Crewmember and dispatcher training program requirements

This regulation establishes what must be included in Part 121 air carrier training programs for crewmembers and dispatchers.

Airlines must provide comprehensive ground training covering duties, regulations, operating certificates, and company manuals—typically 40 hours for new hires unless reduced under other provisions. The program must include initial, transition, recurrent, and emergency training as specified in other regulations, plus passenger recovery plan training (since 2008).

Flight training requirements are detailed in separate regulations, and the program must address differences between aircraft of the same type when necessary. Airlines can include upgrade training (second-in-command to captain) and conversion training (flight engineer to pilot) for qualified crewmembers.

Importantly, training must ensure crewmembers remain proficient and current in all positions and operations they perform. Since the regulation's updates, programs must also include processes to analyze pilot performance, identify deficiencies during training and checking, and provide remedial training with tracking for pilots needing additional support.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*