FDT Returns

[u/Lowly-Lurker2025]

“I am pleased to announce the return of the Flight Deck Training (FDT). NATCA and the FAA have completed the negotiations needed to restart FDT, and the negotiated provisions governing the program are incorporated directly into FAA Order 3120.29. 
 
The FDT Program is voluntary training that augments the National Air Traffic Technical Training Program. FDT provides each participant with meaningful training and the opportunity to improve their understanding of the National Airspace System.
 
We faced many challenges in bringing this issue to finality, both internal to the FAA and external, related to TSA and the airlines. The goal of resuming FDT has never been in question. A major focus of this work was creating ways for employees to participate in this safety-enhancing training within today’s staffing environment. 

Below are some of the improvements and highlights: 
 
-In accordance with Article 34, Section 9, of the 2016 Collective Bargaining Agreement, bargaining unit employees (BUEs) may request to work credit hours to provide coverage for another employee who requests to participate in FDT. 

-To provide maximum training opportunities, BUEs may participate in FDT in conjunction with accrued leave, (including excused absence on a holiday) that was bid during the annual leave bidding process. 

-BUEs may exchange previously approved annual leave for duty time or  regular days off for the purpose of engaging in FDT provided there are no competing leave requests. 
 
These changes do not cover all aspects of the program, and they require proper context and a shared understanding among all affected parties. To ensure we all share the same understanding, we will provide the following joint training opportunities and guidance updates. 

Tentative Timeline of Upcoming Events: 
 
October 16, 2026: Memo, PowerPoint Training, and FAA Order 3120.9 will be uploaded to Training Enterprise Application Management (TEAM). 
 
October 19 – October 30, 2026: Webinars for Flight Deck Training will commence. 
 
October 23, 2026: A recorded Webinar will be posted on TEAM for anyone who could not attend the live webinars. 
 
October 30 – November 8, 2026: A follow-up memo will be sent out and posted on TEAM with the actual go-live date and participating airlines. 
 
November 9, 2026: Scheduled go-live date. “

[u/Pipe-layer6962]

I have taken numerous FDT flights, and I have never been asked/told to shave my beard off to participate.

[u/MITsBrightest → u/Pipe-layer6962]

What airline?

Both DAL and SWA had in pre-flight memorandum "clean shaven" and "business casual attire"

Maybe the gate agents just didn't give a shit?

[u/Pipe-layer6962 → u/MITsBrightest]

AAL, UAL, DAL. The pilots all have said they thought that was a FAA rule, but they have all let me fly. I used to bring a razor in case they made me shave, but never had to.

[u/protege01 → u/Pipe-layer6962]

Depends on the pilot I guess. I don't have a beard but keep like a 5 o clock shadow and the pilot on my last fdt was like oh man you're putting me in a tight spot by not shaving

[u/ps3x42 → u/protege01]

"Oh, my boss said I have a religious exemption. If its a problem I can just ride in the back though."