Frequently Asked Questions

Q1	Which alleviations need to be recorded as a temporary difference in the COVID-19 Contingency Response Database?	Any change to licensing and certification which does not meet the minimum requirement specified in the Annex, for example, the need for 2 operator proficiency checks within a one year period, as detailed in Annex 6 Part I, Section 9.4. For a list of provisions, see the form that has been created to allow a State to identify those temporary differences in the CCRD section of this site.	table-row	1
Q2	What alternative training means could be used to mitigate the training requirements of flight crew unable to attend regular recurrent training?	Where possible, the operator should establish training by other means such as online training or webinars to maintain competency, to the extent possible. These should include all elements that can be reviewed without access to typical resources such as FSTD’s, safety equipment, etc.	table-row	2
Q3	If exemptions are granted in cabin crew recurrent training, should crew be exempt from all of the content covered during recurrent training?	If possible, the operator should cover topics such as knowledge-based items, traditionally covered during classroom-based training, through E-learning. In such cases, exemptions only should apply to practical training. This will enable the operator to requalify cabin crew quicker once normal operations resume. The new ICAO Cir 356, Guidelines on Digital Learning for Cabin Crew Training provides additional guidance.	table-row	3
Q4	If the operator has E-learning capabilities, can hands-on and simulated exercises (e.g., firefighting) be replaced by computer-based training, to enable them to retain their qualification?	No. As per Annex 6, Part I, cabin crew members must be drilled on the use of equipment. In addition, ICAO Doc 10002, Cabin Crew Safety Training Manual, specifies hands-on and simulated exercises that cabin crew members must successfully complete as part of training. E-learning may enable the operator to address certain topics and even review the operation of equipment/systems (e.g., aircraft door operation). However, it should not be used to conduct a formal assessment of a cabin crew member’s competence in using a piece of equipment or system.	table-row	4
Q5	If exemptions are granted in cabin crew recurrent training for hands-on and simulated exercises, should these be extended to initial training as well?	No. All persons must complete a State-approved initial training programme before being assigned as a cabin crew member. This includes being drilled and capable in the use of emergency and life-saving equipment. For recurrent training, exemptions are possible because cabin crew members have already conducted those drills during initial training. The exemption should not extend to initial training, which would result in persons acting as cabin crew members, who have never successfully completed drills on the use of emergency and life-saving equipment.	table-row	5
Q6	When will all licences and associated medical certificates be back to their normal revalidation cycle?	The Contracting States should attempt to resume normal operations as soon as possible. It is recognized that not all States are in the same phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, and some will need to keep contingency measures in place for more time. This site will be maintained by ICAO through 31 March 2021 unless circumstances otherwise dictate.	table-row	6