Originally Posted by
neville_nobody
I wonder what the reason for a being current Check Captain is? Your check approval is only applicable to your current AOC. Once you resign that approval disappears and you have to reapply for another approval under a new AOC. In essence there is no difference between someone who is a Check Captain today vs someone who was a Check Captain 3 years ago.
T'ain't necessarly so. Not all check pilot authorizations are tied to a particular AOC. It depends under which rule the authorization was granted, ie CAO 82 or CASR Part 61. If you hold a Part 61 Flight Examiner Rating and have done a renewal (EPC) with CASA within the past two years you can examine on any type on which you are current, even with no AOC. In other words, a FER permits one to operate independently, allowing an appropriately qualified examiner to test under his/her own ARN (e.g. by using a suitable simulator).
So, theoretically, REX could engage a couple of B737NG Examiners, induct them into the Company and they could be training or checking within days of joining. Or even contract the work out. Practically, because of CAR 217, CASA would have their hands all over the process to ensure it met with their approval.
If REX engage enough of the right people and throw enough money at it, six months to add the B737 to their AOC is entirely doable.