Differences Training

Under Part-FCL the ATR OSD, variants are grouped together as follows:

Group 1

• ATR 42 (not PEC equipped)

Group 2

• ATR 42 (PEC equipped) known as ATR42-500
• ATR 72 (not PEC equipped) known as ATR72-200
• ATR 72 (PEC equipped) known as ATR72-500

Group 3

• ATR 42 (Glass Cockpit) known as ATR42-600
• ATR 72 (Glass Cockpit) known as ATR72-600

Differences training is required between each of the groups defined above. Familiarisation training is required between variants within each group.

The course aims to provide pilots with a complete understanding of the differences between the 42(PEC)/72(PEC) and the 42(Glass Cockpit)/72(Glass Cockpit) variants of the ATR 42/72. The course will emphasise the differences between the variants and in particular the technical differences in the instrumentation and avionics employed in the glass cockpit variants, and their management.

Trainees must be current and qualified on the ATR 42 (PEC) and/or the ATR 72 (PEC) variant prior to commencement of the differences course. Pilots who have completed a total of 500 hours on any ATR variant or 100 hours on any ATR variant within the past twelve months may be eligible to complete a shortened course.

Full use is made of the Skyblue BSPT during the course.

The course aims to provide pilots with a complete understanding of the differences between the 42(Glass Cockpit)/72(Glass Cockpit) and the 42(PEC)/72(PEC) variants of the ATR 42/72. The course emphasises the differences between the variants and in particular the technical differences in the instrumentation and avionics employed in the PEC variants, and their management.

The course is based on Appendix 5 of the OSD Report which sets out the requirements for differences training from Glass Cockpit equipped variants to PEC variants. Trainees must be current and qualified on the ATR 42 (Glass Cockpit) and/or the ATR 72 (Glass Cockpit) variant prior to commencement of the differences course.

Familiarisation training takes place between variants within a group, for example ATR72 (PEC) and ATR72 (non-PEC).

The requirements for familiarisation training are set out in the ATR OSD and typically, does not require time in an approved Full Flight Simulator. Therefore, it can be conducted by an operator or airline and does not require oversight by an ATO.

However, Skyblue can conduct familiarisation training on behalf of an operator or offer expert advice on how such training may be conducted under Part D of the operator’s Operations Manual.