However, long response times due to insufficient numbers of qualified NRIs, plus local FSDOs’ funding concerns and scheduling issues, often led to substantial delays in testing and checking. These delays caused operational and financial concerns for Part 135 operators. This new policy notice is significant in that it clarifies the process for inspectors to respond to testing and checking requests, addresses local FAA offices’ funding worries and establishes national resource testing and checking as a priority for qualified inspectors. However, the new policy requires operators to provide at least a 30-day notice when requesting a test or check through an NRI.

This could present a challenge to operators when requesting initial testing or checking for a new-hire pilot, for example, as the lead time for a new pilot is often far less than 30 days. If an operator does not receive options for the requested test or check in a timely manner, the operator should consider discussing it with their principal operations inspector or elevating the request, if necessary. NBAA hopes that individual inspectors will recognize this challenge with new-hire pilots and work with operators to complete initial checks as quickly as possible. “This policy notice is the result of months of collaboration between the FAA and industry,” said Brian Koester, NBAA project manager of operations. “We appreciate the attention the FAA has given this matter and believe this recent policy notice will alleviate many testing and checking concerns of the Part 135 industry.”