Written by Source: NaviMinds
We link you to this handy summary of current (summer 2024) EASA requirements for becoming qualified and remaining current as a CRM trainer, which might be particularly useful for smaller operators. Please refer in full to the EASA source documents as referenced for the definitive rules.
Understanding the EASA requirements for CRM trainers can be a daunting task. With the CRM regulations constantly evolving, this article from NaviMinds provides an overview of the latest EASA requirements for personnel who offer training, checking, and assessment. For the full Naviminds article following this link.
It is worth noting that EASA refers to CRM Trainers (CRMT), which is the same as CRM Instructors (CRMI).
For those looking for detailed requirements of CRM trainers, EASA Part AMC2 ORO.FC 146 serves as the essential reference point.
Flight crew CRM Trainer candidates are required to:
Requirement 1
Requirement: Complete an initial CRMT course (40 hours/5-days).
What it means: To become qualified as a CRM trainer, you must undergo a 5-day CRMT Core course.
Requirement 2
Requirement: Have adequate knowledge of Human Performance and Limitations (HPL).
“(i) have adequate knowledge of human performance and limitations (HPL), whilst:
(A) having obtained a commercial pilot license in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011; or
(B) having followed a theoretical HPL course covering the whole syllabus of the HPL examination;”
What it means: Most pilots holding a CPL/ATPL will already have followed an HPL course. This is, however, not the case for cabin crew members. To qualify as flight crew CRM trainers, cabin crew members must complete an HPL course to become eligible to meet EASA’s requirements for CRM trainers.
Requirement 3
Requirement: Have adequate knowledge of the relevant flight operation in accordance with (d)
“(d) Knowledge of the relevant flight operations
(1) The operator should evaluate the experience and knowledge of the flight crew CRM trainer. The evaluation of the operator should include at least:
(i) the operational experience of the flight crew CRM trainer as a flight crew member;
(ii) whether this experience as a flight crew member or a former flight crew member covers the aircraft category, the aircraft generation and the form of operations, as relevant to the operator.
(2) if the flight crew CRM trainer does not have the relevant knowledge of the relevant flight operation based on the evaluation in (1), the operator should provide training to the flight crew CRM trainer to provide the adequate knowledge.
(3) The operator should describe the assessment and training in the operations manual.”
What it means: The specific of (d) can be interpreted in various ways. Some authorities require a flight crew CRM trainer to have experience as a flight crew member or a former flight crew member. Other authorities interpret this slightly differently and allow cabin crew (with no experience as flight crew members) to conduct CRM training for flight crew members, provided they have adequate knowledge of the aircraft category, generation, and form of operations relevant to the operator.
Alternatively, EASA states that one can establish a team of CRM trainers.
“(e) Team of CRM trainers
If the flight crew CRM trainer is qualified in accordance with (b) but does not meet the conditions defined in (d), he or she may be assisted by a training assistant that has the knowledge of the relevant flight operations.
As in accordance with (e), cabin crew members with no flight crew experience can conduct CRM training for flight crew members if this happens together with a flight crew CRM trainer that meets the conditions in (d).
Requirement 4
Requirement: A CRMT certificate has a 3-year validity period, during which a trainer should conduct at least 3 CRM training events within the 3-year validity period.
What it means: Once you’ve completed a 5-day CRMT core course, your license is valid for three years. During this time, you must complete three CRM training events/sessions. Before the end of the three years, you must receive a CRMT Refresher course to renew your license.
Requirement 5
Requirement: When conducting their first CRM training course, a CRM trainer should be assessed by a CRM trainer examiner (CRMTE) nominated by the operator. The CRMTE must have a minimum of 3 years of experience.
What it means: After completing an initial course, an experienced flight crew CRM trainer must assess the CRM trainer. To evaluate their ability to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to train the CRM training elements in a non-operational environment.
Requirement 6
Requirement: A CRMT assessment is valid for three years. Operators who do not have the in-house capabilities to assess their own trainers may use third-party providers.
What it means: The CRMT assessment has a 3-year validity period. Operators who are small or simply don’t have the resources to conduct the assessment themselves can request an external provider.