FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Regulations (14 CFR 117/121/61)Hard
A first officer who has been flying the Boeing 737 for the same certificate holder is reassigned to fly the Airbus A320 for that same operator. Under 14 CFR Part 121, Subpart N, which category of training must this pilot complete?
- ADifferences training
- BRequalification training
- CTransition training
- DUpgrade training
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Transition training
Transition training under Part 121 Subpart N is required when a pilot moves to a different aircraft type than previously flown for that certificate holder, such as changing from the 737 to the A320. Differences training applies to variants within the same type; upgrade training applies to a pilot moving from SIC to PIC on the same aircraft; requalification training applies after an extended absence from flying duties.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Differences training applies to variants of the same aircraft type, not a different type
- B. Requalification training applies after a lapse in currency/qualification, not a type change
- D. Upgrade training applies to a position change (SIC to PIC), not an aircraft type change
Part 121 Training Categories (Subpart N)
Part 121 defines distinct training categories for pilots based on their qualification history, including initial, transition, upgrade, differences, recurrent, and requalification training.
- Transition = moving to a new aircraft type
- Upgrade = moving from SIC to PIC on same type
- Differences = training for variants within same type
- Requalification = training after lapse in currency
Memory trick: New plane? Transition. New seat? Upgrade. Same plane, new model? Differences.