FCL.710 Class and type ratings – variants

IRImplementing rule

FCL.710Class and type ratings – variants

(a)Pilots shall complete differences training or familiarisation in order to extend their privileges to another variant of aircraft within a class or type rating, or, in the case of point FCL.710(d)(1) of this Annex, in order to maintain those privileges. In the case of variants within a class or type rating, the differences training or familiarisation shall include the relevant elements defined in the operational suitability data established in accordance with Annex I (Part 21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012, where applicable. When extending the privileges of an SEP aeroplane class rating to a variant with another type of engine referred to in Article 2, point (8c), of this Regulation, the differences training shall consist of dual flight instruction and theoretical knowledge instruction which shall include, with regard to that other type of engine and related aircraft systems, at least all of the following subjects:

(1)Aircraft general knowledge;

(2)Operational procedures;

(3)Flight performance and planning.

(b)The differences training shall be conducted at any of the following:

(1)an ATO;

(2)a DTO in the case of aircraft referred to in points (a)(1)(c) and (a)(2)(c) of point DTO.GEN.110 of Annex VIII;

(3)an AOC holder having an approved differences training programme for the relevant class or type.

(c)Notwithstanding the requirement in point (b), differences training for the following aircraft may be conducted by an appropriately qualified instructor unless otherwise provided in the operational suitability data established in accordance with Annex I (Part 21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012:

(1)aeroplanes requiring a class rating:

(i)TMGs;

(ii)SEP aeroplanes;

(iii)MEP aeroplanes;

(iv)SET aeroplanes, except for complex or high-performance SET aeroplanes;

(2)single-engine helicopters with a maximum take-off mass not exceeding 3 175 kg.

(d)Pilots who, after having extended their privileges to another variant within a class or type rating in accordance with this point, have not flown that variant within the preceding 2 years shall, before exercising their privileges in that variant, complete any of the following in that variant:

(1)further differences training in accordance with points (a) and (b) or, if applicable, (c);

(2)a proficiency check;

(3)in the case of a variant within the SEP class rating with a particular engine type referred to in Article 2, point (8c), refresher training in accordance with point FCL.740.A(b)(1)(ii)(C).

(da)Point FCL.710(d) shall not apply in the case of variants within the TMG class rating and variants within the SEP class rating that have the same type of engine referred to in Article 2, point (8c), of this Regulation.

(e)The differences training or the proficiency check in that variant shall be entered in the pilots’ logbook or equivalent record and signed by the instructor or examiner as appropriate.

IR · FCL.710 — Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · Regulation (EU) 2024/2076 · Aircrew Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 25 Nov 2025

GMGuidance material

GM1 FCL.710Class and type ratings – variants

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DIFFERENCES TRAINING AND FAMILIARISATION

(a)Differences training requires the acquisition of additional knowledge and training on an appropriate training device or the aircraft.

(b)Familiarisation requires the acquisition of additional knowledge.

GM · GM1 FCL.710 — Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · ED Decision 2025/002/R · Aircrew Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 25 Nov 2025

AMCAcceptable means of compliance

AMC1 FCL.710(a)Class and type ratings — variants

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DIFFERENCES TRAINING FOR VARIANTS WITHIN THE SEP AEROPLANE CLASS WITH AN ELECTRIC ENGINE SYSTEM As regards electric engines, the differences training should, on the basis of the AFM of the relevant aircraft, include at least all of the following: (Note: The following list solely addresses the training needs with regard toelectric engines and must not be understood as an exhaustive differences training syllabus.)

(a)Theoretical knowledge

(1)Aircraft general knowledge:

(i)electric engine;

(ii)high-voltage batteries, including their storage;

(iii)electric engine and battery indication and monitoring instruments;

(iv)electric engine and battery limitations;

(v)electric battery endurance;

(vi)electric battery life and effects of battery age on performance.

(2)Operational procedures:

(i)electric engine and battery pre-flight inspection;

(ii)charging of the battery;

(iii)charging errors;

(iv)long-term battery storage procedures and limitations;

(v)in-flight engine/energy monitoring and management;

(vi)go-around with minimum energy;

(vii)emergency procedures:

(A)engine/battery fire on the ground and in the air;

(B)engine/battery overheat;

(C)partial and complete loss of engine power (CLOP);

(D)loss of cooling function;

(E)failure/loss of engine/battery instruments;

(F)in-flight engine restart procedure.

(3)Flight planning:

(i)energy consumption for all phases of the flight;

(ii)mission and contingency planning;

(iii)minimum reserve energy planning.

(b)Flight instruction The dual flight instruction should include the practical exercise or, in the case of emergency procedures, a simulation of all the elements listed in point (a).

AMC · AMC1 FCL.710(a) — Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · ED Decision 2025/002/R · Aircrew Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 25 Nov 2025