available, the certificate holder may apply to the Director to amend the training programme to conduct training in an aeroplane.
(g) The certificate holder must ensure that training conducted in an aeroplane referred to in paragraph (f) is carried out in accordance with a safe flight practice guide that is acceptable to the Director.
(a) A holder of an air operator certificate must ensure that a pilot, other than a cruise relief pilot, who under rule 121.557 completes the introduction segment, or under rule 121.559 completes the transition segment, or under rule 121.561 completes the upgrade segment of the training programme required by rule 121.553—
(1) completes a competency assessment under Subpart J before commencing the pilot line training specified in paragraph (b); and
(2) completes the pilot line training specified in paragraph (b).
(b) The pilot line training required by paragraph (a)(2) must comprise of—
(1) following introduction training segment—
(i) for multi-engine turboprop powered aeroplanes – 20 hours including 10 take-offs and landings of which at least 6 take-offs and landings must be as pilot flying; and
(ii) for turbojet and turbofan powered aeroplanes – 25 hours including 10 take-offs and landings of which at least 6 take-offs and landings must be as pilot flying; and
(iii) for all aeroplanes, including those referred to in paragraphs (i) and (ii) – 4 operating cycles of which at least 2 must be as pilot flying:
(2) following the transition or upgrade training segment—
(i) for multi-engine, turboprop powered aeroplanes – 12 hours including 10 take-offs and landings of which at least 6 take-offs and landings must be as pilot flying; and
(ii) for turbojet and turbofan powered aeroplanes – 20 hours including 10 take-offs and landings for the pilot-in-command of which 6 take-offs and landings must be as pilot flying; or 10 hours including 10 take-offs and landings for second-in-command of which 6 take-offs and landings must be as pilot flying; and
(iii) for all aeroplanes, including those referred to in paragraphs (i) and (ii) – 4 operating cycles of which at least 2 must be as pilot flying.
(c) The pilot line training specified in paragraph (b) must be—
(1) acquired in an aeroplane conducting an air operation; and
(2) conducted under the supervision of an instructor—
(i) who meets the requirements referred to in rule 121.519; or
(ii) who is approved by the Director to conduct specific training for the introduction of a new aeroplane type.
(d) For the purpose of paragraph (c)(1), the pilot instructor required by paragraph (c)(2)—
(1) must act as pilot-in-command at all times; and
(2) must occupy a pilot station when supervising a pilot undergoing line training for a second-in-command position; and
(3) must occupy a pilot station when supervising a pilot undergoing line training for a pilot-in-command position, until the pilot acquiring the experience has—
(i) made at least 2 take-offs and landings as pilot flying in the aeroplane type for which the pilot-in-command qualification is required; and
(ii) demonstrated to the pilot instructor the ability to perform the duties of a pilot-in-command for that aeroplane type; and
(4) may occupy the observer’s seat if the requirements of paragraph (3) are met.
(e) A holder of an air operator certificate must ensure that a cruise relief pilot, completes the introduction segment referred to in rule 121.557, or completes the transition segment referred to in rule 121.559 and—
(1) completes a competency assessment under Subpart J before commencing the pilot line training specified in paragraph (b); and
(2) completes at least 6 operating sectors as a cruise relief pilot occupying either pilot station; and
(3) completes a route check under Subpart J following the pilot line training specified in paragraph (2).
(f) The pilot line training required by paragraph (e)(2) for a cruise relief pilot must be conducted—
(1) under the supervision of a pilot instructor who meets the requirements referred to in rule 121.519; and
(2) on air operations in the particular aeroplane type that the training relates to.
(a) A holder of an air operator certificate must ensure that a pilot, other than a cruise relief pilot, who completes an introduction segment required by rule 121.557, a transition segment required by rule 121.559, or an upgrade segment required by rule 121.561 of the training programme required by rule 121.553—
(1) completes the applicable pilot line training required by rule 121.567, and a route check under Subpart J for the transition and upgrade segments, before commencing the consolidation specified in paragraph (b); and
(2) completes at least 100 hours of flight time experience or 75 operating cycles in the applicable crew position under paragraphs (b) and (c) for consolidation of a pilot’s knowledge and skills; and
(3) completes a route check under Subpart J following consolidation for an introduction segment.
(b) A pilot undergoing consolidation of knowledge and skills required by paragraph (a)—
(1) must complete the 100 hours of flight time or 75 operating cycles within 120 days from the completion of the introduction or transition segment of the training; and
(2) must operate exclusively during the consolidation period on the one aeroplane type that the training relates to; and
(3) may count the flight time or operating cycles accumulated for the pilot line training required by rule 121.567 towards meeting the requirement under paragraph (a); and
(4) if the pilot is undertaking the consolidation following the completion of an introduction segment of the training programme, the flight experience required by paragraph (a) must be conducted under the supervision of—
(i) a line supervisory pilot who meets the requirements referred to in rule 121.517; or
(ii) a pilot instructor who meets the requirements referred to in rule 121.519; or
(5) if the pilot is undertaking the consolidation following the completion of a transition or an upgrade segment of the training programme, the flight experience required by paragraph (a) must be conducted with—
(i) a flight crew member who meets the requirements referred to in rule 121.531(a); or
(ii) a line supervisory pilot who meets the requirements referred to in rule 121.517; or
(iii) a pilot instructor who meets the requirements referred to in rule 121.519.
(c) If the consolidation of the pilot’s knowledge and skills cannot be completed within the 120 days as required by paragraph (b)(1), the period for completing the consolidation may be extended by up to 30 days if the pilot—
(1) continues to meet all other requirements of the training programme; and
(2) satisfactorily completes a refresher course acceptable to the Director or a line operating flight supervised by—
(i) a line supervisory pilot who meets the requirements referred to in rule 121.517; or
(ii) a pilot instructor who meets the requirements referred to in rule 121.519; or
(iii) a flight examiner who meets the requirements referred to in rule 121.521.
(a) A holder of an air operator certificate must ensure that a flight engineer, who completes an introduction segment required by rule 121.557 or a transition segment required by rule 121.559 of the training programme required by rule 121.553, completes consolidation in accordance with the consolidation programme established by the certificate holder.
(b) The consolidation programme required by paragraph (a) must—
(1) specify a minimum number of flying hours or operating cycles to be completed exclusively on the particular aeroplane type; and
(2) specify a maximum period of time for completing the consolidation; and
(3) specify supervisory requirements during the period of consolidation; and
(4) include a competency assessment requirement at the completion of the consolidation.
(c) The consolidation programme required by paragraph (a) must be acceptable to the Director and be included in the certificate holder’s exposition.
A holder of an air operator certificate must ensure that the crew member training programme required by rule 121.553 for flight attendants addresses at least the following—
(1) the authority structure of the aeroplane crew members:
(2) training on human factors and crew resource management as may be applicable to the tasks assigned to the flight attendant position:
(3) crew member assignments, functions, and responsibilities during emergency situations:
(4) procedures for passenger handling, including emergency procedures and procedures to be followed in dealing with special classes of passengers according to the certificate holder’s exposition:
(5) the briefing of passengers:
(6) the location and operation of emergency equipment available for use by flight attendants or other crew members:
(7) the correct use of cabin equipment and controls:
(8) the location and use of oxygen equipment:
(9) the location and use of all normal and emergency exits, including evacuation slides and escape ropes:
(10) cabin health and first aid in accordance with ICAO Doc 10002 Cabin Crew Safety Training Manual, Chapter 9:
(11) the certificate holder’s documentation and procedures:
(12) applicable Civil Aviation Rules and supporting documentation.
(a) A holder of an air operator certificate must ensure that a person is not designated to perform the functions of a flight attendant on an aeroplane being operated under the authority of the certificate unless that person—
(1) has completed the applicable segment of the crew member training programme as required by rule 121.553; and
(2) immediately following the completion of an introduction segment required by rule 121.557 or a transition segment required by rule 121.559 of the training programme specified in rule 121.553—
(i) completes 5 hours line operating flight time experience, including at least 2 operating cycles, on the aeroplane type, and in the crew member position that the person is assigned to serve in; or
(ii) has appropriate flight attendant operating experience acceptable to the Director on another aeroplane type operating under this Part, and in the crew member position that the person is assigned to serve in.
(b) The line operating flight time experience required by paragraph (a)(2)(i)—
(1) must be accumulated under the supervision of a person who meets the requirements referred to in rule 121.525; and
(2) may include not more than 2.5 hours flight time experience conducted in a full scale, type specific, cabin training device acceptable to the Director.
A holder of an air operator certificate must maintain a record of all training and consolidation required by this Subpart that each of its crew members undertakes as specified in rule 119.67.
