Why Every Pilot Needs a Type Rating Certification for the Airbus A320

A type rating certification is one of the most important credentials a pilot should acquire if they want a career as an airline pilot, a type rating is necessary certification for flying a commercial jet. Having a type rating provides a pilot the necessary competencies to operate an aircraft and provide the pilot with a comprehensive knowledge of the system and skill required on a specific kind of jet aircraft.

In the world of commercial aviation, the Airbus A320 (A320) is one of the most frequently used aircraft. Here we discuss why investing in an A320 Type Rating with the Alpha Aviation Group proves to be advantageous for pilots.

The A320 is an industry favorite

Since its first flight back in 1988, the Airbus A320 remains to be one of the most ordered and used aircraft amongst airlines across the globe. It is was the first commercial aircraft that was outfitted with the Fly-By-Wire system, catapulting the technology of then analogue pilot controls into digital electronic signals via wire transmissions.

A market-leader in the single-aisle jetliner industry and one of the best-selling aircrafts in the world, the A320 offers flexibility and improved performance. To date, Airbus has already logged over 11,000 booked orders for the A320 family. Its unique construction, consistently strong performance, cost efficiency and its high capacity for both cross-region and cross-continental flights makes the A320 a popular choice in the industry.

Type rating training provides a thorough understanding of the A320

Part of the process in acquiring a type rating is going through a comprehensive training course. These programs are designed to equip pilots with capabilities in handling complex aircraft systems and instruments. At AAG, that training includes ground school, fixed base simulator training and full flight simulator training in AAG’s European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified Level D Airbus A320 Full Flight Simulator, the only one of its kind in the Philippines.

One advantage of this particular type of training is that it not only equips pilots with advanced knowledge on flight, it also provides pilots a comprehensive understanding on the demands of the role of an airline pilot. AAG’s A320 simulator replicates the cockpit of its namesake and even replicates all weather operations, routes and technical problems, preparing pilots for everything they can expect in their future careers.

An A320 type rating facilitates easier transition to a different type

The various aircrafts in the Airbus family share a number of similarities in terms of cockpit layout, handling characteristics and system operations. For example, a cadet with an A320 type rating would find it easier to cross certify over to the double decker Airbus A380, which is primarily used for long-haul flights.

Airbus has also developed its own Cross-Crew Qualification (CCQ) concept that enables pilots to transition from any Airbus fly-by-wire equipped type to another simply through difference training. With the effective planning and implementation of the CCQ difference training, a transition from an A320 to the A380 would take a mere 13 days. With this, airlines can maximize operations as a result of reduced transition training period and costs.

With the significant increase of airlines ordering Airbus fleets by the bulk, having an A320 type rating is more important than ever. The A320 type rating ensures that pilots remain relevant and have the opportunity to pursue successful careers in the ever-expanding aviation industry.

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Photo Credits

Photo 1 from Wikimedia

Photos 2 and 3 from AAG