The Operator Proficiency Check, or OPC, is an essential program for airlines. It involves examiners assessing pilots’ skills in handling normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures. Conducted every six months, these checks utilize the airline’s flight crew training materials and adhere to set standards. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and a country’s national aviation authority (NAA) establish what is expected during each OPC. However, the NAA allows for some flexibility, meaning OPCs can differ between airlines. Variations can stem from several factors, including the type of aircraft, airline philosophy, and operational procedures. Notably, temporary exemptions for some OPCs were crucial from 2020 to 2022, helping the global airline industry bounce back from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
