MEI for 121 Check Airman
 

Is an MEI required in order to be a 121 Check Airman?


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Not required in my experience.

As an atp in a 121 program you are able to instruct once qualified. No mei required... That doesn't mean u can instruct part 61 or 141/142. Only 121 instructruction.

Part 121 LCAs are not considered Flight Instructors according to the FAA so, no...

You don't need any CFI ratings at all, but airlines tend to prefer that check airman candidates have them for obvious reasons.

We used to do single-engine training in real airliners...

I remember having to find my FOI written results to please our airline's POI when I became a LCA. CFI is not required.

To my knowledge its not a requirement at envoy. When I interviewed all had current CFII and MEI ratings though and all keep them current afaik as well.

Having a type rating and an ATP qualifies you to instruct in that airplane. At my company, they just require you take the FOI test.

Might be a stupid question but bear with me.(coming from someone not yet at the regional level) How do you become a LCA? Is an opening posted and then applications accepted? Does it usually go to more senior people? Thanks!

Depends on the airline. Some post them, some are word of mouth. Best bet is to email your manager of training and let him know you are interested. Seniority has nothing to do with it, it is your record and referrals generally.

short answer no, long answer is found in 8900.1 volume 3 chapter 20 (and the requirements for check pilots).

CFI is not required (by the FAA, company requirements might) At my company, if you never held any CFI then you had to do an extra day of ground training covering the fundamentals of instructing. If you ever held a CFI then that was covered in the FOI test for the CFI. Also as an LCA, if you've kept your CFI current, it allows you to renew the CFI based on being a current LCA (at least at the FSDO near me) so no sitting in front of a computer for 2 days or instructing and signing off students on the side.

At envoy it's an open posting and applications are accepted with references from current LCA and your chief pilot. If accepted then you have an interview. Then a day of ground instruction with FAA present. Then sim training for right seat qualification. Couple observation flights of IOE. Then a final observation by the FAA while you conduct a line check. The FAA was involved in the process along the way a good bit. From their perspective they are interviewing you as well.

Technically you're working for them (The FAA that is)