The author, an experienced airline captain, initially hesitates but ultimately accepts an unexpected offer to become an L-type check airman, seeing it as a valuable career progression and an opportunity to work for a respected colleague.
A check airman's core responsibility is to uphold FAA-approved professional operating standards for the airline, which includes conducting flight training in simulators, overseeing operating experience (OE) in actual aircraft, and performing observational line checks.
The author's extensive training involved ground school, intensive simulator sessions, right-seat flying, and FAA-observed line checks, culminating in a new sense of pride, responsibility, and commitment to continuous learning to maintain high professional standards among fellow pilots.
Les Abend is a retired, 34-year veteran of American Airlines, attempting to readjust his passion for flying airplanes in the lower flight levels—without the assistance of a copilot.
