AMC1 CAT.POL.A.255(b)(2)(iv) Approval of reduced required landing distance operations

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 15

GENERAL

(a)    The operator should ensure that flight crew training programmes for reduced required landing distance operations include ground training, flight simulation training device (FSTD), and/or flight training.

(b)    Flight crew with no reduced required landing distance operations experience should have completed the full training programme of (a) above.

(c)    Flight crew with previous reduced required landing distance operations experience of a similar type of operation with another UK operator, may undertake the following:

(1)    an abbreviated ground training course if operating an aircraft of a type or class different from that of the aircraft on which the previous reduced required landing distance operations experience was gained;

(2)    an abbreviated ground, FSTD and/or flight training course if operating the same type or class and variant of the same aircraft type or class on which the previous reduced required landing distance operations experience was gained; this course should include at least the provisions of the conversion training contained in this AMC; the operator may reduce the number of approaches/landings required by the conversion training if the type/class or the variant of the aircraft type or class has the same or similar operating procedures, handling characteristics and performance characteristics as the previously operated aircraft type or class.

(d)    Flight crew with reduced required landing distance operations experience with the operator may undertake an abbreviated ground, FSTD and/or flight training course according to the following conditions:

(1)    when changing aircraft type or class, the abbreviated course should include at least the content of the conversion training;

(2)    when changing to a different variant of aircraft within the same type or class rating that has the same or similar operating procedures, handling characteristics and performance characteristics, as the previously operated aircraft type or class, a difference course or familiarisation appropriate to the change of variant should fulfil the abbreviated course’s purposes; and

(3)    when changing to a different variant of aircraft within the same type or class rating that has significantly different operating procedures, handling characteristics and performance characteristics, the abbreviated course should include the content of the conversion training.

GROUND TRAINING

(a)    The initial ground training course for reduced required landing distance operations should include at least the following:

(1)    operational procedures and limitations, including flight preparation and planning;

(2)    characteristics of the runway visual aids and runway markings;

(3)    aircraft performance related to reduced required landing distance operations, including:

(i)    aircraft-specific decelerating devices and equipment and MEL considerations;

(ii)    items that increase the aircraft landing distance, e.g. excess speed at touchdown, threshold crossing height, delayed brake application, delayed spoiler/speed brake or thrust reverser application; and

(iii)    weather and runway surface conditions;

(4)    in-flight assessment of landing performance, including maximum landing masses and runway conditions;

(5)    stabilised approach criteria;

(6)    correct vertical flight path after the DA/MDA;

(7)    correct flare, touchdown and braking techniques;

(8)    touchdown within the appropriate touchdown zone;

(9)    recognition of failure of aircraft equipment affecting aircraft performance, and action to be taken in that event;

(10)    flight crew task allocation and pilot monitoring duties, including monitoring of the activation of deceleration devices;

(11)    go-around/balked-landing criteria and decision-making;

(12)    selection of precision approaches versus non-precision approaches if both are available; and

(13)    qualification requirements for pilots to obtain and retain reduced required landing distance operations, including aerodrome landing analysis programme (ALAP) procedures.

FSTD TRAINING AND/OR FLIGHT TRAINING

(a)    FSTD and/or flight training should be undertaken by all flight crew on flight duty at the controls during landing when performing reduced required landing distance operations.

(b)    FSTD and/or flight training for reduced required landing distance operations should include checks of equipment functionality, both on the ground and in flight.

(c)    Initial reduced required landing distance operations training should consist of a minimum of two approaches and landings to include at least the following exercises which may be combined:

(1)    an approach and landing at the maximum landing mass;

(2)    an approach and landing without the use of visual approach aids

(3)    a landing on a wet runway;

(4)    a landing with crosswind;

(5)    a malfunction of a stopping device on landing; and

(6)    a go-around/balked landing.

(d)    Special emphasis should be given to the following items:

(1)    in-flight assessment of landing performance;

(2)    stabilised approach, recognition of an unstable approach and, consequentially, a go-around;

(3)    flight crew task allocation and pilot monitoring duties, including monitoring of the activation of deceleration devices;

(4)    timely and correct activation of deceleration devices;

(5)    correct flare technique; and

(6)    landing within the appropriate touchdown zone.

CONVERSION TRAINING

Flight crew members should complete the following reduced required landing distance operations training if converting to a new type or class or variant of aircraft in which reduced required landing distance operations will be conducted.

(a)    Ground training, taking into account the flight crew member’s reduced required landing distance operations experience.

(b)    FSTD training and/or flight training as above.

RECURRENT TRAINING AND CHECKING

(a)    The operator should ensure that in conjunction with the normal recurrent training and operator’s proficiency checks, the pilot’s knowledge and ability to perform the tasks associated with reduced required landing distance operations are adequate.

(b)    Annual recurrent ground training should cover all required elements over a 3-year period.

(c)    An annual reduced required landing distance operations training should consist of a minimum of two approaches and landings so that it includes at least the following exercises which may be combined:

(1)    an approach and landing at the maximum landing mass;

(2)    an approach and landing without the use of visual approach;

(3)    a landing on a wet runway;

(4)    a malfunction of a stopping device on landing; and

(5)    a go-around/balked landing.

(6)    Operations in crosswind conditions

FLIGHT CREW QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

(a)    Flight crew qualification and experience are specific to the operator and type of aircraft operated.

(b)    The operator should ensure that each flight crew member successfully completes the specified FSTD and/or flight training before conducting reduced required landing distance operations.

(c)    The operator should ensure that no inexperienced flight crew members, as defined in AMC1.ORO.FC.200(a), perform an approach and landing with reduced required landing distance operations.