Summary
- Present recommendations do not clearly specify training or previous experience in multi-pilot operations before the issue of a type rating on a multi-pilot CS25 transport category aeroplane: an applicant may only hold a CPL as single pilot.
- AMFTA recommends multi-crew training and competencies as mandatory prerequisites before commercial aircraft type rating training.
- Candidates can demonstrate multi-crew skills through MCC training, APS MCC training, or previous type rating training and operational experience in a multi-crew aircraft.
- Seven ICAO competencies are targeted: WLM, PSD, KNO, PRO, SAW, COM and LTW (ICAO Doc 9868).
- All AMFTA members have made this prerequisite mandatory in their manufacturer training prerequisites. Trainees without MCC competency receive a Multi-Crew training module at the beginning of the type rating.
AMFTA Recommendation 202409.01 recommends that pilots demonstrate multi-crew skills as a prerequisite for the commencement of a type rating on a multi-pilot CS25 transport category aeroplane. Published in September 2024 and addressed to civil aviation authorities worldwide, it follows the Twin Engine Training Recommendation 200303.01 in setting minimum prerequisites before type rating training.
Context
Present recommendations do not clearly specify specific training or previous experience for multi-pilot operations before the issue of a type rating on a multi-pilot CS25 transport category aeroplane. Consequently, the applicant may only hold a CPL as single pilot before undergoing a type rating course on CS25 aircraft.
Problem statement
Lack of exposure to multi-crew training and experience could lead to an impact on safe flight operations, with consequences such as a lack of basic knowledge on multi-crew operations, human factors, workload management and communication.
Objectives
Implement multi-crew training and competencies as mandatory prerequisites prior to commercial aircraft type rating training, and develop and train commercial airline pilots according to the following skills, as recommended by ICAO:
| Code | Skill |
|---|---|
| COM | Communicate through appropriate means in the operational environment, in both normal and abnormal operations |
| SAW | Perceive, comprehend and manage information and anticipate its effect on the operation |
| PSD | Enhance the implementation of sound judgement and airmanship in commercial operations |
| WLM | Maintain available workload capacity by prioritising and distributing tasks using appropriate resources |
| LTW | Influence others to contribute to a shared purpose; collaborate to accomplish the goal of the team |
| PRO | Identify and apply appropriate procedures in accordance with published operating instructions and applicable regulations |
ICAO competencies targeted
The recommendation targets seven of the ICAO pilot competencies referenced in ICAO Doc 9868:
- WLM
- PSD
- KNO
- PRO
- SAW
- COM
- LTW
WLM: Workload management. PSD: Problem solving and decision making. KNO: Application of knowledge. PRO: Application of procedures and compliance with regulations. SAW: Situational awareness. COM: Communication. LTW: Leadership and teamwork.
Aircraft manufacturers recommendations
To uphold the high standards of safety and efficiency in multi-pilot operations of CS25 transport category aeroplanes, AMFTA considers it crucial to establish foundational competencies among candidates before they engage in type rating training, and proposes a structured approach to guarantee that all candidates possess the necessary multi-crew skills for effective training delivery.
1. Acquisition of multi-crew skills
Before type rating training: candidates must demonstrate specific multi-crew operational skills as a prerequisite to beginning their type rating course. This ensures that trainees possess essential teamwork and communication skills required for a multi-pilot environment.
Methods for demonstrating compliance: candidates can fulfil this prerequisite through one of the following avenues, acknowledged by aircraft manufacturers as meeting or exceeding required competency levels:
- Completion of Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) training
- Completion of Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS MCC) training
- Previous type rating training and operational experience in a multi-crew aircraft
2. Advocacy at regulatory levels
- ICAO level: AMFTA advocates for ICAO to endorse the prerequisite of acquiring multi-crew skills before initiating the type rating course for pilots of multi-pilot CS25 transport category aeroplanes.
- National authority level: AMFTA strongly recommends national aviation authorities to mandate that applicants demonstrate these multi-crew skills as a condition for enrolment in type rating courses.
This framework not only aligns with EASA standards (APS or MCC) but also promotes a globally consistent level of pilot training quality, significantly enhancing the safety and operational readiness of airline operations.
Aircraft manufacturers implementation
The recommendation is implemented as a prerequisite for advanced training by Aircraft Manufacturers Flight Training Association members, with a specific module based on EASA MCC for each student pilot who does not meet this prerequisite.
This additional training module refers to the Multi-Crew Training course for aeroplanes detailed in EASA AMC1 FCL.735.A, designed to give pilot trainees a broad spectrum of competencies for efficient and effective operation within a multi-crew environment. It should cover at least the following training objectives:
- Effective communication: exchanging information succinctly and accurately with other crew members and air traffic control, with mastery of both verbal and non-verbal communication techniques.
- Situational awareness: continuously monitoring and comprehending the aircraft's environment and operational status, to foresee and manage potential flight safety challenges.
- Decision making and problem solving: evaluating situations swiftly and making informed decisions, particularly in unexpected or emergency circumstances.
- Teamwork and leadership: collaborating, delegating responsibilities and supporting one another to enhance flight safety and operational efficiency.
- Management of aircraft systems and procedures: high proficiency in managing the aircraft's systems and adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs), including abnormal and emergency scenarios.
- Adaptability and flexibility: responding to changing situations and managing the dynamics within a multi-crew cockpit.
- Professionalism and work ethic: responsibility, integrity and a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement.
- Crew Resource Management (CRM): using all available resources (human, hardware, information) for safe and efficient flight operations.
- Operational procedures compliance: adhering to legal, operational and procedural requirements, in line with regulatory standards.
- Risk management and safety awareness: identifying, assessing and mitigating risks, promoting a culture of safety awareness and precaution.
The overarching aim is to ready pilots for the demands of contemporary commercial aviation, with a strong emphasis on safety, efficiency and collaborative teamwork. For reference purposes only, the PDF includes an extract of the EASA MCC regulation.
Roadmap
The recommendation states that all aircraft manufacturers will have implemented it by end 2024.
AMFTA members support the recommendation
- Implementation of upgrade modules for candidates who do not meet the requisites
- Implementation letter to authorities and ICAO to advocate the necessity of such measures
All AMFTA members have decided to implement this prerequisite as mandatory in the manufacturer training prerequisites. For trainees who do not have MCC competency, a Multi-Crew training module will be incorporated at the beginning of the type rating.
Irrespective of the AMFTA members' decision, AMFTA recommends that this prerequisite becomes a mandatory and integral part of the national regulations for all FTOs and ATOs within each authority's jurisdiction.
AMFTA members are Airbus, Boeing and Embraer, each represented by its Head of Training or a designated representative.
Disclaimer
The AMFTA is an independent, non-profit organisation and publishes these recommendations addressed to the civil aviation authorities worldwide, for the general information of the public only (the "Recommendations"). The Recommendations are non-binding. Their content shall not be reproduced without the prior written consent of the AMFTA. The AMFTA and/or any of its members, directors, officers, employees, shall not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to the use of the Recommendations published.