The Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) is an alternate qualification program for personnel operating under FAR Parts 121 and 135 and for evaluators and instructors of recognized training centers that will provide such training. An AQP integrates a number of training features and factors aimed at improving airman performance when compared to traditional programs. The principle factor is true proficiency-based qualification and training. This proficiency base (expressed as proficiency objectives) is systematically developed, maintained, and validated.

Special Federal Aviation Regulation Number 58, the Advanced Qualification Program, issued October 2, 1990, establishes AQP as a voluntary, alternative method for the training, evaluation, certification, and qualification requirements of flight crewmembers, flight attendants, aircraft dispatchers, instructors, evaluators, and other operations personnel subject to the training and checking requirements of CFR Parts 121 and 135. This program is managed from FAA Headquarters by the Advanced Qualification Program Branch, AFS-230, located at Dulles International Airport, 400 West Service Road, Ste. 203A, Gateway Bldg., Chantilly, VA 22021, (703)661-0260.

Seven unique features characterize the Advanced Qualification Program: (1) the program is voluntary, (2) innovative training and evaluation concepts are employed, (3) AQP's may be completely new, or they may be built upon current programs, (4) qualification will be based upon individual and team performance, expressed as proficiency objectives, and on the structure and maintenance of all the elements of the program (curriculums, facilities, training equipment, instructors, evaluators, courseware, and quality assurance), (5) individual and team proficiency, as well as the AQP itself, will be empirically validated by data collection and analysis, (6) training will be systematically developed with an audit trail for all training and data requirements, and (7) the methods used to develop, implement, and maintain the program will continue throughout the life of the program.

Although AQP is itself voluntary, those who do apply for the program must, over time, transition 100% of their fleets over to AQP. As of December 30, 1996, 25 organizations have been approved to begin this transition, including 8 majors (Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, TWA, United, and USAir), 9 regionals (Air Wisconsin, Aloha, Atlantic Coast, American Trans Air, CCAir, Comair, Executive Jet, Piedmont, and Transtates), 5 training centers (Airbus, Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, NATCO, and Flight Safety International), and 3 cargo carriers (Emery, Fedex, and UPS).

The Advanced Qualification Program is a cooperative effort between government, industry, and labor. In that spirit, the Airline Transport Association Training Committee sponsors an AQP Working Group that meets annually to support the transition of the aviation industry into the Advanced Qualification Program.

The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent Federal agency dedicated to promoting aviation, railroad, highway, marine, pipeline, and hazardous materials safety. Established in 1967, the agency is mandated by Congress through the Independent Safety Board Act of 1974 to investigate transportation accidents, determine the probable causes of the accidents, issue safety recommendations, study transportation safety issues, and evaluate the safety effectiveness of government agencies involved in transportation. The Safety Board makes public its actions and decisions through accident reports, safety studies, special investigation reports, safety recommendations, and statistical reviews.

Information about available publications may be obtained by contacting:

National Transportation Safety Board
Public Inquiries Section, RE-51
490 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20594
(202)382-6735

Safety Board publications may be purchased, by individual copy or by subscription, from:

National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, Virginia 22161
(703)487-4600

Any comments or sggestions on this flyer can be sent to the following Internet Address:tweet.t.coleman@faa.dot.gov or by contacting Tweet Coleman, Safety Program Manager, at (808)837-8307

Aviation Safety Seminar Presented by Al Avery and Perry Valleriani
Date: Thursday, March 20, 1997, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Honolulu Flight Standards District Office, 135 Nakolo Place
Topic: Common Myths about Flying
Contact: Al Avery, CFI/ASC, 261-6630, or Perry Valleriani, CFI/ASC, 946-2834

WINGS PROFICIENCY AWARD PROGRAM

PHASE I
Carol L. Schwartz

PHASE II
Raymond C. Lahm

PHASE III
Kurtis T. Mabe

PHASE V
Ute Hoelscher

PHASE VII
David Honda
Aimee Kuprash

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