Multi-Crew Pilot Licence
The Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) program is the second of the ab initio training courses, which is implemented in cooperation with a given airline. The training program is unique for each airline and, in addition to the minimum legislative requirements for the total number of flight hours on the aircraft and the simulator in the individual phases of training, it is based on the airline’s requirements and CATC’s experience.
Applicants do not need to have previous flying experience. The MPL program usually lasts 18 months, so it is the fastest possible way of pilot training that leads to the cockpit of an aircraft. The training includes a theoretical and practical part divided into several phases, from basic training with a single-engine propeller plane, upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT) on an aerobatic aircraft to training on the specific aircraft type on full flight simulators. This is followed by the Base Training (12 take-offs and landings with the given type of aircraft) and then Line Training 250-500 flight hours in commercial operation with the given airline.
The program description
MPL training is competency-based. This means that during the entire training, the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of the future course graduate are constantly tested and evaluated between individual phases. The issues of CRM (Crew Resource Management) and TEM (Threat and Error Management) are the integral parts of the entire MPL training. The goal of the training is to develop student´s knowledge, skills, and attitude to enable the smooth transition to airline operation.
The basic theoretical course includes 750 hours of ATPL(A) Plus theory, 80 hours of general and aviation English, 84 hours of CRM and psychological training and 21 hours of theoretical training for the specific aircraft type. This number includes classroom hours, computer-based training, e-learning (using a system to manage and check the student’s progress), etc.
The practical part includes training in a single-pilot, single-engine piston aircraft, usually in the range of 55 flight hours, during which cadets also complete UPRT (Upset Prevention and Recovery Training) on an aerobatic aircraft. Required flight hours on the multi-engine aircraft and multi-crew cooperation training is conducted on the FNPT II trainer.
In the next phase, the Jet Orientation Course (JOC), students learn to handle normal and emergency situations after transitioning from piston to jet engine. The vast majority of the practical training phases are conducted in Full Flight Simulators (FFS) with the highest-Level D certification on which cadets fly a total of 100 hours.
Criteria for entry into the MPL program
- Minimum age of 18 years may be further be specified by the airline!!!
- At least a high school diploma, or a certified copy of the highest level of education attained.
- ICAO English Proficiency – at least level 4 (CATC can provide additional training in English if required)
- Class 1 medical certificate (Medical 1) from an authorised medical centre
- An extract from a Penal Register record/ Register of Criminal Records, not older than three months, must be provided prior to joining.
- Successful completion of the initial screening procedure
Screening
The screening procedure for each MPL program varies according to the requirements of the airline, however, there are the general parts that are included in each procedure:
- COMPASS test (Computerized Pilot Aptitude Screening System)
- Personality Profile Testing
- Written English language proficiency test
- Verification of knowledge of mathematics and physics (high school level)
- Flying aptitude test (in a simulator)
- Oral English language proficiency test
- Psychodiagnostics (individual and group)
- Final interview with the selection board