Flight engineers: Initial and transition flight training

This regulation sets training requirements for flight engineers in Part 121 airline operations. Initial and transition training must cover all flight engineer duties and procedures, which can be done in flight or in a simulator (FSTD). The training culminates in a flight check covering preflight inspection, inflight duties at the flight engineer station during all phases of flight, and operation of aircraft systems.

The regulation generally requires the same number of training hours as specified for second-in-command pilots, unless reduced under other provisions. However, flight engineers who already hold a commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating, or pilots reverting to flight engineer, may complete the entire flight check in an approved simulator.

If the airline's training program uses an advanced simulator course, flight engineers can complete all required training and their proficiency check in the simulator rather than requiring actual flight time.

*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.*