APS MCC: All you need to know

What is the APS MCC?

The APS MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation) is an enhanced version of the MCC course. Besides the pilot competencies acquired in a standard MCC, the APS MCC helps you fit easily in an airline career by easing the transition from light, single-pilot aircraft to a modern, large-size jet cockpit. With it, you will be able to meet the ever-increasing requirements sought by airlines wishing to incorporate young aspiring pilots into their fleet.

Is a standard MCC not enough?

Despite having all the required qualifications (CPL license, ATPL subjects, ME/IR, & standard MCC), about 50% of the recent pilot graduates fail their initial assessments in European airlines. For this reason, a course called JOC (Jet Orientation Course), began to be offered by some schools in an attempt to improve on the skills & competencies of the MCC. The JOC is, however, an unofficial course not based on any EASA regulation, & each training organization can offer it in different lengths & structures. Therefore, it is not recognised by regulators & many operators.

Differences between APS MCC & JOC

Thus, the APS MCC was introduced, with input from airlines & flight schools. Similarly to a JOC course, it offers more comprehensive training, specifically aimed at teaching how to pass an assessment & adapt to an airline work environment. Contrary to a JOC course, it is official, approved by EASA, sought by airlines, & demanded prior to accessing any assessment or interview.

In order to achieve this, the APS MCC doubles the number of simulator hours up to 40 h, instead of 20 of a regular MCC. All the training is performed in a midsize jet (A320) simulator (FSTD) & includes a final assessment, which is not part of a traditional MCC or JOC.

Highlights of the APS MCC course

• 2 hours additional simulator training to fully adapt to the new environment.
• Extensive A320 theory training before the simulator session.
• Computer-Based Training & live distant training to prepare in advance while reducing your logistics costs.
• Advanced FSTD that faithfully replicates the Airbus A320
• Flight instructors with a background in the airline industry
• Additional specific training in key areas needed for airline assessments: Aircraft Systems knowledge & FMS use, Aeroplane Flight Path Management, Normal & Abnormal SOPs, Situational Awareness, Leadership, & Teamwork.

You will learn the basics of Crew Resource Management (CRM) & Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), similarly to an MCC, as well as knowledge specific to swept-wing jets & airline operations, similarly to a JOC. The key pilot competencies you will be taught include communication, problem-solving, decision making, leadership, workload management, flight path management, flight planning, fuel management, or meteorology, among others. Moreover, the APS MCC is recognised by all EASA operators, & some of them already favour them when compared to a regular MCC. For instance, Ryanair considers it “the gold standard for pilot training“.

Can I upgrade to APS MCC from a regular MCC?

Yes. If you already hold an MCC, you can upgrade it to an APS MCC by undertaking this bridge course offered by Quality Fly. This newly launched course allows you to obtain a fully equivalent APS MCC certificate without the need to retake the st&ard MCC, saving both time & money. This course is therefore complementary to the MCC already completed, consisting of 20 simulator hours & additional theory training related to specific A320 systems.

The course requirements are the following:

• Valid ME/IR(A)
• Valid CPL(A)
• EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate
• Level of English equivalent to ICAO Level 4
• MCC certificate (if undertaking the bridge upgrade course)