Alteon Training Testing ICAO Multi-Crew Pilot License

Alteon Training, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, has begun beta testing a multi-crew pilot license (MPL).

ICAO developed MPL, which will rely on an increased use of modern simulation and crew-based training techniques, as an alternative to the traditional approach of training and licensing airline pilots individually through much of the process.

Alteon say it has been working with ICAO, airlines and industry partners to be the first to test this solution that will help address the industry's need for more pilots.  "The world's airlines will need more than 17,000 pilots each year for the next twenty years to fill the seats of the airplanes on order," according to Marsha Bell, Alteon's vice president of first officer programs, who added that there needs to be a better training solution. "Our beta test will explore efficient and effective improvements in pilot training," she said.

Alteon's program is designed to have students work in crews of three, with emphasis on discipline and procedures, including threat and error management (TEM), and line oriented safety audit (LOSA), in every flight lesson as they rotate through traditional captain, first officer and safety officer roles.  MPL would require just 240 hours of total time, 70 hours of which would be in an actual aircraft, and only 10 hours solo.

The beta test is being conducted at the Airline Academy of Australia in Brisbane, which will deliver the core and basic phase of training using Diamond DA-40s, and a DA-40 level-5 flight training device equipped with a Rockwell Collins EP-10 daylight visual system.

China Eastern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, which are participating in the test, helped select the six cadet pilots that began their MPL foundation training in January.  Alteon is arranging with other airlines from the region to submit six additional cadets to start in March.

"Alteon, along with airlines, regulators and other industry observers, will review the results of this beta test and revise the program as necessary," said Ms. Bell. "By sharing and collaborating on data analysis, we hope to further enhance safe and efficient airline operations."

More information regarding MPL can be found on this ICAO Website page. Scroll down to the "Multi-Crew Pilot License" heading.  03-05-2007.

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