Some of the posts about type rating suggest that people are not aware of the syllabus of A320 type rating. It starts with 8 sessions of flight and navigation procedures training in FTD or SIM without motion, First four/five sessions consist of absolute raw data flying without AP, ATHR, FD or even FPV. Trainees practice S type climbing/descending manoeuvres. They also practice SIDs STARS all pitch and thrust flying. So by the time trainees arrive at FFS stage they are quiet proficient in raw data. But some airlines have their own syllabus which is practiced in procedure trainer or APT to save cost which can only be used in automation. This has very poor results as trainees cannot get handling practice. However with adaption of MPL programme this problem will be overcome as there are 35 sessions in FFS A320 SIM and before that in smaller jet SIM. But I have seen even many experienced pilots are also poor in raw data handling because they never acquired the skill. SFO accident is proof of that. I don't believe it was one off incident. When a fully serviceable aircraft in clear weather is destroyed it is very poor professionalism. Air India express Mangalore accident was because descent was given late and Ex pat capt. with 10000 hrs could not plan his descent and nothing else. So we should not be too harsh on the new comers. After all they did not lower the requirements. It was by the authorities.
Last edited by vilas; 27th Apr 2014 at 07:44.
Reason: addition