An airline is selecting a captain to serve as a check airman responsible for conducting required PIC line checks under 14 CFR 121.434. Under 14 CFR 121.411, which of the following is a mandatory qualification for this check airman?
- AThe check airman must be a current FAA aviation safety inspector
- BThe check airman must hold an ATP certificate and appropriate type rating for the aircraft, and complete required check airman initial training
- CThe check airman only needs a commercial certificate and 500 hours in type
- DThe check airman needs no type rating as long as a company instructor supervises the check
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The check airman must hold an ATP certificate and appropriate type rating for the aircraft, and complete required check airman initial training
14 CFR 121.411 requires a check airman to hold an ATP certificate and the appropriate type rating for the aircraft in which check airman duties will be performed, and to satisfactorily complete the required check airman initial training (ground and practical) established by the certificate holder's approved program.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Check airmen are company-designated positions, not FAA inspectors.
- C. A commercial certificate does not meet the ATP requirement mandated for check airmen.
- D. A type rating is mandatory; supervision by another instructor does not substitute for it.
Check Airman Qualifications (121.411)
14 CFR 121.411 requires a Part 121 check airman to hold an ATP certificate, the appropriate type rating for the aircraft, and to complete company check airman initial training before performing check airman duties.
- ATP certificate required
- Type rating required for the specific aircraft
- Must complete FAA-approved check airman initial training
Memory trick: To grade the captain, you must first out-rank him with an ATP and type rating.