AMC3 SPA.LVO.120(b) Flight crew competence

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 47

Text in magenta in force from 30 October 2025

INITIAL TRAINING AND CHECKING FOR EFVS OPERATIONS

Operators should ensure that flight crew members complete the following training and checking before being authorised to conduct EFVS operations unless credits related to training and checking for previous experience on similar aircraft types are defined in the operational suitability data established in accordance with UK Regulation (EU) No 748/2012:

For flight crew members who do not have previous experience of EFVS operations requiring an approval under this Subpart with a UK operator:
1. A course of ground training including at least the following:
  1. characteristics and limitations of HUDs/HUDLSs or equivalent display systems including information presentation and symbology;
  2. EFVS sensor type, spectral sensitivity and limitations, sensor performance and the effects of scene temperature and absolute humidity, scene interpretation, visual anomalies and other visual effects;
  3. EFVS display, control, modes, features, symbology, annunciations and associated systems and components;
  4. the interpretation of EFVS imagery;
  5. the interpretation of approach and runway lighting systems and display characteristics when using EFVS;
  6. weather associated with low-visibility conditions and its effect on EFVS performance;
  7. pre-flight planning and selection of suitable aerodromes and approach procedures;
  8. principles of obstacle clearance requirements;
  9. the use and limitations of RVR assessment systems;
  10. normal, abnormal and emergency procedures for EFVS operations;
  11. the effect of specific aircraft/system malfunctions;
  12. procedures to be followed and precautions to be taken with regard to surface movement during operations when the RVR is 400 m or less;
  13. for EFVS-L, the effect of the pre-threshold terrain and LSAA on airborne landing systems;
  14. human factors aspects of EFVS operations;
  15. qualification requirements for pilots to obtain and retain approval for EFVS operations; and
  16. the significance of LVPs or equivalent procedures when operating below RVR 550 m.
2. A course of FSTD training and/or flight training in two phases as follows:
  1. Phase one (EFVS operations with aircraft and all equipment serviceable) — objectives:
    1. understand the operation of equipment required for EFVS operations;
    2. understand operating limitations of the installed EFVS;
    3. practise the use of HUD/HUDLS or equivalent display systems;
    4. practise the set-up and adjustment of EFVS equipment in different conditions (e.g. day and night);
    5. practise the monitoring of automatic flight control systems, EFVS information and status annunciators;
    6. practise the interpretation of EFVS imagery;
    7. become familiar with the features needed on the EFVS image to continue approach below the DH;
    8. practise the identification of visual references using natural vision while using EFVS equipment;
    9. master the manual aircraft handling relevant to EFVS operations including, where appropriate, the use of the flare cue and guidance for landing;
    10. practise coordination with other crew members; and
    11. become proficient at procedures for EFVS operations.
  2. Phase one of the training should include the following exercises:
    1. the required checks for satisfactory functioning of equipment, both on the ground and in flight;
    2. the use of HUD/HUDLS or equivalent display systems during all phases of flight;
    3. approach using the EFVSs installed on the aircraft to the appropriate DH and transition to visual flight and landing;
    4. approach with all engines operating using the EFVS, down to the appropriate DH followed by a missed approach, all without external visual reference; and
    5. where appropriate, approaches using approved EFVS to touchdown.
  3. Phase two (EFVS operations with aircraft and equipment failures and degradations) — objectives:
    1. understand the effect of known aircraft unserviceabilities including use of the MEL;
    2. understand the effect of failed or downgraded equipment on aerodrome operating minima;
    3. understand the actions required in response to failures and changes in the status of the EFVS including HUD/HUDLS or equivalent display systems;
    4. understand the actions required in response to failures above and below the DH;
    5. practise abnormal operations and incapacitation procedures; and
    6. become proficient at dealing with failures and abnormal situations during EFVS operations.
  4. Phase two of the training should include the following exercises:
    1. approaches with engine failures at various stages of the approach;
    2. approaches with failures of the EFVS at various stages of the approach, including failures between the DH and the height below which an approach should not be continued if natural visual reference is not acquired, requiring either:
      1. reversion to head-down displays to control missed approach; or
      2. reversion to flight with no, or downgraded, guidance to control missed approaches from the DH or below, including those which may result in a touchdown on the runway;
    3. incapacitation procedures appropriate to EFVS operations; and
    4. failures and procedures applicable to the specific EFVS installation and aircraft type.
  5. FSTD training should include a minimum of eight approaches.
  6. If a flight crew member is to be authorised to operate as pilot flying and pilot monitoring during EFVS operations, then the flight crew member should complete the required FSTD training for each operating capacity.
3. A check requiring the completion of at least the following exercises in an aircraft or FSTD:
  1. Low-visibility approaches in simulated instrument flight conditions down to the applicable DH, using the flight guidance system. Standard procedures of crew coordination (task sharing, call-out procedures, mutual surveillance, information exchange and support) should be observed. For EFVS-L operations, the operator should use an FSTD approved for this purpose.
  2. Go-around after approaches as indicated in (2) at any point between 500 ft above ground level (AGL) and on reaching the DH.
  3. Landing(s) after natural visual reference is established for EFVS-A or sufficient enhanced visibility is established for EFVS-L.
4. For operators for which LIFUS is required by Part-ORO, practise in approaches during LIFUS, as follows:
  1. if EFVS is used to touchdown, four landings; or
  2. otherwise, three landings.
For flight crew members who have previous experience of EFVS operations requiring an approval under this Subpart with a UK operator, when changing to an aircraft for which a new class or type rating is required, with the same operator:
1. A course of ground training as specified in (a)(1), taking into account the flight crew member’s existing knowledge of low-visibility approach operations.
2. The course of FSTD and/or flight training required by (a)(2) above. If the flight crew member’s previous experience of low-visibility approach operations is on a type where the following were the same or similar:
  1. the technology used in the EFVS sensor, flight guidance and flight control system;
  2. operating procedures; and
  3. handling characteristics,
  then the flight crew member may complete an abbreviated course of FSTD and/or flight training.
3. Such an abbreviated course should meet the objectives described in (a)(2), it does not need to include the number of approaches required by (a)(2)(v), but should include at least the following number of landings:
  1. for EFVS to touchdown, four approaches including a landing at the lowest approved RVR and a go-around, or
  2. otherwise, two approaches including a landing at the lowest approved RVR and a go-around.
For flight crew members who have previous experience of EFVS operations requiring an approval under this Subpart with a UK operator, when joining another operator:
1. A course of ground training as specified in (a)(1), taking into account the flight crew member’s existing knowledge of low-visibility approach operations.
2. The course of FSTD and/or flight training required by (a)(2) above. If the flight crew member’s previous experience of EFVS operations is on the same aircraft type and variant with the same EFVS or on a different type or different EFVS where the following were the same or similar:
  1. the technology used in the EFVS sensor, flight guidance and flight control system;
  2. operating procedures; and
  3. handling characteristics,
  then the flight crew member may complete an abbreviated course of FSTD and/or flight training.
3. Such an abbreviated course should meet the objectives described in (a)(2), it does not need to include the number of approaches required by (a)(2)(v), but should include at least the following number of landings:
  1. for EFVS to touchdown, four approaches including a landing at the lowest approved RVR and a go-around; or
  2. otherwise, two approaches including a landing at the lowest approved RVR and a go-around.
4. Practise in approaches during LIFUS as required by (a)(4) above unless the flight crew member’s previous experience of low-visibility approach operations is on the same aircraft type and variant.
If a flight crew member is authorised to operate as pilot flying and pilot monitoring, the flight crew member should complete at least one approach in the other operating capacity.