Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a commercial airline pilot? This blog post is here to guide you through the Airline Qualification Course (AQC), giving you insights into what it entails and how to prepare effectively to succeed in your journey to becoming a commercial pilot.
This post is part of our comprehensive guide on How to Become a Commercial Pilot. Throughout this guide, you’ll discover a wealth of information about selecting the right flight school, various pilot training paths, passing assessment tests, and much more.
What Is The Pilot Airline Qualification Course?
At this point in your aviation journey, you’re on the brink of becoming eligible to join an airline, but there’s one crucial step to tackle first: obtaining your MCC (multi-crew cooperation) Airline Qualification Certificate.
You might discover that your chosen flight training organization (FTO) doesn’t include the AQC course as part of their curriculum. In such cases, you may be directed to another FTO to complete this phase of your pilot training.
The AQC typically kicks off with a week of ground school. During this time, you’ll delve into topics like crew cooperation and the non-technical skills necessary for working in a multi-cockpit environment. This marks your first experience working alongside another pilot in the cockpit, operating a two-pilot aircraft.
The course can be demanding, as it introduces you to a set of SOPs (standard operating procedures). Since you’re now working in collaboration with another pilot, adhering to these SOPs becomes paramount. These procedures ensure that both pilots have a shared understanding of what’s happening in the cockpit.
Furthermore, you may find yourself in a situation where you’re working with a co-pilot whose first language isn’t English. Therefore, maintaining compliance with established procedures, standard calls, language, and phraseology becomes crucial to ensure clear communication and understanding among the entire flight crew.
When you finish the AQC (which stands for Airline Qualification Course), you’ll get important skills and get closer to your dream of becoming a commercial pilot. This course teaches you what you need to know to work safely in the cockpit of a big airplane for a commercial airline. It’s a big part of your journey to becoming a pilot in the aviation world.
What Is The Pilot Airline Qualification Course?
The Pilot Airline Qualification Course, also known as the MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation) Airline Qualification Certificate, is a crucial step for people who want to become airline pilots. It’s the last part of their training before they can work for an airline. But not all flight schools provide this course, so you might have to go to a different one to take it.
The MCC course usually starts with a week of classroom learning. In this phase, you’ll study how to work together with other pilots and develop the skills needed when flying with a co-pilot. It’s the first time you’ll share the cockpit with another pilot and operate an aircraft designed for two pilots.
This course can be tough. It’s the first time you’ll learn about Standard Operating Procedures or SOPs. Because you’re working with another pilot, it’s super important to follow these procedures very precisely. Why? Well, it’s all about making sure both pilots understand what’s happening in the same way. These SOPs keep things consistent and help prevent any confusion.
Additionally, there’s a chance that you might work with a pilot who doesn’t speak English as their first language. To make sure everyone can communicate clearly, it’s essential to stick to the standard words, language, and phrases that are explained in the procedures. This way, everyone in the cockpit can understand each other, which is really important for safe and efficient flights.
The Best Way To Pass The AQC And Airline Pilot Training
The Airline Qualification Course (AQC) is a demanding phase of pilot training, and it can be quite intense. During this period, you need to focus on your training, putting other aspects of your life on hold for a few weeks to excel in the course.
AQC is crucial because it can significantly impact how quickly you receive job offers from airlines and the kinds of airlines that consider you. So, it’s essential to use your time wisely.
To prepare for AQC, having a large cardboard model of a cockpit, often called a ‘bomber,’ can be very helpful. This tool helps you gain a better understanding of the simulator, including the aircraft systems, switches, and dials. It’s like getting to know the stage if you’re an actor.
Collaborating with your AQC partner to practice standard operating procedures is an excellent way to prepare. While some are fortunate to train with friends, most people will work with someone they’ve never met before. Building a professional working relationship and understanding each other’s behavior in the cockpit is vital in such cases.