The complex and dynamic nature of the aviation industry requires airlines to constantly adhere to new policies and regulations. In commercial aviation, one of the additions to facilitate a safer flight is the Multi-Crew Pilot environment. To complement this environment, the Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) was introduced. The MPL program is the first competency-based training established by the International Civil Aviation Association (ICAO). In its very essence, it was designed specifically for a crew co-piloting an aircraft.
In the past, traditional training focuses mainly on independent flying. While this training method indeed improves a pilot’s competencies, the changing aviation environment demands more options that further strengthen flight safety. MPL training, which Alpha Aviation Group has pioneered, addresses this issue and enables pilots to effectively pilot and co-pilot a jet aircraft. In this post, we discuss the many advantages of the MPL program.
MPL training improves flight safety
To further mitigate the risk of human factor errors in a flight, MPL training prioritizes safety principles such as Threat and Error Management (TEM) and Crew Resource Management (CRM) at every phase of training. Developed by human factors researchers, TEM offers an effective, flexible, and intuitive framework for practical risk management. In addition, TEM also promotes an overall positive culture of safety in an airline and in its crew.
CRM, on the other hand is a training management protocol that originated from a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) workshop. With a focus on improving air safety, CRM deals with the primary factors that cause human errors, including interpersonal communication problems and decision making skills. CRM training also includes exercises to enhance a pilot’s situational awareness, problem solving, cooperation abilities and even Air Traffic Control communication skills.
MPL training decreases Loss of Control risk
To complement TEM and CRM with flight safety, Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) is also included in MPL training. UPRT focuses on decreasing the Loss of Control (LOC) in an aircraft, a significant cause of flight accidents and incidents. At the same time, cadets also learn stall recovery techniques.
MPL training ensures competent airline handling skills
With an increase in airline automation, the aviation industry discovered an alarming rate of pilots excessively depending on an aircraft’s automated flight deck. To address this, the American Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) released a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO). The SAFO document reiterates the necessity for airlines to promote manual flight operations when appropriate. The document also introduces new flight training rules and policies that would establish a pilot’s continuous competency in manually flying an aircraft. In adherence to these safety procedures, a significant portion of the MPL assessment relies on a pilot’s aptitude and competency when it comes to manual flying.
MPL training seamlessly guides students from Ab Initio learning to Airline Type Rating
To enforce a seamless transition from zero hours to airline type rating, simulators play a critical role in improving a student pilot’s skills and experience. In the MPL program, a significant amount of training is spent on the simulator. These training devices offer high fidelity when it comes to simulating an aircraft cockpit. The simulator also enables training organizations and airlines to train pilots in various situations and weather conditions in a safe and efficient way.
Included in AAG’s state-of-the-art facilities is an EASA-approved Level D Full Motion Airbus A320 Simulator. The simulator is a key component of Alpha Aviation Group’s MPL training, offering cadets and airline partners a cost-effective training solution.
MPL training is customized to fit a specific airline’s operation
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of MPL training program is that it accommodates the operational processes of an airline partner. Such is the case with the Alpha Aviation Academy UAE and its partner, Air Arabia. Since 2009, Alpha Aviation Academy UAE has included Air Arabia’s customized training procedures into its curriculum. This joint venture has produced over a hundred top quality pilots who continuously meet the superior standards of the airline. AAG can replicate the same customization for any airline around the world.
To know more about the MPL training and AAG’s other training programs, contact us today.
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Photo Credit
Photos from AAG
Photo from Bernal Saborio via Flickr. CC BY SA 2.0.
Photo from Falsam Akram via Flickr. CC BY SA 2.0.