Approval of training, qualification, or evaluation by a person who provides training by arrangement

This regulation allows Part 121 airlines to outsource their Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) training to external training providers, but with strict oversight.

The training provider must be certificated under Part 119 or 142 and obtain FAA provisional approval for their AQP curriculum. However, provisional approval alone isn't enough—the airline must then get specific FAA approval to use that curriculum in its own AQP.

To gain provisional approval, training providers must demonstrate they have qualified instructors and evaluators, adequate facilities, and curricula tailored to specific aircraft types and crew positions (except for general indoctrination training).

When an airline uses an outside provider, the provider's instructors and evaluators must meet the same qualification standards as the airline's own employees and must understand that airline's specific operations. This ensures training quality remains consistent whether conducted in-house or by arrangement.

*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.*