Narrative:

I attended a ground based initial training event. For several weeks I had been preparing using the operations manual to include the company sops section as well as the company minimum equipment list. Upon arrival; the check airman presented my training partner and me with loose leaf papers which may have had both typed and handwritten font. I was informed that these loose leaf pages were what the pilots used to complete tasks; such as callouts and the address of emergency and maintenance malfunctions on the line. These loose leaf papers are not included in the operations manual. After querying the check airman about discrepancies and omissions in the manuals; I was informed by the check airman that the line pilots are forced to improvise their procedures as the company does not provide adequate materials; in the way of manuals in particular; to the pilots. An example of this is that the manual does not include when the pilot should turn on the anti skid/ nose wheel steering switch. This example is only one among many. I had also noticed that the company minimum equipment list had items listed in incorrect sections in reference to type data certificate codes. Most of the errors that I witnessed were included in the most recent FAA audit. I believe this situation is caused by either a lack of care; ignorance; or even possibly criminal activity. I discovered the problem gradually as I progressed through ground training first noticing the situation by the overabundance and overreliance of the new hire class on 'gouge'. Once the check airman confirmed that the pilots were forced to use 'gouge' to get through training and to work on the line; I realized that I had to excuse myself from the situation. My recommendation is emergency suspension of the company's air carrier certificate until such a time that the manuals are more in-line with the manufacturers' recommendations and specifications and at minimum provide the pilots with manuals with which to perform their duties adequately without the need for 'gouge' and 'improv'.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A First Officer in initial training reported that the company's line pilots are forced to improvise procedures and callouts since the company does not provide them adequate materials; including manuals.

Narrative: I attended a ground based initial training event. For several weeks I had been preparing using the Operations Manual to include the company SOPs section as well as the company Minimum Equipment List. Upon arrival; the Check Airman presented my training partner and me with loose leaf papers which may have had both typed and handwritten font. I was informed that these loose leaf pages were what the pilots used to complete tasks; such as callouts and the address of emergency and maintenance malfunctions on the line. These loose leaf papers are not included in the Operations Manual. After querying the Check Airman about discrepancies and omissions in the manuals; I was informed by the Check Airman that the line pilots are forced to improvise their procedures as the company does not provide adequate materials; in the way of manuals in particular; to the pilots. An example of this is that the manual does not include when the pilot should turn on the ANTI SKID/ NOSE WHEEL STEERING SWITCH. This example is only one among many. I had also noticed that the company Minimum Equipment List had items listed in incorrect sections in reference to type data certificate codes. Most of the errors that I witnessed were included in the most recent FAA audit. I believe this situation is caused by either a lack of care; ignorance; or even possibly criminal activity. I discovered the problem gradually as I progressed through ground training first noticing the situation by the overabundance and overreliance of the new hire class on 'gouge'. Once the Check Airman confirmed that the pilots were forced to use 'gouge' to get through training and to work on the line; I realized that I had to excuse myself from the situation. My recommendation is emergency suspension of the company's Air Carrier Certificate until such a time that the manuals are more in-line with the manufacturers' recommendations and specifications and at minimum provide the pilots with manuals with which to perform their duties adequately without the need for 'gouge' and 'improv'.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.