(a) No certificate holder may use, nor may any person serve, as a pilot in operations conducted under this part unless that person—

(1) Has successfully demonstrated, to the Administrator knowledge and skill with respect to the rotorcraft-load combination in accordance with § 133.23 (in the case of a pilot other than the chief pilot or an assistant chief pilot who has been designated in accordance with § 133.21(b), this demonstration may be made to the chief pilot or assistant chief pilot); and

(2) Has in his or her personal possession a letter of competency or an appropriate logbook entry indicating compliance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

(b) No certificate holder may use, nor may any person serve as, a crewmember or other operations personnel in Class D operations conducted under this part unless, within the preceding 12 calendar months, that person has successfully completed either an approved initial or a recurrent training program.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, a person who has performed a rotorcraft external-load operation of the same class and in an aircraft of the same type within the past 12 calendar months need not undergo recurrent training.