The Demand for Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) Training: Is It the Future of Airline Hiring?

Becoming a pilot requires various certifications. The most prominent licenses are the PPL, the CPL, the ATPL, and the Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL). The International Civil Aviation Organization adopted the MPL certification in 2006 as a provision of Annex 1, Personnel Licensing. The MPL is very different from the CPL and PPL licenses.

According to ICAO, the license enables holders to perform the duties of a co-pilot on a multi-crew aircraft. ICAO mandates that all contracting states identify the license even though their respective aviation authorities do not issue the certification in their jurisdictions.

The MPL certification is issued to student pilots wanting to pursue commercial aviation careers. The license allows individuals to become co-pilots in an airplane that requires more than one pilot to operate a commercial flight. The MPL does not confer the same rights as a private pilot license, such as a CPL.

The license is issued for commercial use, and holders are prohibited from flying for recreational purposes. The MPL certification does not include instrument rating privileges for multi-pilot operations. The certification is based on competency training using simulators, which equips learners with skills in emergency handling protocols. The course highlights company flying skills and multi-crew operation skills.

The minimum age for pursuing an MPL is 18 years. Applicants should possess a class 1 medical certificate. The certification also needs applicants to complete a theory training and flight instruction at an approved training organization. The training will also include an examination test that applicants should pass to validate the same level of theoretical knowledge as an ATPL holder and of a multi-pilot type rating.

MPL training encompasses threat and error management, teamwork and communication training programs, and the management of automated systems. It is primarily conducted in advanced flight simulators, which provide exposure to actual airline operations and emergency scenarios.

Candidates considering a career in commercial piloting through MPL should be fast learners, adaptable to developing technology, and meet the vital health standards.

The MPL training program is much shorter than traditional pilot training courses. The course focuses on airline-specific skills and utilizes cutting-edge simulators to decrease training costs, conserve resources, and diminish noise pollution. The course also equips pilots with essential skills in risk management, situational awareness, and decision-making.

MPL training has its limitations. It includes less real-flight experience, as the majority of the course is accomplished on flight simulators. The source is airline-specific and emphasizes more on automated systems than manual flying. This can stimulate career flexibility for pilots wishing to change to other aviation sectors.

Though deemed a capability training certification, MPL has various limitations in the aviation industry. The course is offered as a single, incessant program in association with a training institution and an airline. The initial risk of following an MPL was that the airline could declare insolvency or withdraw its job offer. If this were to happen, the license would be unusable, and the student pilot may require additional training.

This changed in 2010 when the license was no longer tied to a precise airline. Consequently, MPL holders could transfer between airlines, as could CPL+IR+ME graduates. Yet, the issue persists if the airline goes bankrupt, affecting job offers throughout the training period. In these cases, the trainee may have to redo all or part of their training with another program or school.

The training is heavily reliant on the use of simulators rather than actual planes for training, which reduces fuel costs, decreases CO2 emissions, and cuts noise and air traffic. The European Cockpit Association criticized the MPL training for its over-dependence on simulator training.

In 2013, the association noted that the MPL training program had less flight time in actual aircraft and limited solo flying. In other words, the association disparaged the course for having less exposure to the actual flying environment.

The MPL training comprises several phases, each designed to develop the essential competencies for safe multi-crew operations. It comprises theoretical knowledge, flight training, and simulator sessions.

Take a look at the diverse phases of the MPL training program:

The first stage of MPL training is the ground school, where aspiring pilots acquire the theoretical knowledge necessary for multi-crew operations. This comprises subjects such as aerodynamics, aircraft systems, meteorology, navigation, air law, and human factors. The ground school offers knowledge that pilots will build upon through their training.

After completing ground school, pilots proceed to the next phase, which involves basic aviation training. This phase involves flight training in a single-engine aircraft, where pilots acquire the important flying skills essential for safe flight operations.

Once pilots are proficient in basic aviation skills, they progress to the intermediate phase of aviation training. This phase focuses on emerging more cutting-edge flying skills and methods, including instrument flying, navigation, and flight planning. Pilots gain experience in multi-crew coordination through simulated scenarios.

Throughout the cutting-edge aviation training phase, pilots improve their flying skills and gain experience operating cutting-edge aircraft systems. They learn about high-level operations, flight management systems, and cutting-edge navigation techniques. This phase also comprises simulator sessions to practice complex scenarios.

The final phase is the multi-crew cooperation training, where pilots develop their skills in working as part of a multi-crew team. They learn about communication, crew resource management, policymaking, and workload management. Simulator sessions simulate practical airline operations, letting pilots apply their knowledge and skills in a multi-pilot environment.

If you want to become a pilot and seek a reputable pilot training institute, consider enrolling at Flapone Aviation. Both males and females wanting to enter the aviation industry can take a first step toward turning their dreams into reality. So, what are you waiting for?