---
title: "ORO.FC.236 Pilot qualification to operate in either pilot’s seat — helicopters — Part-ORO · Avioverse"
description: "Helicopter pilots whose duties require them to operate in either pilot’s seat shall complete additional training and checking to ensure that they are…"
url: "https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/air-ops/part-oro/subpart-fc/oro-fc-236"
---

# ORO.FC.236 Pilot qualification to operate in either pilot’s seat — helicopters

ANNEX III (Part-ORO) · Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

IR Implementing rule

## ORO.FC.236 Pilot qualification to operate in either pilot’s seat — helicopters

(a) [Helicopter](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/helicopter) pilots whose duties require them to operate in either pilot’s seat shall complete additional training and checking to ensure that they are [proficient](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/proficient) in conducting the relevant normal, abnormal and emergency procedures from either seat. The validity period of this qualification shall be 12 calendar months.

(b) Current FIs or TRIs on the relevant type are considered to fulfil the requirement of point (a) if they have had a FI or TRI activity in the last 6 months on that type and on the helicopter.

IR · ORO.FC.236 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · Regulation (EU) 2021/2237 · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

AMC Acceptable means of compliance

## AMC1 ORO.FC.236 Pilot qualification to operate in either pilot’s seat — helicopters

GENERAL

(a) The operator should either conduct a check every year or alternate training and checking every year. The training and checking may take place during or together with an [operator proficiency check](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/operator-proficiency-check) or an [aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aircraft)/FSTD training session.

(b) When engine-out manoeuvres are carried out in an aircraft, the engine failure should be simulated.

(c) [Helicopter](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/helicopter) pilots should meet one of the following criteria:

(1) complete their operator proficiency checks from left- and right-hand seats, on alternate proficiency checks; or

(2) for multi-engined helicopters, if two consecutive operator proficiency checks are conducted from the same seat, the pilot should complete at least the following from the other pilot’s seat:

(i) an engine failure during take-off;

(ii) a one-engine-inoperative approach and [go-around](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/go-around); and

(iii) a one-engine-inoperative landing;

(3) for single-engined helicopters, if two consecutive operator proficiency checks are conducted from the same seat, the pilot should complete at least one autorotation training or checking from the other pilot’s seat.

AMC · AMC1 ORO.FC.236 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/014/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

GM Guidance material

## GM1 ORO.FC.236 Pilot qualification to operate in either pilot’s seat — helicopters

QUALIFICATION TO FLY IN EITHER PILOT’S SEAT — NOMINATED COMMANDER CONDUCTING LINE CHECKS In the case of a [line check](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/line-check) revalidation of a fully qualified commander in single-pilot operations, the line checker does not require a qualification to operate in either pilot’s seat, regardless of the seat he or she occupies, provided that the line checker has no pilot duties other than checking.

GM · GM1 ORO.FC.236 — Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · ED Decision 2022/014/R · Air OPS Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 27 Mar 2026

[All rules in SUBPART FC: FLIGHT CREW](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/air-ops/part-oro/subpart-fc)

Consolidated from the EASA Easy Access Rules (revision 27 Mar 2026, extracted 13 Oct 2026) for convenience. Not the official publication — verify against the Official Journal of the European Union and the EASA publications before operational use.