Is a high altitude endorsement needed in this situation?

[Mason]

Does someone need a high altitude endorsement in a non-pressurized a/c (C401/C402) that is capable of operating at altitudes above FL250. The reg seems to be a bit vague in this respect but I've been tasked with making sure someone is checked out in the aircraft and needed to know if this endorsement is required.

I know the regs say for operations in a pressurized aircraft but then states an aircraft with an operating altitude above 25000 feet. Need to know.......

 

[tomcat]

I'm not an expert on the topic, but my understanding is that you need the HA only if the aircraft is certified above 250. Current a/c is certified right at 250 (probably on purpose) and never got a HA sign.

 

[nosehair]

I've been tasked with making sure someone is checked out in the aircraft and needed to know if this endorsement is required.

Since you are tasked with doing the checkout anyway, why not do the endorsement? Are you not an "authorized instructor"?

Anyway, the way I read the reg, it is mis-stated. The reg says in 61.31(g)(1) "....a pressurized aircraft (an aircraft that has a service ceiling...above 25,000 ft.), unless that person has received ground training..."
Then lists the ground training required, which lists high altitude effects on the body, not decompression subjects.

The wording indicates that any airplane above 25, 000 is pressurized, but the ground training subjects don't address rapid decompression. That is covered in paragraph (2) which addresses flight training, which does say pressurized aircraft, no mention of altitude.

So, I would say, in the case of a non-pressurized aircraft capable of above 25,000, that you would need to cover the ground training subjects, but you cannot do the flight training.

Clear as mud?

 

[Pilot Doc]

Does someone need a high altitude endorsement in a non-pressurized a/c (C401/C402) that is capable of operating at altitudes above FL250.

No.

The title of the reg is:
Additional training required for operating pressurized aircraft capable of operating at high altitudes

 

[charter dog]

No.

The title of the reg is:
Additional training required for operating pressurized aircraft capable of operating at high altitudes

Correct!

61.31(g) applies only to pressurized aircraft. And only to those pressurized aircraft certified for operation above 25,000'. The operation of unpressurized aircraft is not addressed by this regulation.

Best,

 

[orcfi]

As long as you are un-pressurized you do not need one. I fly daily (3 or 4) times on test flights un-pressurized to FL250. Before you do it, get training, and go with someone who is familiar with flying up there. It can do weird things to your body, I have had things go wrong, and am very glad that i had proper training. Good Luck

 

[Way2Broke]

Exactly, and if your doing a 135 check ride in a pressuried a/c (like a 414) it is not required either. The check ride acts as the endorsement for as long as you are a pilot, even if you are not current on the a/c type, or work for the 135 anymore. However, your being lazy if you don't throw it in the logbook anyways. It might save you from having to explain this at a interview someday.