This should not be a change for the worse.
RT remains training (although, a handful of Sim Instructors seem to be fond of using lots of "red ink"). They will not change. There will always be a few "check Nazi's", whatever progressive changes take place within the remainder of the training/checking system.
The new RT report form defaults to "S", meaning "no comment required". If the entire session is "satisfactory training to reach line check standard", then all the SI has to do is open the report (to defaults) and click submit.
Currently, many SI's type in a sentance to the effect that "satisfactory training to reach line check standard" was completed. Now, emphatically they don't even have to to do that. This would be the easy option for most SI's (those with a life), who do their training in debriefing's and then go home.
If we go from "satisfactory training to reach line check standard" to "some training input is required to achieve line operational standard", then
brief comments are required. This is subtly different to "satisfactory training to reach, etc". However, basically it is the same as we have now.
The new code of NT (not trained) is an improvement, in that it by-passes the need for the SI or STC to waste time writing lengthly explainations about previous session overuns/sim breakdown issues/fire alarms etc.
I sat through a long briefing, some time ago about these forthcoming changes to the training system, and despite being generally a sceptic about such issues was mostly "won over".
The idea is that eventually all training and checking will be classified
- satisfactory (no comment required, but optional)
- satisfactory with training or checking input (brief comment)
- unsatisfactory (and obviously comment)
- or not trained or checked/could not be carried out or completed.
This was driven from above by Training Management's quest to find out what really needs to be trained and re-trained. Currently, as we all experience, much time can be wasted in some area's and yet remains needed in other areas.
Under the old system we rotate through a fixed 3 year cycle of standard competencies, regardless of who we are, how skilled we are and what fleet we are on.
There is however a huge difference in competency and training needs between Pilots as they go in and out of the CX training system. You could, for example see a HKG 777 Captain (on type for >7 years) paired with a NAM FO (CX for <2-3 years).
Ultimately there will be the capability to tailor our training/competency progress individually. The new RT grading classification is an early step in that direction.
The training ssystem is moving towards a day when two Pilots will meet up for their 6 monthly Sim sessions, with both the regulatory common training areas required and also some personally identified areas to be trained. So, if V1 cuts had been identified as an issue for the F/O, and perhaps workload management or visual approaches for the Captain, then those areas will be the training targets for the SI. The goal is actually better training.
I shall now take cover from the sceptics.....