Airline Pilot Line Training: How to Prepare and Succeed

12 October 2026 | Practical advice for newly qualified First Officers and pilots transitioning to a new airline or aircraft type.

Completing your aircraft type rating is a major milestone in your flying career. After months, and potentially years, of ground school, flight training, examinations and simulator sessions, you’re finally ready to begin operating an airliner in the real world.

However, there’s one important stage of training still to complete before you’re released to normal airline operations: line training.

For many newly qualified First Officers, line training is one of the most exciting but demanding periods of their flying career. It’s where everything you’ve learnt in the simulator is put into practice while operating real flights, with real passengers, changing weather conditions, busy airspace, operational delays and all the other challenges associated with commercial aviation.

You’ll be expected to progressively develop the skills needed to operate the aircraft safely, efficiently and in accordance with your airline’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

It’s also a period when you’ll receive considerable feedback, make mistakes and occasionally feel as though you’re struggling to keep up with everything happening around you.

That’s normal. Line training exists to help you make the transition from the structured simulator environment to the realities of everyday airline operations.

However, the way you approach this stage can make a significant difference to your progress. Good preparation, consistent application of procedures, effective communication and a willingness to learn are all essential.

In this guide, we’ll explain what happens during airline line training, how to prepare before your first sector, what training captains are looking for and how to maximise your chances of progressing successfully through to your final line check.

What Is Airline Pilot Line Training?

Line training is the stage of airline pilot training during which a pilot develops the skills required to operate an aircraft safely and competently in normal commercial operations.

Under the UK CAA and EASA regulatory frameworks, this is commonly referred to as Line Flying Under Supervision (LIFUS).

It normally follows the relevant aircraft and operator training, including the required proficiency and emergency and safety equipment checks.

Instead of practising procedures in a flight simulator, you’ll now operate actual airline flights under the supervision of appropriately qualified personnel nominated by the operator.

For a newly qualified First Officer, this will normally involve flying alongside a designated line training captain.

Unlike your previous simulator training, you’ll be operating within the airline’s normal commercial environment. That means interacting with ground staff, cabin crew and air traffic control while managing flight preparation, aircraft performance, navigation, changing operational conditions and the full range of routine flight deck duties.

The objective is to develop the competence and confidence required to operate as a normal member of the flight crew without the additional supervision associated with line training.

How Is Line Training Different From a Type Rating?

During your aircraft type rating, much of your training will have taken place in a simulator.

You’ll have learnt the aircraft’s systems, limitations, procedures and handling characteristics, together with the actions required in a range of normal and abnormal situations.

Simulator training provides a controlled environment in which exercises can be repeated, paused and discussed.

Line training is different because you’re now applying those skills to the complete operation of real flights.

You might be dealing with an unexpected runway change, a revised departure clearance, a technical defect, poor weather at your destination or a delay that affects your planned fuel or turnaround arrangements.

These situations require you to apply your technical knowledge while managing your workload and communicating effectively with the rest of the crew.

It’s therefore quite possible to perform extremely well during a type rating but initially find aspects of line training challenging.

That doesn’t mean the simulator training was inadequate. It reflects the additional demands of operating in a dynamic commercial environment.

Line training may also be required when experienced pilots join a new airline or transition to another aircraft type. The amount and nature of training will depend on their previous experience and the operator’s approved programme.

What to Expect During Airline Line Training

Although each airline has its own training programme, the underlying objective is similar: to develop the pilot’s competence until they can safely and consistently perform their normal duties without line training supervision.

Most programmes involve a progressive increase in the level of independence expected from the trainee.

During the initial flights, a training captain may provide more guidance as you become familiar with the aircraft, flight deck routines and the airline’s operational environment.

As you gain experience, you’ll generally be expected to perform a greater proportion of your duties independently while maintaining the required standard.

By the end of line training, the objective is to demonstrate that you can operate competently as part of a normal flight crew.

The Different Stages of Line Training

These are illustrative stages rather than a universal airline training syllabus. The actual progression criteria and training requirements are determined by the operator.

How Long Does Airline Line Training Take?

The duration varies considerably depending on the aircraft type, airline, training programme and pilot’s previous experience.

A newly qualified First Officer joining a short-haul airline may complete dozens of supervised flight sectors, while an experienced pilot transitioning to a new airline or aircraft type may have a different requirement.

Long-haul operations may also use different combinations of flight hours and sectors because individual flights are much longer.

There is no single duration that applies to every pilot.

Under UK CAA and EASA guidance, the operator establishes its training requirements with reference to factors including previous experience, aircraft complexity and the type of operation.

Importantly, completing a minimum number of sectors doesn’t automatically mean that the required standard has been achieved.

You must demonstrate the necessary competence before being released from line training.

How to Prepare Before Your Line Training Begins

The preparation you undertake before your first flight can make a significant difference to how quickly you settle into the airline environment.

By the end of your type rating, you’ll already have learnt a considerable amount about the aircraft.

However, there is often a gap between being able to demonstrate a procedure in the simulator and performing it efficiently during a real flight.

One of the best things you can do before beginning line training is to reinforce the knowledge and habits you’ve developed during your type rating.

1. Consolidate Your Standard Operating Procedures

You’ll be expected to demonstrate a sound understanding of your airline’s SOPs throughout line training.

These procedures provide the common framework used by flight crews to operate safely and consistently.

Before your first sector, spend time reviewing the areas covered during your conversion course, particularly:

• Normal flight deck preparation and operating procedures.
• Required flows and checklist discipline.
• Standard calls and crew coordination.
• Aircraft limitations and relevant operating restrictions.
• Flight management and automation procedures.
• Take-off and approach briefing requirements.
• Normal departure, arrival and approach procedures.
• Abnormal procedures and the correct use of approved checklists.

You don’t need to memorise material that your operator expects you to reference, but you should know the required memory items and have a clear understanding of where to find the information you may need.

Use the current, approved documentation provided by your airline rather than unofficial notes or material that may not reflect your operator’s procedures.

2. Practise Your Cockpit Flows

One of the most useful preparation techniques is chair flying.

It’s something you’ve probably done during previous flight training, and it remains extremely useful when preparing for airline operations.

Find somewhere quiet and mentally work through the normal sequence of a flight.

Visualise the flight deck, the relevant controls and displays, the procedures you need to complete and the calls you would make.

For example, you might mentally rehearse flight deck preparation, the departure briefing, pushback preparation, taxi, take-off, climb and approach.

The aim isn’t simply to memorise a sequence of actions. It’s to understand the flow of the operation and become familiar with what needs to happen next.

Only practise procedures in accordance with the approved training material. If you’re unsure about a particular sequence, clarify it with your training instructor rather than reinforcing an incorrect technique.

3. Become Comfortable With Your Airline’s Operational Tools

One of the biggest differences between flight school and airline operations is the amount of operational information pilots need to manage.

Depending on the operator, you’ll need to become familiar with electronic flight bags (EFBs), operational flight plans, aircraft performance applications, aircraft documentation and other systems.

These tools may contain information relating to flight planning, fuel, aircraft performance, weather, NOTAMs and operational restrictions.

Understanding how to access and interpret this information can make your early line training sectors considerably less stressful.

Before starting, make sure you have completed any required company training for these systems and know where to find the relevant guidance.

4. Understand Your Training Programme

Before beginning line training, make sure you understand how the programme is structured.

For example, it’s useful to know:

• What training objectives apply to the initial sectors.
• How your progress will be assessed and recorded.
• What standard is expected at each stage.
• Who is responsible for providing feedback.
• What happens if additional training is required.
• How the final line check and release process work.

Knowing what is expected can help you focus your preparation and reduce unnecessary uncertainty.

Preparing for Your First Airline Line Training Flight

Your first operational flight is likely to be a memorable occasion.

After spending so much time in simulators, you’ll finally be sitting in an actual commercial aircraft preparing to operate a scheduled flight.

It’s understandable to feel nervous.

However, your training captain will know that you’re new to the airline environment. The objective of the first few flights is to help you develop the skills and familiarity required to operate safely.

Arrive Properly Prepared

Make sure you’ve allowed sufficient time to report for duty, complete the required preparation and deal with any unfamiliar administrative requirements.

You’ll generally benefit from having familiarised yourself with the scheduled route, destination airport and the operational information made available to you before the flight.

For example, reviewing the relevant airport layout, departure and arrival procedures, weather and NOTAMs can provide useful context.

However, don’t treat information reviewed before duty as a substitute for the current documentation and formal flight preparation required by your airline.

Agree the Training Objectives

Before each flight, it’s useful to understand what your training captain wants you to concentrate on.

During the early stages, this might involve familiarisation with cockpit preparation, normal flight deck procedures or the general sequence of airline operations.

Later in training, the objectives may focus more heavily on independence, workload management or areas identified during previous debriefings.

If you’re not clear about the objectives, ask.

This helps ensure that you’re concentrating your efforts on the things that matter most to your progression.

Don’t Expect Everything to Feel Familiar Immediately

One of the first things you’ll probably notice is how much more activity there is around you compared with the simulator.

There may be ground staff working around the aircraft, cabin crew preparing the cabin, loading information arriving, operational messages being received and other tasks taking place simultaneously.

Some of these activities will be unfamiliar, particularly if this is your first airline job.

It’s important not to interpret that unfamiliarity as an indication that you’re performing badly.

With experience, you’ll become more comfortable with the operational environment and better able to anticipate what needs to happen next.

Master Your SOPs – Consistency Is Essential

One of the most important qualities a training captain will look for is your ability to apply the airline’s Standard Operating Procedures consistently.

SOPs are designed to create a common way of operating the aircraft, regardless of which pilots happen to be flying together.

This is particularly important in airline operations, where you may eventually fly with a different Captain on almost every duty.

Both pilots need to understand what the other is doing and what should happen next.

Inconsistent procedures make this more difficult.

Avoid Developing Shortcuts

During line training, you may occasionally feel under pressure to complete tasks quickly.

For example, an aircraft might arrive late, the turnaround may be shorter than expected or ATC might issue a revised clearance shortly before departure.

In these situations, it’s tempting to rush or take shortcuts to save time.

Don’t.

Your objective should be to work efficiently while maintaining the required procedural standard.

A training captain would generally rather see you recognise that more time is needed than rush through procedures and create unnecessary risk.

Understand Why You’re Doing Something

Although memorising procedures is necessary, try to understand the purpose behind them.

If a checklist is required at a particular stage of flight, understand what it’s intended to verify.

If a specific monitoring call is required, understand what information it communicates to the other pilot.

Understanding the purpose of a procedure makes it easier to recognise when something hasn’t happened as expected.

It also helps when managing unfamiliar situations, because you’re less dependent on simply remembering a sequence of actions.

Learn to Stay Ahead of the Aircraft

One of the biggest differences between an inexperienced and an experienced airline pilot is the ability to anticipate what is going to happen next.

When you first begin line training, it can feel as though you’re constantly reacting to events.

You finish one task and immediately realise that you should already have completed another.

Experienced pilots tend to be thinking several steps ahead.

They anticipate upcoming workload, prepare for it and create time to deal with unexpected changes.

For example, when approaching the top of descent, it’s useful to understand the expected arrival and approach, any relevant restrictions and how the aircraft’s planned vertical profile relates to the situation.

That preparation can help prevent an unnecessarily high workload later.

However, staying ahead of the aircraft doesn’t mean completing procedures prematurely or outside the approved sequence.

It’s about anticipating what will be required and being ready to complete it at the correct time.

Develop Both Your Pilot Flying and Pilot Monitoring Skills

A common mistake during early airline training is concentrating so heavily on physically flying the aircraft that the importance of the Pilot Monitoring role is overlooked.

In a multi-crew aircraft, both roles are essential to safe operations.

The Pilot Flying (PF) is responsible for managing the aircraft’s flight path and associated duties in accordance with the operator’s procedures.

The Pilot Monitoring (PM) supports the operation by carrying out the responsibilities allocated to that role, including monitoring, communication and other procedural tasks.

The exact division of responsibilities varies between aircraft types and airlines.

Being a Good Pilot Monitoring Is Not a Passive Role

When you’re not physically flying the aircraft, it’s important to remain actively involved.

That means maintaining situational awareness, understanding the clearance, monitoring the flight path and recognising when something doesn’t look right.

You should be able to identify changes in aircraft configuration, flight guidance modes and the operating environment that require attention.

Simply reading checklists and operating the radio without understanding what’s happening around you isn’t enough.

Training captains will generally be looking for evidence that you can perform the monitoring role effectively without constant prompting.

Don’t Neglect Your Pilot Flying Skills

When operating as Pilot Flying, aim for consistent, accurate aircraft handling and effective flight path management.

During the early stages of line training, you may still be developing confidence with the actual aircraft after completing most of your flying on simulators.

Your training captain will help you develop the relevant skills within the approved training programme.

However, remember that flying the aircraft is only part of the task.

You must also maintain situational awareness, manage your workload and communicate effectively with the other pilot.

Understand the Aircraft’s Automation

Modern airliners are equipped with sophisticated flight guidance and automation systems.

These systems can significantly reduce workload when used correctly, but they also require pilots to understand what the aircraft is doing and what it is expected to do next.

One of the challenges during line training is learning to manage the automation while maintaining sufficient situational awareness.

Monitor What the Aircraft Is Actually Doing

It’s easy to select a mode or enter information into a flight management system and assume the aircraft will behave exactly as intended.

However, an experienced airline pilot doesn’t simply make a selection and forget about it.

They verify the aircraft’s response and continue monitoring its performance.

During line training, develop the habit of understanding the active and armed guidance modes, the expected flight path and any significant changes.

If the aircraft isn’t behaving as expected, recognise that early and communicate appropriately.

The exact monitoring techniques and required calls must follow your operator’s approved procedures.

Avoid Becoming Over-Reliant on Automation

Although automation can be useful, it doesn’t replace the need to understand basic aircraft handling or flight path management.

There may be situations where a different level of automation is more appropriate, subject to the aircraft’s capabilities and company procedures.

The important skill is selecting and managing the appropriate level of automation while remaining fully aware of the aircraft’s state.

If you’re struggling to understand a particular automation behaviour, discuss it with your training captain and review the relevant approved documentation afterwards.

Managing Workload and Operational Pressure

Airline operations can be busy, particularly during departure preparation, the approach and landing phases, and short turnarounds.

For a newly qualified pilot, tasks that an experienced crew can complete relatively comfortably may initially demand considerable concentration.

As a result, it’s possible to become overloaded, particularly when something unexpected happens.

Recognise When Your Workload Is Increasing

One of the first steps in managing workload is learning to recognise when it’s becoming excessive.

For example, you might notice that you’re falling behind the aircraft, struggling to follow ATC instructions or concentrating so heavily on one task that you’re losing awareness of others.

Rather than continuing until you’re overwhelmed, communicate with the other pilot and use the workload management techniques taught by your airline.

Effective crew coordination allows workload to be managed appropriately without compromising safety.

Don’t Let Commercial Pressure Influence Safety Decisions

One of the new challenges of airline operations is the commercial environment.

Flights operate to schedules, delays can have consequences and there’s often pressure to maintain efficient turnarounds.

However, safety and compliance with approved procedures must always take priority.

If more time is needed to complete an essential task, that should be recognised and managed appropriately.

Similarly, if an approach doesn’t meet the applicable stabilisation criteria, the correct decision is to follow the operator’s procedures, including conducting a go-around when required.

A go-around carried out for the right reasons is not evidence of poor judgement. Continuing an approach that should have been discontinued is a much more serious concern.

Look After Your Fitness to Fly

Line training can involve a demanding combination of flying duties, study, preparation and unfamiliar roster patterns.

It’s tempting to spend every available evening revising procedures, particularly when you’re anxious about your performance.

However, adequate sleep and recovery are important parts of being fit to operate safely.

Fatigue can affect concentration, memory, judgement and the ability to manage workload.

Make sure you comply with the applicable fitness-for-duty and fatigue reporting procedures, and don’t allow your desire to progress through training to prevent you from raising a genuine concern about your fitness to fly.

How to Work Effectively With Line Training Captains

Your line training captain plays an important role in your development.

They are responsible for providing the supervision and training required by the operator’s programme, helping you develop the necessary skills and assessing your progress.

However, your relationship with your training captain should be a professional working relationship rather than simply one person providing instructions while the other follows them.

Good communication is essential.

Ask Questions When You Don’t Understand Something

If your training captain explains something that you don’t fully understand, ask for clarification.

It’s much better to establish the correct understanding than to nod along and then repeat the same mistake on the next flight.

You aren’t expected to know everything during line training.

However, you are expected to recognise the limits of your knowledge and take appropriate steps to address them.

When possible, save broader technical discussions for an appropriate lower-workload period or the post-flight debrief rather than introducing unnecessary distractions during critical phases of flight.

Don’t Become Defensive About Feedback

You’re likely to receive a significant amount of feedback during line training.

Some of it will be positive, while other comments will identify areas where you need to improve.

Try to view that feedback as part of the training process rather than as criticism of your ability or character.

If your training captain identifies a mistake, listen carefully and make sure you understand what you should do differently.

There may be occasions when you need to explain your reasoning, particularly if doing so helps the instructor understand the circumstances.

However, avoid responding to every comment with an excuse.

Training captains generally want to see that you can accept feedback, understand it and use it to improve.

Different Training Captains May Have Different Styles

Depending on the airline, you may fly with more than one training captain during your programme.

Different instructors may have different personalities, communication styles and approaches to providing feedback.

One may provide detailed explanations throughout a flight, while another may prefer to observe your performance and discuss it afterwards.

Try to adapt to these differences without compromising the airline’s approved procedures.

It’s important not to confuse an individual’s personal preference with an official SOP.

If you receive apparently conflicting advice, refer to the current approved documentation and ask for clarification through the appropriate training channels.

Be an Active Member of the Crew

During line training, you’re still an important member of the operating flight crew.

That means communicating relevant concerns, maintaining situational awareness and participating appropriately in decision-making.

Don’t assume that because you’re flying with a training captain, they will identify every developing problem or that you should remain silent when something doesn’t seem right.

Professional crew resource management involves speaking up when necessary, regardless of experience differences.

Assertive communication, when used appropriately, is an important safety skill.

Make the Most of Your Line Training Debriefings

One of the most valuable parts of line training is the opportunity to receive feedback after each flight.

Your training captain may identify areas where you’ve improved, aspects of the operation that were handled well and specific skills that require further development.

However, the value of feedback depends on what you do with it afterwards.

Keep a Personal Training Journal

We’d strongly recommend keeping a simple record of the lessons learnt during line training.

After each duty, spend a few minutes reviewing what went well and what you need to improve.

Your notes don’t need to be particularly long.

A useful approach is to record:

• What went well: Identify the skills and habits you want to maintain.
• What needs improving: Record the most important points from the debrief.
• What you’ll do differently: Identify practical actions before your next duty.
• Questions to clarify: Note any technical or procedural subjects you need to review.

Keep personal notes factual and appropriate, and follow company information-security and confidentiality requirements. Don’t copy restricted operational information, identifiable safety reports or sensitive flight data into an unapproved personal system.

This approach can help you recognise your progress and provide structure to your preparation between duties.

Look for Patterns in Your Feedback

It’s normal to receive a range of comments during line training.

However, if several training captains repeatedly identify the same issue, that’s a strong indication that it deserves particular attention.

For example, you might consistently struggle to stay ahead during descent preparation or need repeated reminders about a particular procedural responsibility.

Rather than simply hoping the problem will disappear with more flying, take time to understand its underlying cause.

Discuss the issue with your training captain and develop a plan for addressing it.

Demonstrating measurable improvement in a previously identified weakness is an important part of training progression.

Common Mistakes During Airline Line Training

Every pilot makes mistakes during training.

Some errors are straightforward and easily corrected, while others may reveal areas where additional knowledge, practice or supervision is required.

The important point is to recognise mistakes and learn from them rather than allowing them to become repeated habits.

Don’t Let One Mistake Ruin the Rest of the Flight

One of the challenges of training is managing your own response when something doesn’t go particularly well.

For example, you might make an awkward radio call, forget a non-critical detail or struggle with a particular aspect of your duties.

It’s easy to spend the next ten minutes thinking about what went wrong instead of concentrating on what you’re supposed to be doing now.

This can make the situation worse.

If a mistake occurs, recognise it, communicate and correct it as required, then return your attention to the current operation.

There will be an appropriate opportunity to discuss it in detail during the debrief.

Developing the ability to recover from mistakes while maintaining situational awareness is an important professional skill.

What If You’re Struggling With Line Training?

Some pilots progress through line training relatively quickly, while others need more time to develop particular skills.

Progress isn’t always consistent.

You might have several excellent flights followed by one where everything seems more difficult.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re incapable of completing the programme.

However, if you’re repeatedly struggling with a particular area, it’s important to address the problem early.

Speak with your training captain, review the feedback and discuss whether additional preparation or support is appropriate.

Any decision about further training or continuation in the programme will depend on the operator’s standards and assessment process.

Don’t conceal difficulties or try to give the impression that you understand something when you don’t.

Maintain the Right Attitude Throughout Line Training

Technical ability is obviously important, but your attitude towards training can make a substantial difference to your development.

Training captains are generally looking for pilots who are conscientious, prepared, professional and receptive to feedback.

They’re also looking for evidence that you understand your responsibilities as a member of a multi-crew flight deck.

That includes recognising when you need assistance and being willing to communicate concerns appropriately.

Confidence Is Important, but Avoid Overconfidence

As you gain experience, your confidence will naturally increase.

That’s a positive development.

However, there’s an important distinction between confidence and overconfidence.

Being confident means understanding your capabilities and applying your skills effectively.

Being overconfident can involve assuming you know something that you haven’t verified or being reluctant to acknowledge uncertainty.

During line training, you should aim to develop confidence through preparation, experience and consistent performance.

If you’re unsure about a technical or procedural issue, clarify it using the appropriate company resources and training channels.

You Don’t Need to Impress Your Training Captain

It’s natural to want your training captain to think you’re a capable pilot.

However, trying too hard to appear knowledgeable or experienced can be counterproductive.

You don’t need to demonstrate that you know everything.

You’re there to learn.

What matters is that you take your responsibilities seriously, apply the appropriate procedures, recognise your limitations and demonstrate improvement.

A pilot who asks a sensible question is generally making a better decision than one who guesses because they’re worried about appearing inexperienced.

How to Prepare for Your Final Airline Line Check

Once you’ve completed the required supervised flying and demonstrated the appropriate standard, you’ll normally progress to a line check.

This is an important milestone because it forms part of the process of being released to normal airline operations.

The line check is intended to assess whether you can satisfactorily perform your duties during a complete airline operation.

Depending on the operator and applicable requirements, this will involve assessment of relevant pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight responsibilities, including your technical and non-technical skills.

What Is Assessed During a Line Check?

Although the precise assessment criteria are established by the operator, line checking normally considers several important aspects of performance.

Don’t Treat the Line Check Like a Simulator Emergency Test

One of the main objectives of the line check is to establish your ability to operate competently during normal airline flying.

It isn’t simply a repetition of the abnormal and emergency exercises you completed during your type rating.

Instead, the emphasis is on demonstrating that you can carry out your normal responsibilities safely and effectively.

You should therefore prepare by consolidating the procedures, skills and habits you’ve developed throughout line training.

Don’t introduce new techniques or change the way you operate simply because you’re being assessed.

Prepare in the Same Way as Any Other Flight

The best preparation for your line check is to approach it in the same professional manner as your other line training duties.

Make sure you’re familiar with the relevant operational information, know your procedures and understand your responsibilities.

Get adequate rest beforehand and avoid unnecessary last-minute revision that leaves you fatigued.

During the flight, concentrate on operating safely and consistently rather than constantly thinking about the fact that you’re being assessed.

Use the crew resources available to you and communicate appropriately.

What Happens After You Pass Your Line Check?

Once you’ve completed the required training and checking and the operator has authorised your release, you’ll be able to operate as a normal member of the flight crew within the applicable privileges and restrictions.

For a newly qualified First Officer, this is a significant achievement.

However, passing your initial line check doesn’t necessarily mean that every experience-related restriction immediately disappears.

Operators may have additional consolidation, crew pairing or experience requirements for pilots who are newly qualified on an aircraft type.

These requirements are intended to ensure that appropriate experience continues to be developed after the formal line training phase.

And, of course, learning doesn’t stop once you’re released to the line.

Final Preparation Checklist for Airline Line Training

Before beginning your supervised flying, use the following checklist to help organise your preparation.

Airline Pilot Line Training – Frequently Asked Questions

What is line training for airline pilots?

Line training is the stage during which a pilot operates actual airline flights under the supervision of an appropriately qualified person nominated by the operator.

The objective is to develop the skills and competence required to operate safely within the airline’s normal operational environment.

It is commonly referred to as Line Flying Under Supervision (LIFUS).

Does line training happen after the type rating?

Line training normally takes place after the relevant aircraft and operator training and checking requirements have been completed.

The exact sequence depends on the approved training programme, aircraft type and the pilot’s previous experience.

Some pilots also complete aircraft base training, while eligible pilots may follow an approved zero-flight-time training pathway.

Are passengers onboard during line training?

Line training commonly takes place during normal commercial operations, including scheduled passenger flights.

However, the precise arrangements depend on the operator and training programme.

The important distinction is that supervised flying takes place within the applicable operational and regulatory framework.

How many sectors does airline line training involve?

The number of sectors or flying hours depends on the airline, aircraft, operating environment and pilot’s previous experience.

Newly qualified First Officers may undertake dozens of supervised sectors, while experienced pilots changing operators or aircraft types may have different requirements.

The approved programme and the pilot’s demonstrated competence determine when training can be completed.

Is airline line training difficult?

Line training can be demanding, particularly for newly qualified pilots experiencing commercial airline operations for the first time.

The principal challenges often involve managing workload, maintaining situational awareness, applying procedures consistently and staying ahead of the aircraft.

However, the programme is designed to provide supervised experience and progressively develop the required competence.

Do you need to know every aircraft system before line training?

You must meet the technical knowledge and competency standards required by your operator before beginning supervised flying.

However, being a competent pilot doesn’t mean memorising every piece of information in the aircraft manuals.

It’s important to know the relevant memory items, limitations and procedures, and understand how to use the approved documentation appropriately.

What do line training captains look for?

Training captains assess whether pilots can progressively demonstrate safe, consistent operation in accordance with company procedures.

Important areas include aircraft handling, monitoring, SOP compliance, flight path management, communication, situational awareness, workload management and responsiveness to feedback.

What happens if you make mistakes during line training?

Training is intended to help pilots develop their competence, and errors can provide useful opportunities for learning.

However, mistakes must be recognised and addressed appropriately, particularly where safety is involved.

Repeated difficulties or serious performance concerns may require additional training or further assessment under the operator’s training procedures.

Can you fail airline line training?

Pilots must demonstrate the required competence to complete supervised flying and be released to normal operations.

If the required standard isn’t achieved, the airline may arrange additional training, reassessment or take other action in accordance with its procedures and employment arrangements.

The outcome depends on the circumstances and the individual operator’s policies.

What is a line check?

A line check is an assessment of a pilot’s ability to satisfactorily perform their normal duties during an airline operation.

It considers the relevant pre-flight, flight and post-flight responsibilities, including technical and non-technical competencies.

For pilots completing initial line training, the line check forms part of the process of being released to normal operations.

Is the line check harder than the type rating?

The two assessments examine different aspects of pilot performance.

A type rating includes technical knowledge, aircraft handling and normal and abnormal procedures.

A line check focuses on the pilot’s ability to conduct a complete airline operation safely and competently within the operator’s procedures.

Some pilots find the simulator assessments more demanding, while others find the dynamic operational environment of line checking more challenging.

What is the difference between a line training captain and a line check captain?

A line training captain provides supervised operating experience and instruction within the airline’s training programme.

A line check captain is authorised by the operator to assess the pilot’s performance during the required line check.

The relevant qualifications, authorisations and arrangements are established by the operator and applicable regulations.

What happens after you pass your first line check?

Once the operator has completed the required release process, you’ll normally begin operating as part of a standard flight crew.

However, additional consolidation, crew pairing or experience-related requirements may apply to newly qualified pilots.

You’ll also continue to undertake recurrent training and checking throughout your airline career.

Is line training the same as pay-to-fly?

No. Line training is a normal part of qualifying a pilot to operate within an airline.

Pay-to-fly generally describes arrangements in which pilots pay an operator or intermediary for the opportunity to accumulate operational flying experience.

FlightDeckFriend has previously expressed concerns about these arrangements, particularly their implications for pilot employment conditions.

Read our guide to pay-to-fly pilot training for more information.

Continue Your Airline Pilot Training Preparation

Whether you’re preparing to begin your first airline job or progressing through your professional flight training, FlightDeckFriend provides a range of free guides to help you understand the different stages of your career.

Official Regulatory Guidance

Line training requirements vary between operators and licensing jurisdictions. The information in this article is intended as general guidance and should be read alongside the applicable regulations and your airline’s approved training documentation.

For further information, consult:

• UK CAA – ORO.FC.220 Operator Conversion Training and Checking
  
• UK CAA – AMC1 ORO.FC.230 Recurrent Training and Line Checking
• EASA – Easy Access Rules for Air Operations
  
• UK CAA – Fatigue Management
  

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational guidance for pilots preparing for airline line training. Training programmes, checking requirements, aircraft operating procedures and individual operator standards vary. The information should not be treated as operational instruction or a substitute for approved airline documentation, aircraft manuals, training syllabuses or regulatory requirements. Pilots must comply with the current procedures and instructions applicable to their aircraft and operator.