Quote:
Originally Posted by frmrbuffdrvr
I may be reading this wrong,
135.338(b) No certificate holder may use a person, nor may any person serve as a flight instructor (aircraft) in a training program established under this subpart unless, with respect to the type, class, or category aircraft involved, that person—
(1) Holds the airman certificates and ratings required to serve as a pilot in command in operations under this part;
(2) Has satisfactorily completed the training phases for the aircraft, including recurrent training, that are required to serve as a pilot in command in operations under this part;
(3) Has satisfactorily completed the proficiency or competency checks that are required to serve as a pilot in command in operations under this part;
(4) Has satisfactorily completed the applicable training requirements of §135.340;
(5) Holds at least a Class III medical certificate; and
(6) Has satisfied the recency of experience requirements of §135.247.
It says the instructor must hold the ratings and be checked to the standards. It does not say he/she must meet the time requirements to actually FLY a 135 revenue flight.
In addition, he must only hold a Class III medical when a Class II is required for 135 domestic cargo operations.
Go to your FAA Approved Training Manual, where it addresses the requirements to be a Flight Instructor. It will mirror 14 CFR Part 135.338.
Then, look at this part
(3) Has satisfactorily completed the proficiency or competency checks that are required to serve as a pilot in command in operations under this part;
So how can a pilot complete a 14 CFR Part 135,293/.297 check when he doesn't meet the requirements of 14 CFR Part 135.243? An ASI or a Check Airman is forbidden to give a check ride to anyone who does not meet the minimum requirements.
Then when we look into FAA Order 8900.1, Vol 3, Chapter 20, Sec 5
3-20-5-15 AIR TRANSPORTATION FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS. An air transportation flight instructor (aircraft) may conduct flight training in aircraft or a flight simulation training device (FSTD). An air transportation flight instructor (simulator) may conduct flight training only in an FSTD.
A. Qualifications and Training. For initial and continuing authorization as a flight instructor (aircraft or simulator), an airman must meet the qualification and training requirements found in §§ 135.338 and 135.340 as applicable to the instructor functions requested.
B. Authorized Activities. An air transportation flight instructor (aircraft or simulator), when authorized by the certificate holder, may conduct the following flight instruction activities when properly trained for the function. Instructors may provide:
1) Flight instruction in the certificate holder’s approved training program.
2) Certification of the satisfactory proficiency and knowledge of flightcrew members after completion of a flight training curriculum segment or flight training module.
The "qualification requirements" are found in 14 CFR Part 135.293/.297/.299 as well as 8900.1, Vol 3, Ch 19, Sec 7, as well as in the operator's FAA Approved Training Manual.
The FAA does not allow non certified personnel or entities to conduct training on an Air Carrier certificate, period. An Air Carrier cannot hire a flight instructor off the street and put them to work teaching without meeting a certification standard.
As for a medical, you are correct that a third class is all that is required to take a check ride. However the individual cannot exercise the privileged of the medical without at least a second class. Since flight instructors aren't exercising the privileged of 14 CFR Part 135.293/.297/.299, a third class will suffice.