FAA recurrent training

[MTK]

Can anyone tell me what’s required to keep an FAA type rating current, and how much it can cost?
Thanks.

[Samten]

As far as I know, you keep your FAA type ratings indefinitely without recurrency training.

You require regular recurrency training if you fly for Part 121 operator (and in this case you need the FAA examiner).
(Part 121 means US airline)

If you received your national license based on FAA license (convertation), then you have to maintain currency based on your country stardarts (number of sim sessions per year, national examinor). I believe this is the same if you use validated FAA licence to fly in the foreign country (basically, FAA do not care, how you maintain your type rating unless you fly for Part 121).

[340drvr]

FAR 61.58 details the Pilot in Command proficiency check for multi-crew and/or turbojet aircraft. Basically, the proficiency check must be done in any crew- or turbojet every 12 months, and in the particular type every 24 months. I suppose, single-pilot type rated propellor aircraft, King Air 350, or Metroliner, etc., might not apply. Real-world, insurance requirements will be more stringent, probably demanding a (insurance approved) recurrent training program every year. Note, the type eating never really "expires," it's just that a pilot wouldn't be legally current to be PIC until satisfying the regs. As Samten said, for 121 (airline) or 135 (charter) operators, this is more or less built-in with your 6-month and 12-month checkrides.

[Mast Bumper]

Originally Posted by 340drvr

FAR 61.58 details the Pilot in Command proficiency check for multi-crew and/or turbojet aircraft. Basically, the proficiency check must be done in any crew- or turbojet every 12 months, and in the particular type every 24 months. I suppose, single-pilot type rated propellor aircraft, King Air 350, or Metroliner, etc., might not apply. Real-world, insurance requirements will be more stringent, probably demanding a (insurance approved) recurrent training program every year. Note, the type eating never really "expires," it's just that a pilot wouldn't be legally current to be PIC until satisfying the regs. As Samten said, for 121 (airline) or 135 (charter) operators, this is more or less built-in with your 6-month and 12-month checkrides.

To add to the above, in the US a type rating is only required for aircraft with a max gross weight at or above 12,500 lbs. So any aircraft below that max gross weight doesn't require a 61.58 check every 12 months. Part 91 subpart K, part 135 and part 121 have additional FAA proficiency check requirements.