To do APS MCC or not?

[twinotterifr]

Hello everyone,

As the title says, I have been interested in doing an APS MCC course for a while now even though i have already possess a basic MCC. The reason being, I was led to believe that enrolling in an APS MCC program further extends the knowledge and learning curve of a multi-crew and multi-engine aircraft operations within an airline environment setting. I like that the program is more extensive in that it is regulated by EASA with a final assessment, moreover prepares you with a polished foundation for type rating. Furthermore I have an interview with an airline in the future which is also the main reason for my interest in this course, as i would like to be as best prepared as i can. I've read that individuals are better prepared for assessments upon completion.

However, some doubts which surfaced recently about this program is that i realized the program is relatively new and that most people enrolling in this course, do so specifically to get into Ryanair (After all the RYR mentored programme is the largest influence for the advent/introduction of this course, apparently). Is the APS MCC program recognized by other airlines and regions in the world, or is it only recognized predominantly in the EU? Do employers recognize the advantage of this program? would doing the program on another type i.e. a320 prove to be as beneficial compared to the popular 737 counterpart?

t the end of the day i would like to know if it is really worth the investment or whether my basic MCC experience is sufficient. Would the benefits that i think i would get from this program outweigh the potential cost and cost opportunities of doing another program or even saving up for a type rating instead?

Your overall opinions towards this program and suggestions are highly appreciated. thanks in advance.

[rudestuff]

I've always thought it was more about making money for flight/simulator schools. Would you rather do an MCC/APS or the new MCC/APS(A) ?

[Fixedgear]

Ryanair is the only operator that cares about the APS because they make money out of it through their contracted ATO's. They are pushing the narrative that it would give you a higher chance of getting employed by them though only a fraction of the new RYR P2F cadets did the APS MCC. The vast majority of the new P2F cadets did the normal MCC.

All other operators do not give a toss about the APS MCC and possibly have not even heard of it.

[CAT3C AUTOLAND]

I must admit I am not sure about costs, but some operators do offer APS upgrade courses.

I have been involved with teaching the APS course for the last year, and one thing I would say, is the content of the course is a lot more relevant to the modern airline environment than the previous course, and of course it is regulated by the CAA.

Another advantage, is the course is designed and run in the same manner on how the airlines train, i.e. competency based training and its purpose is to develop skills in all the competencies to a competent standard. When cadets come through the process, if they dont achieve the required standard they won't be awarded the APS certificate. Therefore, for comments to be made about the airlines dont 'give a toss' on what you have, I would have to disagree, as having this qualification says something the standard you have achieved. As for airlines that have never heard of it, well any competent airline who is recruiting and familiar with Part FCL and licensing will be familiar with FCL.735.A which is where the APS course details can be found.

Regarding assessments with the airlines, as above, because the student pilot has been subjected to the competency based training framework, I believe the skill that would be been developed would be an advantage when being assessed in an airline.

Hope that helps.

All the best with what you decide.

[Jamie2009]

I had a similar choice a few years ago, virtual aviation for 6k or CRM Europe for 2k. I went for CRM and although I couldn’t fault the MCC training I would have been better prepared for my Jet2 sim which I failed. Quite a step up from a very basic sim to a 757 FFS - 40 hrs of 737 fixed base would have prepared me better. I believe CRM have now upgraded their sim.