Previously trained crewmembers

This regulation provides a grandfather clause for crewmembers who completed training under Part 135 rules before March 19, 1997. It allows certificate holders to continue using these crewmembers without requiring them to go through the more extensive initial training and qualification programs found in Part 121, Subparts N and O (which were later incorporated into Part 135 operations).

In practical terms, if you were trained and qualified under the old Part 135 system before the 1997 cutoff date, you don't have to repeat initial training under the newer, more stringent Part 121-style requirements. However, you must still complete all applicable recurrent training as specified in Part 121.

This matters because it saved experienced crewmembers from redundant retraining when regulations changed, while still ensuring they maintain current proficiency through ongoing recurrent training requirements.

*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.*