The need to train Pilots for the Unexpected
L3Harris’ Training Standards Captain, Peter Tholen:
“The airline training requirements are changing as the aviation world undergoes a major change in light of the improving reliability of modern aircraft and the need to equip our customers with the knowledge, skills and attitude to counter the infinitely variable array of risks that are present in today’s commercial arena.
Trainees for years have been trained to counter a specific threat such as engine failure on take-off at the critical point. Accident/incident analysis shows the training organizations and regulatory authorities that modern pilots need to be equipped so they can confidently and competently deal with the unpredictable, being able to show resilience in the face of the unexpected. The modern cadet still needs to be able to manually fly an aircraft, but is also expected to be able to manage the operation whilst dealing with stresses, distractions and confusing (possibly contradictory) evidence.”
Roll out of UPRT – Changes within Type Rating Instructor courses
Harvey Bolshaw, Training Standards Captain:
“Recent history has shown us that loss of control in flight is currently the greatest threat to an aircraft. The changes being implemented are mainly to address the demand for better pilot training in this area, building resilience in our pilots, in order to prevent an Undesired Aircraft State or jet upset.
Part of my role is to ensure all training courses are kept up to date as the regulations continue to evolve. Part FCL app. 9 recently changed, with changes coming in to force from 20 December 2019. This effects what needs to be trained and checked during a Type Rating or MPL course. Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) has also been regulated to specify what needs to be trained for these courses and the new regulation also specifies the knowledge and abilities an instructor must have to be able to train UPRT. The TRI Course has been updated to ensure it covers this training.
If you ask any instructor, they will probably tell you that the TRI course is the most demanding course they have ever undertaken. The course takes a building block approach, taking you through step-by-step, supported by highly experienced TRI tutors. We recommend all applicants for the course, come and visit us first, where we will discuss the best preparation techniques for each individual, having assessed their knowledge and abilities. The TRI course provides new instructors with the best foundations to develop into the excellent instructors of tomorrow.”
Cadet Preparation for their Career in an Airline
Charlie Bough, MCC and CRM Training Manager:
“One of the major advancements in pilot training in recent times has been the development of the Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL) course. On this type of course, the trainee spends less time training in small, 2 to 4 seater, aircraft and much more time in the simulator of the aircraft they are going to end up on. That is 54 x 4 hour sessions in the A320 simulator vs 12 x 4 hour sessions that would be completed on a more typical Type Rating course. By the end of the MPL course, the airlines find that the trainees are much more comfortable handling the aircraft and have greater confidence and capacity to operate in the airline environment. This tends to allow the trainee to progress through training with the airline much faster.”
Development of the MPL course and its value in preparing Cadets for their Airline Careers
Jeremy Hill, Training Delivery Manager:
“We are currently finishing our development of the new Enhanced MCC to APS (Airline Pilot Standard) which will incorporate Competencies rather than the Non-technical skills Framework or NOTECHS, these are the ICAO competencies by which pilots are assessed when they reach their airline. The course will also address manual handling issues at a much earlier phase, giving trainees more confidence to tackle the more complex problems in the MCC phase. The airline orientated phase of this course will give the trainees an insight into the life within an airline and provide a taste of what they have worked so hard for up until this point. It will stretch them but it should equally be as enjoyable and fulfilling.
Trainees will benefit from understanding how their non-technical skills affect their technical abilities, giving them, and their prospective airline, a pilot who is better prepared and fully understands the importance of the highest standards of Knowledge/Skill and Attitude (KSA). They will understand why they need to work hard together to achieve the standards set and then why they should maintain those KSAs throughout their career.”
Photo Credit: Jan Huber
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