Operator Proficiency Check (OPC)
166.—(1)  An AOC holder must establish and maintain an assessment (called in these Regulations an Operator Proficiency Check) to assess a person’s competency in the person’s expected role and duties as a pilot for a flight of a large aeroplane before the person is assigned such duty.
(2)  The Operator Proficiency Check established in accordance with paragraph (1) must include an assessment of a person’s competency as a pilot —
(a)in performing manoeuvres and procedures under normal, abnormal and emergency circumstances with the use of instruments and equipment provided; and
(b)in relation to the instrument approach‑to‑land systems of the type in use at the aerodrome of intended landing and any alternate aerodromes.
(3)  An AOC holder must conduct the Operator Proficiency Check as part of the normal flight crew complement for every person who may be assigned duty as a pilot of a large aeroplane.
(4)  Where a person has passed the AOC holder’s Operator Proficiency Check, that pass (called in this regulation an OPC pass) —
(a)is valid for a period of 6 calendar months, starting from the day that the person passes the Operator Proficiency Check; and
(b)may be renewed for a further 6 calendar months, starting on the day immediately after the expiry of the existing OPC pass, if the person completes and passes an Operator Proficiency Check that is conducted after a period of 4 calendar months has elapsed from the commencement of the validity of the existing OPC pass.
(5)  The Operator Proficiency Check must be conducted —
(a)in an approved flight simulation training device that is representative of the aeroplane type or variant to be operated by the person being assessed; or
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(b)in an aeroplane of the type or variant to be operated by the person being assessed, during flight in actual or simulated instrument flight conditions when the aeroplane is not carrying any passenger, cargo or mail.
(6)  Where an AOC holder is assessing a person for competency as a pilot to operate a large aeroplane in accordance with the Instrument Flight Rules, the Operator Proficiency Check must be conducted without external visual reference.