⚠️ Differences training ✈️
Once obtained, the privileges of particular class rating authorizes the holder to fly on the specific variant on which the skill test with EASA examiner has been successfully passed on. This applies basically for all class ratings - e.g. SEP(land), TMG, MEP(land) but also for the EASA typerating.
It is important to mention that Differences training is required for all variants and all EASA license holders. That means the differences training is mandatory for PPL(A), CPL(A), ATPL(A) and MPL(A) holders as required by FCL.710 and GM1 FCL.710. For LAPL(A) holders the differences training is required by FCL.135(b) and GM1 FCL.135(a). That means nobody is exempted from attending the differences training.
The differences training shall be conducted either by:
- an EASA flight school
- an appropriately qualified instructor.
Differences training with instructor does not interfere with restriction of examiner's vested interest. So by attending the differences training with Flight Examiner you will get first hand experience from person experienced in doing EASA checkrides and extensive experience on particular variant. You will have opportunity not only to learn something new, but also to learn common mistakes of the pilots.
We are providing the differences training for range of an aircraft variants constituting in SEP(land), TMG and MEP(land) classes:
- MEP: Diamond DA42 Twin Star (TDi, NG, VI)
- MEP: Piper PA34 Seneca (II, III, V)
- MEP: Piper PA44 Seminole
- MEP: Tecnam P2006T
- MEP: Cessna 421, 414
- SEP: Cessna 150, 152, 172, 172RG, 182
- SEP: Cessna 172S, R, SP (incl Garmin 1000)
- SEP: Zlin Trener: 126, 226
- SEP: Zlin 40: 42, 43, 142, 143
- SEP: Diamond: 20, 40 (TDi, Lycoming)
- SEP: CSA PS-28
- SEP: Piper: PA28, PA28R
- SEP: Tecnam P2008
- SEP: HR200 Robin
- TMG: Let L13SW/SEH
⚠️ Variants requiring Differences training ✈️
Aircraft within class ratings do not have associated OSD in accordance with Part-21. The ‘EASA type rating and licence endorsement lists — flight crew’ provide categories of class ratings — such as SEP, MEP, SET, etc.— and indicate aircraft which are considered as variants.
Aircraft within the same class rating which are separated by a horizontal line in the tables in "EASA type rating and licence endorsement lists — flight crew" require differences training, whereas those aircraft which are contained in the same cell require familiarisation when transitioning from one aircraft to another. As an example, a SEP (land) aeroplane with variable pitch propeller and a SEP (land) aeroplane with retractable undercarriage require differences training, whereas two different SEP (land) aeroplanes, both with cabin pressurisation require familiarisation.
Differences training single engine
Eventhoug SEP(land) classrating constitutes all variants of single-engine piston aeroplane, you are not allowed to fly on all of them instantly. If you for example passed your SEP(land) skill test on Diamond DA20, before you are allowed to fly on e.g. Cessna 172, you have to fullfil the legal requirement by attending so-called differences training. That is so-called Transition to another variant of the same class. Together with variant-related differences training, also additional specific qualifications such as tailwheel, variable-pitch propeller, turbocharged engine and retractable undercarriage are trained.
Multi-engine Differences training
Multi-engine piston class rating authorizes the holder to fly on the specific variant on which the skill test with EASA examiner has been successfully passed on.
Eventhough MEP(land) classrating constitutes all variants of multi-engine piston aeroplane, you are not allowed to fly on all of them instantly. If you for example passed your MEP(land) skill test on Diamond DA42, before you are allowed to fly on e.g. Piper PA34, you have to fullfill the legal requirement by attending so-called differences training. That is so-called Transition to another variant of the same class. Together with variant-related differences training, also additional specific qualifications such as tailwheel, variable-pitch propeller, turbocharged engine and retractable undercarriage are trained.
Differences training endorsement ✅
The differences training in that variant shall be entered in the pilots’ logbook or equivalent record and signed by the instructor or EASA examiner as appropriate.
Validity ➡️ differences training
Differences training is required anytime when transition to aircraft requried additional qualification is required. The differences training for single engine aeroplanes - SEP(land) or TMG is valid infinite.
The situation is slightly different in case of multi engine aeroplanes. If pilots have not flown the variant within 2 years following the differences training, a further differences training or a proficiency check with examiner in that multi-engine variant shall be completed. That means if you are actively flying Diamond DA42 and you have not flown Piper Seneca for more than 2 yeas, you have to attend the differences training on Piper Seneca all-over.