Instructors - OPC for aircraft variants

03-Oct-20 13:10

Thank you very much for these answers.

LPFR, Poland

03-Oct-20 10:35

Another reply, from an examiner in these types:

As we are talking OPC here, it would follow that we are also discussing an AOC holder, and if so, there would be a Flight Ops Inspector allocated to the operation by the CAA who would be the ultimate arbiter in such matters.

However, as the Lear 75 is a later variant of the Lear 45 (see below) I would have thought it is acceptable to conduct an OPC in the Lear 45 simulator, as they are not distinct types, rather similar to the Hawker 750/850/900XP which are all classed as HS125 variants and not separate types. The HS125 sim in Farnborough is set up as an 850, but it used for all HS125 variants – most of the modern aircraft have Proline 21 – the older ones have a Honeywell system.

The Learjet Model 75 variant, first delivered in 2012, is essentially a Model 45XR with more modern engines, engine systems, and Garmin 5000 avionics, and more efficient winglets.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learjet_45#cite_note-operators_learjet_70_75_bca_avweek-14
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learjet_45#cite_note-used_report_2017_03_28_bca-7

The Model 75’s Honeywell TFE731-40BR engines yield 10% more takeoff thrust (3,850 pounds) than the -20BR engines powering the Model 45XR, cutting required runway length 12%, allowing a sea-level, standard-day takeoff within 4,440 ft., (versus the Model 45XR’s fully equipped need for 5,040 ft). In these conditions, the Model 75 can take off from a 4,500-foot runway, with a full load of passengers and fuel, and fly 1,800 nautical miles (2,070 statute miles).

As with the original Model 45, the Model 75 was initially delivered in a stripped-down form, with many features only offered as options, rather than as standard equipment). However, the aircraft does come equipped with an auxiliary power unit, and thrust reversers (rare in light business jets). Early units had minor quality problems and defects.

The Model 75 was first FAA-certified in 2013, and took the place of the Model 45XR, becoming the division’s principal product. Since 2015 (as of 2017), it is the division’s only product.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learjet_45#cite_note-learjet_75_certification_2013_11_15_wichita_eagle-15

The comment that the 45 and 75 may well have different Flight Systems would most likely persuade the AOC holder that someone undergoing test using a System with which he/she was unfamiliar would struggle, and therefore best to use the correct variant sim, if available.

Legally, there should not be a problem, though!

Administrator

Shoreham EGKA, United Kingdom

03-Oct-20 09:56

I asked someone in the bizjet business and this is his reply:

No legal reason why not.
The 75 has a fairly different cockpit layout (Garmin G5000) so it’s not unreasonable for the AOC holder to want the OPC done in a 75 SIM.

Administrator

Shoreham EGKA, United Kingdom

03-Oct-20 09:04

Not really a GA question, but I’d like to ask anyway:

Here’s the TCDS for the Learjet 45.

Question: can the OPC for a pilot intending to fly a Lear 75 be done on a Lear 45 simulator?

I’m getting conflicting answers. A Lear 45/75 TRI/TRE from UK says yes. My AOC says no.

LPFR, Poland

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OPC for aircraft variants

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