QUALIFICATION OVERVIEW
The MPL(A) is the Multi-Crew Pilot Licence for aeroplanes. It is designed specifically for pilots trained from the beginning to operate as co-pilot in multi-pilot airline operations.
Unlike the modular CPL(A) route, the MPL(A) is a continuous, competency-based course delivered by an approved training organisation that is part of, or has a specific arrangement with, a commercial air transport operator.
ENTRY AND COMPLETION PROFILE
TYPE OF FLIGHT
Built around co-pilot duties in aeroplanes that are required to be operated with more than one pilot.
MINIMUM AGE
The applicant must be at least 18 before the MPL(A) can be issued by the competent authority.
EDUCATION REQUIRED
Entry normally involves airline or academy selection, maths, physics, English, aptitude testing and interview assessment.
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
A valid Class 1 medical certificate is essential before starting this type of professional airline training.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
The MPL integrated course is designed for ab-initio applicants and is not a normal modular add-on after PPL or CPL.
ESTIMATED DURANTION
The real duration depends on the airline programme, simulator availability, aircraft type and operator scheduling.
COMPLETE ESTIMATED COST
Costs vary widely because MPL courses are usually linked to an airline, bond, sponsorship model or cadet scheme.
PREVIOUS LICENCE REQUIRED
The route is intended to take a selected candidate from little or no flying experience to an MPL and type-rating environment.
FINAL RESULT OBTAINED
Allows the holder to act as co-pilot in aeroplanes required to be operated with a co-pilot, subject to type rating, medical, recency and operator requirements.
TRAINING ROUTES
The MPL(A) is not normally obtained through a modular route. It is an integrated, competency-based airline training programme built around multi-crew operations from the beginning.
MPL INTEGRATED ROUTE
The course must be completed in one continuous programme at an ATO that is part of, or has a specific arrangement with, a commercial air transport operator.
NOT A MODULAR ROUTE
The MPL(A) is not ideal for students who want to collect licences step by step, change schools freely, or keep several career options open during training.
STANDARD ROUTE
The exact sequence depends on the approved course and airline partner, but most MPL programmes follow this logic.
01
The candidate usually enters through a cadet programme, airline selection process or training organisation linked to a commercial air transport operator.
02
Selection normally includes aptitude testing, English assessment, technical reasoning, group exercises and interviews.
03
The MPL(A) requires theoretical knowledge appropriate to ATPL(A) level and to the relevant multi-pilot type rating.
04
The student develops basic aircraft handling and single-pilot flying foundations in an aeroplane.
05
The programme introduces multi-crew concepts, standard operating procedures, instrument flying, crew communication and threat-and-error management.
06
The student builds competence in multi-crew IFR operations, pilot flying and pilot monitoring roles, abnormal procedures and airline decision-making.
07
The final phase is normally conducted in a full flight simulator representing the aircraft type used in the advanced phase.
08
The student is assessed against MPL competency units and must pass the final skill test on the relevant aircraft type or representative full flight simulator.
09
After licence issue and type rating, the pilot normally completes operator conversion, supervised line flying and company training.
THEORICAL KNOWLEDGE
The MPL(A) requires theoretical knowledge at ATPL(A) level, plus instruction for the relevant multi-pilot type rating and UPRT elements.
010
Regulations, rules of the air, operational responsibilities, airspace, ATS procedures and airline operating framework.
021
Airframes, powerplants, electrics, hydraulics, pneumatics, flight controls, pressurisation and aircraft systems.
022
Flight instruments, electronic displays, automation, flight directors, autopilot systems and instrument limitations.
031
Loading, centre of gravity, load sheets, trim, stability and operational consequences of incorrect mass distribution.
032
Take-off, climb, cruise, landing, obstacle clearance, engine failure performance and airline safety margins.
033
Route planning, fuel, alternates, operational flight plans, monitoring, contingencies and dispatch-style decision-making.
040
Physiology, psychology, CRM, fatigue, workload, leadership, communication and multi-crew decision-making.
050
Weather theory, reports, forecasts, icing, turbulence, thunderstorms, jet streams and operational weather risk management.
061
Charts, tracks, headings, flight logs, wind correction, time and distance calculations and navigation principles.
062
Radio aids, GNSS, VOR, DME, NDB, PBN concepts, instrument procedures and navigation system limitations.
070
Normal, abnormal and emergency procedures, SOPs, wake turbulence, low-visibility operations and safety management.
081
Aerodynamics, stability, high-speed effects, stalls, swept-wing behaviour, controls and flight-envelope management.
090
IFR and VFR radiotelephony, standard phraseology, emergency communication and disciplined ATC interaction.
100
Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes: problem-solving, teamwork, communication, workload management and professional behaviour.
PRIVILEDGE AND LIMITATIONS
The core privilege of the MPL(A) is to act as co-pilot in an aeroplane required to be operated with a co-pilot.
CLASS OR TYPE RATING
The MPL(A) course includes type-rating training for the multi-pilot turbine aeroplane used in the advanced phase of the programme.
The type rating has its own validity and revalidation requirements. The MPL licence does not remove the need to keep the type rating, medical certificate, recency and operator training current.
VALIDITY AND RECENCY
The MPL(A) licence itself is not normally treated like a type rating with a fixed expiry date. The ability to use it depends on holding a valid aircraft type rating, a valid Class 1 medical, language proficiency where applicable, recent experience and operator training compliance.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
PROGRAMME-DEPENDENT
MPL costs depend on the airline, ATO, country, aircraft type, simulator package, sponsorship model, bond conditions and whether employment or line training is included.
DIFFICULTY ESTIMATE
The MPL(A) is demanding because it combines ATPL-level theory, competency-based assessment, simulator performance, SOP discipline, crew coordination and airline-style decision-making from an early stage.
out of 5 ยท Airline-focused
REGULATORY BASIS
Last reviewed:ย 8 July 2026
This page is based on the EASA Easy Access Rules for Aircrew, Part-FCL provisions for LAPL, including FCL.100, FCL.105.A, FCL.110.A and FCL.140.A. National authority procedures, examination systems and fees can vary.