Type operating and training documentation
Type operating and training documentation is the stack of manufacturer and operator manuals that define what is correct for a given aeroplane type in line flying and training. It is not one book. It is a layered set of documents with a fixed authority order. Instructors who cite the wrong layer, or treat technique guidance as procedure, create avoidable conflict with the approved operation.
The hierarchy is fleet-agnostic. Named type manuals specialise these document classes; they do not change the priority rule.
Layers of the stack
| Layer | Role | Typical content |
|---|---|---|
| Operator policy / Operations Manuals (incl. OM-D) | Highest local authority for how an operator runs training and operations | Training policy, course footprints, operator differences from manufacturer text |
| Fleet Training Manual | Per-fleet instructional package for a course | Lesson plans, performance and loading data, weather/nav packs as needed |
| FCOM + Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) | Manufacturer operational reference for the type | Systems, procedures, performance; normal and non-normal on ground and in flight |
| FCTM | Manufacturer training supplement to the FCOM | Practical technique, "how/why" guidance for the type |
| Miscellaneous training notes | Non-authoritative support | Extra systems notes, briefers, local aids |
The Fleet Training Manual does not replace the type manuals. It packages how a given operator delivers the approved syllabus on that fleet. The FCOM is the crew's comprehensive operational and training reference for procedures. The FCTM is read with the FCOM: technique and practical guidance, not a second procedure book.
Miscellaneous training documents may help explanation. They never outrank Operations Manuals or the FCTM where those already speak.
What each layer is for in training
- Fleet Training Manual: session design for instructors and trainees (lesson plans and supporting data). Not a substitute for knowing FCOM procedure or FCTM technique.
- FCOM / QRH: procedural truth for the type; primary reference when briefing abnormals and when checking that a manoeuvre or SOP is correct.
- FCTM: how the manufacturer recommends flying and teaching the type; useful in brief and airborne/FSTD coaching when it does not conflict with higher layers.
- Operator policy / OM-D: local rules, course structure, and any mandated departure from generic manufacturer technique.
Generation-level EBT matrices still require type and OEM adaptation. Generation chooses the risk pattern; this stack supplies the type-correct procedure and technique once the programme reaches a specific fleet.
Instructor use
- Before a type session, know which lesson-plan pack (Fleet Training Manual) and which FCOM/FCTM revision the crew are on.
- Brief what from FCOM/QRH (and operator SOP); teach how from FCTM and your technique only where it agrees with higher authority.
- When trainee memory and a manual disagree, open the authoritative layer in the room; do not win by seniority.
- If manufacturer FCTM and company policy diverge, teach the approved operator rule and point at the Differences Notice or OM text; do not leave both as equal options.
- Do not dump type procedure tables into methodology debriefs; grade competencies and TEM outcomes, then remediate type knowledge against the correct manual.
- When teaching or assessing on a named fleet, keep type procedure in this stack and methodology (competencies, facilitation, grading) in the EBT/TTT layer; do not collapse them into one undifferentiated "manual."
Connections
- How Train-the-Trainer maps to ICAO evidence-based training. OM-D and the instructor-craft layer sit above shop-floor delivery; this stack is the type content those layers point at.
- Systematic Approach to Training. Programme and lesson design assume a defined reference hierarchy for objectives and standards.
- A-W-A-R-E model. Revision and elements steps often probe FCOM/FCTM treatment of the lesson topic.
- Flight simulation training device. The device must represent the type procedures and systems these manuals define.
- Pilot flying and pilot monitoring. Seat roles and callouts are type-SOP content drawn from this stack, not free invention in the box.
- Skill development model. Airborne/FSTD technique (including when follow-me-through works) is constrained by type control philosophy in the manuals and operator chapter.
- Six generations of aircraft. Generation matrices set programme shape; OEM and type manuals specialise content inside a generation.
- Knowledge, skills and attitudes. Knowing where to look up type truth is part of applied knowledge, not optional bookishness.
- Core competencies. Application of Procedures and Knowledge grades often turn on correct use of this stack.
- Evidence-based training. Scenarios remain vehicles; type-correct procedure still comes from FCOM/SOP, not from the generation matrix alone.
Sources
- 12.9 Training Manuals. Fleet Training Manual, FCOM/QRH, FCTM, miscellaneous docs; published priority operator policy > FCOM > FCTM.
- 12.8 Operations Manual Part D. OM-D layer that training manuals operate within.
- 1.6 Training References. Broader reference-document hierarchy for the course.
- 6.1 Introduction. Abnormals briefed from QRH, FCOM, and FCTM.
- 6.2 Briefing Aids. Manuals supply what; instructor owns how in the brief.