Introduction
The information on this webpage was previously contained within Aeronautical Information Circular P 070/2010.
In order to change to a different type or variant of aeroplane, within the same class rating, or another variant within the same type rating, Differences or Familiarisation Training is required. Differences Training must be carried out by an appropriately qualified Type or Class Rating Instructor (TRI/ CRI) or Flight Instructor (FI).
Requirements
Differences training requires both theoretical knowledge instruction and training on an aeroplane or appropriate training device. Familiarisation training merely requires the acquisition of additional knowledge relevant to the new type or variant. This may be achieved with the assistance of an instructor, another pilot experienced on type, or by self-study. Familiarisation training is only sufficient where differences training is not required.
It should be noted that when changing to different types, or variants of types, that fall within the single-pilot single engine piston (SEP) class rating, the Differences training is specifically required to encompass particular ‘complex’ features with which the new type or variant is equipped.
These features are:
- Variable Pitch (VP) Propellers
- Retractable Undercarriage
- Turbo/Super-charged Engines
- Cabin Pressurisation
- Tail-Wheel
- Electronic Flight Information Systems (EFIS)
- Single Lever Power Control (SLPC)
For Multi Engine Piston (MEP) Class aeroplanes, differences training with a FI or CRI is always required when converting to another type or variant within the class. However, some common sense must be applied; the amount of training will depend on the similarity of the new MEP type to those already being flown. The training must be sufficient to ensure that the pilot can operate the aeroplane systems and operate the aeroplane safely. Differences training in these features when first completed in such aeroplanes negates the need for equivalent Differences training to be completed again, in aeroplanes that fall within the SEP class rating. Differences training completed within the SEP class rating does not count towards the requirement for Differences training within the MEP class rating or any single pilot type rating.
Syllabus
The range of differences between single-pilot aeroplane types or variants is such that general requirements for training cannot be set. The material at CAP804, Part I, Section 4, Part H, Subpart I, 4.3 (for reference only) is intended as an aide-memoire for instructors who are fully conversant with the aeroplane to be flown. The material in CAP804 should not be considered in isolation nor should it be considered as a comprehensive guide to the necessary training. It remains the instructor’s responsibility to create a training programme that is suitable for the particular pilot’s experience and the aeroplane to be flown. The primary reference for any Differences training (or Familiarisation training) should be the manufacturers’ Aircraft Flight Manual (including UK and other supplements). Where there is no Flight Manual available for the type, the manufacturers’ Pilots Operating Handbook or Pilots Notes, should be the primary reference.
When considering what to include in the training, instructors must consider carefully the experience of the student and check in their logbook for any previous differences training which is claimed. For some aircraft types guidance to commercial operators, for preparation of Differences training courses, may be published in the form of Operational Suitability Data (OSD). Where this information is available, it is recommended that instructors and training organisations for private operators follow the recommendations of the OSD.
Instructors
Differences training must be conducted by the holder of an appropriate instructor rating who meets the following requirements:
- Hold a valid Flight Instructor or Type/Class Rating Instructor qualification (SPA) for the aircraft on which the training is to be carried out.
- Hold a valid Type/Class Rating applicable to the particular aircraft to be flown.
- Have completed their own Differences training to fly the particular aircraft on their own licence, including full familiarity with all features for which the Differences training is required, as applicable.
- Where Differences training on EFIS equipped aircraft includes applied instrument flying (see “Applied Instrument Flight” below); hold an IRI or FI rating and be qualified to teach applied instrument flight where differences training is required in an EFIS equipped aircraft for applied instrument flight.
Administration
Upon completion of Differences training, and when the instructor is satisfied that an acceptable level of competency has been achieved, the pilot’s logbook or equivalent document must be annotated to show successful completion and signed by the instructor who conducted the training. This certification must include details of the features covered and the type or class within which the training was carried out.
Validity
Differences training in aeroplanes within the SEP class rating is valid indefinitely. If a type, or variant of a type, within the SEP class rating, has not been flown for some time, pilots must use their judgement to decide if refresher training is warranted. However, it is recommended that such re-training be undertaken when the lay-off is more than two years. If a type or variant, within any other class or type rating, has not been flown within the preceding two years, further Differences training, recorded again in the pilots logbook must be completed. Instructors must consider the contents of CAP804, Part I, Section 4, Part H, Subpart I, 4.3 (for reference only) as appropriate to type, in the light of the pilot’s previous experience and current knowledge, when deciding how to conduct this recurrent training. Experience on SEP aeroplanes does not satisfy the two-year recency requirement for variants or types, within other class or type ratings. Differences or Familiarisation training alone does not, in itself, take the place of the proficiency check required for revalidation of the original rating.
Aeroplanes with Single Lever Power Control (SLPC Aeroplanes)
Introduction
Some piston engine aeroplanes are fitted with an electronic engine and/or propeller control system that allows power to be controlled by a single lever. Such systems are sometimes known as Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC) or Electronic Engine Controls (EEC) and may, where fitted, include control of the propeller, turbochargers, superchargers and auto-feather systems. These systems require additional knowledge and skill from the pilot. These aircraft will be referred to as aeroplanes with Single Lever Power Control (SLPC aeroplanes).
Pilots converting to a SLPC aeroplane for the first time, within the Single Engine Piston Class Ratings
Such pilots are required to complete differences training to the satisfaction of an appropriately qualified Class Rating Instructor or Flight Instructor. Notwithstanding that these systems may be largely automatic, it remains important that the pilot understands how the systems work and how to use them correctly in all normal, abnormal and emergency operations.
Pilots converting to SLPC equipped aeroplanes within the privileges of other type or class ratings are strongly advised to complete similar differences training.
Converting from SLPC aeroplanes to other types and variants
Pilots trained in a SLPC aeroplane as their first type or variant within the licence or a Type/Class Rating (single or multi-engine), are strongly advised to complete differences training when converting, for the first time, to an aeroplane in the same Type/Class that is equipped with independent, manual engine controls.
Note: Pilots already qualified in SLPC aeroplanes are required to complete differences training when converting to aeroplanes with manually controlled variable pitch propellers and/or turbo/superchargers, for the first time, notwithstanding that the pilot may have experience of these features within the systems of a SLPC aeroplane. Converting to independent manual control of these systems requires a full understanding by the pilot of how each system works and its operation. Detailed guidance on differences training in the operation of manually controlled variable pitch propellers and/or turbo/ superchargers can be found in CAP804, Part I, Section 4, Part H, Subpart I, 4.3 (for reference only).
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Aeroplanes with Electronic Flight Instrumentation System
Introduction
Some single-pilot aircraft are fitted with digital Electronic Flight Instrumentation Systems (EFIS) consisting of electronic 'glass instruments' and integrated digital avionics displays of widely varying complexity and capability. These systems present a significant change from conventional, mechanical flight instruments in the way the information is presented and the interpretation of these systems requires a thorough understanding by the pilot.
Differences Training in Single Pilot Aircraft with EFIS
For the purposes of this requirement, an EFIS display requiring differences training is an electronic presentation of the primary flight instruments that presents gyroscopic instrument, pressure instrument and navigation information, that is used by the pilot as a primary reference for control of the aircraft in flight.
Pilots converting to an EFIS equipped aeroplane for the first time, within the Single Engine Piston Class Rating are required to complete differences training to the satisfaction of an appropriately qualified Class or Instrument Rating Instructor or Flight Instructor.
Pilots converting to another EFIS equipped aeroplane within the privileges of other type or class ratings are strongly advised to complete similar differences training. When converting either to or from EFIS within a single-pilot type rating, pilots should attend a Training Organisation approved to conduct type-rating training courses on the particular aircraft type and variant.
Converting between different EFIS Installations
Pilots converting to another Integrated EFIS display should obtain further differences training, whether or not the same manufacturer produces the new system. Familiarisation training should be conducted by FIs or CRI/ TRIs who are fully qualified to teach all applied instrument flying and who are already trained on another Integrated EFIS system.
Converting from EFIS to Mechanical Instruments for the first time
Pilots trained in using Integrated EFIS displays but not trained on mechanical flight instruments, are likely to have established a scan pattern quite different from the techniques required by a conventional, mechanical instrument layout. These pilots are strongly advised to obtain differences training on conventional instruments, including selective radial scan techniques, before flying an aircraft with conventional mechanical instrumentation. EFIS can provide very precise information, which requires little interpretation, as opposed to conventional instrument displays, which require considerable interpretation and different scan techniques. A key element in this type of training, on whatever system, is ensuring the pilot fully understands what information is available, what is being displayed and how to interpret the display correctly.
Logbook endorsement for EFIS Differences Training
VMC Restriction
Where the trainee does not hold an Instrument or IMC Rating, or will not operate the aeroplane under IFR, differences training for EFIS equipped aircraft may, at the discretion of the instructor, be limited to only those elements of the system that are necessary for flight in VMC and basic instrument flight and when this discretion is exercised, the logbook endorsement for EFIS differences training must then be annotated 'VMC Only'. The logbook endorsement should also state the manufacturer and type of EFIS equipment used during training (eg 'Garmin 1000' or 'Avidyne Entegra'). Additional training or revision of theoretical knowledge and operational procedures may also be necessary, again at the discretion of the instructor.
Applied Instrument Flight
Further differences training in those techniques and parts of the system necessary for applied instrument flight, including IFR navigation, RNAV (where applicable) and instrument approach, must be completed before the pilot may operate the aircraft under IFR. The logbook endorsement for EFIS differences training may then be annotated 'EFIS - Applied IF'. The logbook endorsement should also state the manufacturer and type of EFIS equipment used during training. (eg 'Garmin 1000' or 'Avidyne Entegra') For an outline of minimum training content for both VMC and IMC operations, see CAP804, Part I, Section 4, Part H, Subpart I, 4.3 (for reference only).
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Guidance and Contacts
More information on differences training can be found in CAP804. A copy of which remains available on the National Archive for reference only.
Advice about the requirements for differences training described on this webpage may be obtained by emailing: fclweb@caa.co.uk
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