New Fleet Or New Seat: Pilot Initial Operating Experience Explained

First flights are a momentous occasion for pilots. A pilots first solo, first time instructing a student, first airline flight, or first flight as a captain are some of the many firsts. As it pertains to the first few flights on a new plane or as a captain, an initial operating experience program sets the criteria for what is to be accomplished. Heres a detailed explanation of how IOE works, what is required of pilots, and other tidbits about learning a new plane or flying as a captain.