The FAA typically establishes a Flight Standardization Board (FSB) for large jet and large propeller aircraft.

The FSB's primary responsibilities are to:

• Determine the requirements for pilot type ratings for the aircraft in question. (A type rating is required for any aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or more and all jets.)
• Develop training objectives for normal and emergency procedures and maneuvers.
• Conduct initial training for the manufacturer's pilots and FAA inspectors.
• Publish recommendations for FAA inspectors to use in approving an operator's training program.
• Ensure initial flight crew member competency.

Who are the FSB members?

The FSB consists of:

• The FSB Chairperson, who is an FAA Aircraft Evaluation Division (AED) operations specialist assigned to the aircraft certification project
• Operations Inspectors who are normally operations inspectors involved with the initial operational approval of the aircraft—e.g. the Certificate Management Team (CMT) that oversees the launch operator for the aircraft.
• Office of Safety Standards Representatives, which may include the personnel from the National Simulator Team and other representatives that help ensure FAA policy is considered by the FSB.
• Technical Advisors from other AEG offices that may be invited as supporting personnel, along with representatives from the Air Transportation Division, Flight Technologies and Procedures Division, and the General Aviation and Commercial Division.
• The FSB may also hold public meetings and invite private section groups to attend and make recommendations.

How the FSB is formed?

• The FAA forms an FSB while the agency is in the process of certificating an aircraft.
• The aircraft manufacturer notifies the FAA of their intent to begin a new or amended certification. The FAA convenes a certification project team that includes both Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) and AEG personnel to work with the applicant on the management and coordination of all project activities, including the FSB.

How do FSBs relate to training and certification?

• FSBs observe the FAA order and guidance that describes the responsibilities and procedures the agency must follow to certify new aircraft, and to develop minimum training recommendations for the new pilot type rating.
• The manufacturer provides a minimum training program to get initial qualification and issuance of the associated pilot type rating.
• The FSB evaluates and validates the applicant's training proposal using a standard process that includes multiple ‘test subjects’ not previously aware of or trained on the new aircraft.

What happens with FSB reports?

• The FSB submits its report to the FAA Aircraft Evaluation Group and Air Transportation Division for approval.
• The FSB Report is compiled by the FSB Chair and published in FAA Order 8900.1, Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS).
• FAA principal operations inspectors use the approved document as guidance in approving aircraft operators’ crew training, checking and currency programs. FSB reports are also available to the public.