Multi-Crew Pilot License

Policy Statement

The new Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL), if applied correctly, could - in theory - produce qualified new hire first officer for the airlines in less time than is currently required. However, applied incorrectly in response to cost or time pressures to respond to the current pilot shortage, it could have a detrimental impact on flight safety. Improper application could also erode current, proven training standards.

Only a well-devised MPL scheme with sufficient oversight by pilot groups, industry and regulators that is introduced gradually over a 5 - 10 year period by progressively reducing the required hours will ensure that there is no compromise of safety.

ACPA will contribute ideas and expertise but will only give its support when we are convinced that MPL will assure a greater safety margin for passengers, crew and the general public.

Situation

  • Global pilot shortage estimates of 30,000 per year over next decade or two. (Source: Boeing)
  • "Boeing predicts that the total number of planes used by airlines around the world will more than double by 2025, to 35,970. To keep pace, Darby estimates airlines will need to hire more than 210,000 pilots globally, more than double the number currently working." - Chicago Tribune, February 4, 2007
  • The International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Amendment 167 to Annex 1 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation and supporting Procedures for Air Navigation Services - Training (PANS-TRG) will establish a new flight crew license called the Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL), which took effect on 23 November 2006. 
  • This new grade of certificate is the result of work by ICAO's Flight Crew Licensing and Training Panel (FCLTP). Individual countries will incorporate the MPL into their individual licensing structure as they find necessary. Upon completion of the MPL training program, the candidate will be licensed to act as a first officer in commercial air carrier operations, and will possess an instrument rating for multi-crew operations and an aircraft type rating.
  • The ICAO amendment for the MPL allows for the development of an alternative pilot training program over those found in traditional licensing methodologies. The goal of MPL training is to train candidates with no prior aircraft flight experience to be competent flight crew members in today's commercial aviation environment.
  • The MPL training program uses a competency-based approach in lieu of the "required hours" approach utilized in traditional training methodologies. In addition to training a candidate in basic flying skills, MPL training maximizes the use of two-pilot airplanes, simulators, and flight training devices to train candidates for airline entry proficiency on turbine powered aircraft, and establish a foundation in crew concepts such as Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Threat and Error Management (TEM).
  • The minimum experience that an MPL holder will be required to have is 240 hours total time, rather than 1,000 hours, which may be obtained in either an aircraft or a simulator.