Pilots: Extended Envelope Training

Airlines must provide extended envelope training for all pilots on each aircraft type they fly, using a Level C or higher full flight simulator. This training covers unusual flight conditions pilots rarely encounter in normal operations but need to handle safely.

The required maneuvers include:

• Manually controlled slow flight, loss of reliable airspeed, and instrument departures/arrivals
• Upset recovery maneuvers
• Recovery from bounced landings
• Full stall recovery and stick pusher activation (if the aircraft has one)

Pilots must complete most of this training every 24 months, though bounced landing recovery is required only every 36 months. Airlines can request FAA approval to use alternative training methods if simulators aren't available, but such deviations last no more than 12 months. This regulation ensures pilots maintain proficiency in handling critical situations outside the normal flight envelope.

*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.*