Pilots: Upgrade ground training
Read the official ruleWhen a pilot upgrades to pilot-in-command (captain) at a Part 121 air carrier, they must complete specific ground training beyond their initial or recurrent training. This training focuses on the unique responsibilities of being captain rather than first officer.
The required topics include seat-specific and duty-position procedures relevant to the captain's role, plus crew resource management covering decision-making, authority, responsibility, and conflict resolution. Additionally, the training must address leadership and command responsibilities, including the specific duties outlined in §121.542 regarding pilot-in-command authority.
A notable requirement is mentoring instruction—teaching new captains how to guide and develop less experienced pilots by reinforcing high standards of technical performance, airmanship, and professionalism. This reflects the captain's dual role as both aircraft commander and mentor to the flight crew. The regulation ensures captains are prepared not just to fly the aircraft, but to lead the cockpit effectively.
*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.*