1. What is MPL?
MPL is the Multi-Crew Pilot License that ICAO developed in response to airlines’ request for a training path focused specifically on developing airline qualified pilots more efficiently and effectively.
2. How does MPL differ from the traditional pilot training path?
The MPL is an alternative means to train and qualify an airline pilot. A pilot receiving an MPL certificate will have mastered the same knowledge base as the CPL qualified pilot who has received a type rating. Both will have demonstrated ATP-level knowledge and skills and both will need to acquire the initial operating experience and pass the check before becoming ATPL pilots.
3. Why is Alteon conducting a beta test of the MPL?
Alteon wanted to engage the industry in developing an MPL training program in collaboration with airlines, regulators, and other industry participants. Before offering a commercial product, Alteon decided to conduct a beta test of a training program as a learning experience that will help the industry approach future MPL training with a better knowledge base of the efficiencies that can be introduced into training.
4. What response are you getting from the world’s airlines?
Airlines and regulators are very interested in learning more about MPL. This new approach has great potential to develop competent, confident airline pilots more efficiently at a time when the industry demand for pilots is at its highest. The regions experiencing the greatest growth, India and China, are particularly interested in a training solution that will enhance the safety of their aviation environment while better meeting their increased pilot requirements.
5. Isn’t MPL a fast track solution that could compromise safety?
ICAO states as one of the MPL objectives that the training will achieve the same or better results than traditional training methods. Alteon believes MPL training can achieve better results and should because of the focus on airline discipline and procedures. Alteon is conducting the MPL beta and involving the industry to ensure that the MPL training program will be a better, safer training solution that is acceptable to the industry. Safety is not a competitive advantage which is why we’re sharing the lessons we learn as we develop and deliver the MPL beta training program with the industry.
6. Does the shorter training footprint mean pilots have less time and less experience than traditionally trained pilots?
The MPL training program exercises efficiencies that the traditional training path can not. Because training is focused on airline discipline and operations every training lesson is relevant, minimizing the amount of negative training – the learning and unlearning inherent in the traditional training path. That and the efficiency of increased simulator training allow the cadet to focus on mastering the knowledge and skills necessary to be a competent, confident airline pilot. The MPL training program is similar to the training program the military uses for their pilots; it is focused on preparing the pilot for the job minimizing the small airplane work and maximizing the training time in the commercial aircraft.
7. Is Boeing supportive of the MPL scheme?
Boeing is very supportive of the MPL program, as is Airbus and other manufacturers, all of whom work together to ensure a safe flying environment. And all recognize that, with the number of pilots needed to fly the planes they are manufacturing, providing better trained pilots efficiently and effectively is good for the industry.
8. Why did Alteon choose Airline Academy Australia in Brisbane as the test location for the program?
Our team visited many of Australia’s leading flight schools in 2005 recognizing that a number of Asia Pacific airlines look to Australia for primary flight training today. Airline Academy Australia offered the opportunity to host the entire beta test in Brisbane and showed interest and commitment to working together on the MPL beta training program.
9. What qualities should a potential MPL candidate have? How different is it from the selection process for a trainee pilot who is trained in the traditional method?
Whether trained in the traditional manner or through the new MPL approach, the candidate will need to possess the qualities airlines look for which indicate a potential for success in the role. A candidate that would become a competent airline pilot in the traditional training path will become a competent airline pilot through MPL more quickly and more directly.
10. Why should airlines pick the Alteon MPL program over similar programs by other companies?
Alteon has the advantage to have worked with airlines and regulators in developing and delivering the world’s first MPL training program. The lessons learned in our beta test and through discussions with the industry form a solid basis for working with an airline and their regulator in the design of an MPL training solution.
11. How did Alteon select the cadets for this test in Brisbane?
The airlines selected a cadre of cadets using their selection methods. Alteon conducted a second screening of those cadets to select those that would participate in the beta test. Because all of the cadets were acceptable to the airlines, Alteon focused on assembling the most similar in their qualifications to better gauge the success of the training.
12. With the shortened training schedule, will MPL trainees be able to learn everything necessary to be a pilot and be ready to fly a commercial jet upon graduation?
Yes, a student who is trained from the beginning to operate as a crew member progressing through basic flight training in a simple single-engine training aircraft to the complex flight deck of a modern transport airplane will have demonstrated the proficiency and experience to make sound aeronautical decisions. Safety comes from experience; flight experience comes from successfully completing flight maneuvers and tasks in real time without assistance. The focus of the MPL program is on competency, the prove ability to fly the airplane, not total flight time.
13. A large number of recent airplane accidents are due to pilot error. Do you think that today’s pilots are too dependent on technology and automation?
It’s precisely the technology and automation coupled with training that has made air travel the safest mode of transportation. The focus of airline pilot training is managing the technology and being aware of potential threats and errors that could impact the success of a flight. That’s why the Alteon MPL program will employ glass cockpit aircraft at every stage of flight training and incorporate threat and error management from the very first flight lesson.