Following the introduction of a new variant to an existing type rating, how do pilots attain the privileges to operate the new variant?
Answer
1. Licensing following the introduction of a new variant to an existing type rating.
Pilots must receive differences training or familiarisation as appropriate in accordance with point FCL.710 of Part-FCL in order to extend their privileges to another variant of aircraft within one class or type rating.
A class or type rating and license endorsement should comply with the class and type ratings that are listed in one of the following EASA publications, as applicable: (1) ‘List of Aeroplanes — Class and Type Ratings and Endorsement List’; and (2) ‘List of Helicopters — Type Ratings List’ .
Unless otherwise required in the EASA Type Rating & License Endorsement List Flight Crew’ published on the Agency’s web page, aircraft models/names of variants which are separated by a horizontal line in the tables require differences training, whereas those aircraft which are contained in the same cell require familiarisation when transitioning from one aircraft to another.
2. Qualification of pilots, instructors and examiners for the new variant:
1. Instructors holding instructor privileges as a TRI or SFI on the existing type intending to use their instructor privileges also on the new variant should complete differences training or familiarization on that new type (as applicable) and qualify in accordance with the last subparagraph of point FCL.910.TRI(b) / point FCL.910.SFI or, alternatively and solely for the initial phase of new aircraft introduction, may obtain a special certificate in accordance with point FCL.900(b) (special conditions for the introduction of a new type).
2. Examiners holding examiner privileges as a TRE or SFE on the existing type intending to use their examiner privileges also on the new variant should qualify in accordance with either FCL.1000(b) (special conditions for the introduction of a new type) or with (1) and (2) above (differences training on the new variant and instructor privileges).
3. Pilots, instructors and examiners without existing type privileges shall complete the full type rating course and follow the requirements of Part-FCL for instructor and examiner privileges on any variant in the type.