Part 137 and 138 operators conducting aerial mustering and specialised operations can now use an alternative pathway for training and testing to grant endorsements.
Training pilots using the instruments
A pilot can use the instruments to conduct training and testing for an endorsement if they comply with the conditions of the relevant instrument.
Instruments include:
- CASA 05/23 - Flight Training and Flight Tests for Grant of Aerial Mustering Endorsements Approval 2023
- CASA 31/23 — Flight Training and Flight Tests for Grant of Sling Operations, Winch and Rappelling Operations, and Firefighting Endorsements Approval 2023.
To become a training pilot, you must attend a course conducted by a Part 141 operator, which includes:
- principles and methods of instructing (not examined by us)
- 5 hours dual flight training in a non-pilot in command seat
- assessment of competence to train at low level.
Once assessed as competent to deliver training for the endorsement you will receive a course completion certificate.
You will then apply to us for access to the e-learning modules of the flight examiner rating course. When you complete the units, we will grant you access to our Flight Test Management system (FTM).
After gaining access, you can now conduct endorsement training and testing activities for any Part 137 and 138 operator who engages you to. You also must comply with the conditions of the instrument.
You need to complete a check every 2 years to assess your continued competency to conduct training. The instructor conducting the check must hold:
Mustering
- Grade 1 training endorsement or an instructor rating training endorsement
- Low-level rating training endorsement.
Firefighting
- Grade 1 training endorsement or an instructor rating training endorsement
- Low-level rating training endorsement or an aerial application rating (day) training endorsement (category specific).
Sling
- Grade 1 training endorsement or an instructor rating training endorsement
- Low-level rating training endorsement or a sling operations training endorsement.
Winch and rappelling
- Grade 1 training endorsement or an instructor rating training endorsement
- Low-level rating training endorsement or a winch and rappelling operations training endorsement.
If you are conducting tests for the grant of a specialised endorsement you must also:
- comply with requirements and obligations of Part 61 listed in the approval as if you were a flight examiner
- be registered with FTM
- use the FTM as the method of flight test notification for the flight test.
Eligibility to become a training pilot
To be eligible to be a training pilot you must hold certain skills and experience. The following lists specific training needed for each specialised endorsement.
Mustering
Qualifications:
- CPL or ATPL
- Low-level rating
- Mustering endorsement.
Flight experience:
- 2000 hours pilot in command experience conducting aerial mustering in the relevant category of aircraft.
- 3 years operational experience conducting aerial mustering (not category-specific).
Firefighting
Qualifications:
- CPL or ATPL
- Aerial application rating
- Firefighting endorsement.
Flight experience:
- At least 300 hours as pilot conducting firefighting operations, including at least 50 hours as pilot in command of an aircraft of the relevant category.
- At least 2 years operational experience conducting firefighting operations.
Sling
Qualifications:
- CPL or ATPL
- Low-level rating
- Sling operations endorsement.
Flight experience:
- At least 1000 hours as pilot in command of a helicopter and conducted at least 100 sling load operations.
- 2 years operational experience conducting sling load operations.
Winch and rappelling
Qualifications:
- CPL or ATPL
- Low-level rating
- Winch and rappelling operations endorsement.
Flight experience:
- At least 1000 hours as pilot in command of a helicopter and conducted at least 100 winch or rappelling operations.
- 2 years operational experience conducting winch or rappelling operations.