NTSB Issues Safety Recommendation to FAA Regarding Part 135 Pilot Line Checks

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued safety recommendation A-11-030, identified by reference number DCA08MA085, addressed directly to the Federal Aviation Administration. This directive calls for a mandatory change in how 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 pilot-in-command line checks are administered. The NTSB requires that these evaluations be conducted independently from other required checks to ensure their integrity and focus. Furthermore, the recommendation specifies that these line checks must occur on flights that truly represent typical revenue operations. This includes ensuring that a portion of the cruise flight is evaluated as part of the process. The goal is to ensure that pilots demonstrate their ability to manage critical variables during these thorough and complete assessments. These variables include the handling of weather information, strict adherence to checklist execution, compliance with sterile cockpit rules, and other factors that might affect revenue flights. By implementing this requirement, the NTSB aims to verify that pilots are fully capable of managing the complex demands of actual commercial operations.