FDT MOU

Effective Nov 9th Flight Deck Training is back!

Requirements to participate:

Participants: eLearning Management System (eLMS) Course #60004464 or current version, ATO Flight Deck Training, within the year preceding an FDT request.

In addition to the training listed above, all participants must go online and establish a profile. The FDTAS training aid/tool on the automated process is available on the user dashboard. Participants must be given sufficient duty time to complete their User Profile, FDTAS training aid/tool, FAA Form 3120-37, and FAA Form 3120-40.

Who is eligible?

Any 2152 series Air Traffic Specialists, Traffic Management Coordinators, and Staff Specialists who are operationally current and medically qualified. You must also meet the following conditions:

(1) For En Route or TRACON, you must be certified on a minimum of two operational positions, excluding Flight Data/A-Side positions.

(2) For ATCT, you must be certified on a minimum of Flight Data/Clearance Delivery Positions and one ground Control Position.

(3) For Flight Service Specialists, you must be certified on a minimum of two (2) operational positions, including the pre-flight position.

b. Other FAA personnel specifically authorized by the Vice President of AJT-0.

What's the same as before?

Must fill out the paperwork, including four learning objectives, minimum of two weeks in advance. Must fill out a form upon completion of FDT detailing what you learned. Two air carrier flights per calendar year, one military flight per calendar year.

I looked up the eLMS course listed in the MOU and it is the exact same course as it was 7-10 years ago. I attempted to complete the training however it says I finished but would not unlock the assessment or mark the course as completed. 🤷‍♀️

What's new?

To provide maximum training opportunities, bargaining unit employees (BUEs) may participate in FDT in conjunction with accrued leave (including excused absence on a holiday) that was bid during the annual leave bidding process.

You can also go to the same airport twice in a row.

Edit: I forgot to say that you can get a third trip per calendar year if the ATSAP ERC recommends it. Still not super clear on how that would work, but it is still a voluntary program so you cannot be forced into it.... but maybe if fill out an ATSAP to report a problem with similar callsigns or a procedure not being followed the ERC would suggest a FDT trip to learn? 🤷‍♀️

I'm going to try to keep it brief, so, in short, are you annoyed by Cessnas asking for landing clearance carrying maybe 1 or 2 people or do you generally treat all traffic the same? I'm asking of the ORDs, the DTWs and larger airports.

I would feel like such an entitled *rhymes with punt* to even get near a major airport, let alone interrupt the flow of major carriers because I felt like a joy-ride at sunset.

Full Disclosure: I'm not a pilot or ATC and I don't know anyone who is. It just seems like Cessnas and pleasure-craft would be annoying.