COMMANDER UPGRADE - Commander qualification requirements

Although Part-FCL states that an ATPL holder has the right to exercise privileges of a commander in commercial transport, it does not mean that every such a person can be employed in that position. The airline, depending on its complexity of operations, shall establish the minimum experience requirements, usually expressed as a minimum number of total hours, hours on type and/or hours on other types in the same position. This specifications are contained in the Operations Manual of the Operator.

Furthermore, a newly appointed commander must undergo route and aerodrome qualification training, and, if upgraded from a co-pilot, a command course including at least 10 sectors in training.