A Multi-pilot licence (MPL) will allow you to act as a co-pilot in an aeroplane required to be operated with a co-pilot for commercial air transport.
Unlike with a CPL, an MPL does not include PPL privileges. As such, an MPL holder cannot fly recreationally.
The MPL also only includes instrument rating privileges for multi-pilot operations.
If you hold an MPL, you can extend the privileges to include PPL(A), CPL(A) or single pilot IR, if additional training is completed.
The full privileges and conditions are detailed in FCL.405.A of the UK Aircrew Regulation.
Requirements
- You will need to be at least 18 years old.
- You will need to complete a training course of theoretical knowledge and flight instruction at an approved training organisation (ATO).
- You will need to hold a valid UK FRTOL or have qualified for the issue of a UK FRTOL prior to attempting the MPL Skill Test and IR Skill Test.
- There is information available for applicants on flight radio telephony operator licence's and language proficiency examinations.
- You will also need to pass examinations to demonstrate the same level of theoretical knowledge as that of a holder of an ATPL(A) and of a multi-pilot type rating.
Skill test
You will need to demonstrate through ongoing assessment the skills required to fulfil the MPL training course requirements as the pilot flying the aircraft, and as the monitoring pilot. This must be done in a multi-engine turbine powered multi-pilot aeroplane under VFR and IFR.
At the end of your course, you will also need to pass a skill test to demonstrate that you can perform the relevant procedures and manoeuvres at an appropriate level. You will need to take the test on the same aeroplane type as used in the later stages of your integrated MPL course or in a full flight simulator representing the same type.
You will then need to complete the required base training.
Training
MPL (A) integrated training
The aim of the integrated MPL training course is to obtain a multi-pilot licence (MPL) and be trained to the level necessary to operate as co-pilot in a multi-engine, multi-pilot, turbine-powered commercial air transport aeroplane under visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR).
There are no pre-requisites for this course.
Where to complete the MPL
MPL training will be undertaken at an approved ATO that is part of, or has a specific arrangement in place with, a commercial air transport. Your licence will be restricted to that specific operator until you complete the airline operator's conversion course.
You will complete all the instructional stages in one continuous course at an ATO, which will be competency-based and carried out in a multi-crew operational environment.
This will include:
- Theoretical knowledge instruction to the ATPL(A) knowledge level
- Visual and instrument flying training
- Training in MCC for the operation of multi-pilot aeroplanes, including UPRT
- Type rating training
If you fail or are unable to complete the course you and your ATO need to contact us via fclweb@caa.co.uk.
Theoretical
Theoretical knowledge training
The course will include 750 hours of instruction to ATPL(A) level plus the hours for the type rating you are applying for.
Theoretical knowledge examinations
The theoretical knowledge areas include:
- Air law
- Aircraft general knowledge - airframe/systems/powerplant
- Aircraft general knowledge - instrumentation
- Mass and balance
- Performance
- Flight planning and monitoring
- Human performance
- Meteorology
- General navigation
- Radio navigation
- Operational procedures
- Principles of flight
- Visual flight rules (VFR) communications
- Instrument flight rules (IFR) communications
Flying
The flying training will include at least 240 hours, including Pilot Flying and Pilot Not Flying hours, in both an aeroplane and a simulator, and the MCC requirements, and will cover the following:
Phase 1 - Core flying skills
Specific basic single-pilot training
Phase 2 - Basic
Introduction of multi-crew operations and instrument flight
Phase 3 - Intermediate
Application of multi-crew operations to a multi-engine turbine aeroplane certified as a high-performance aeroplane.
Phase 4 - Advanced
Type rating training within an airline environment
Flight experience not completed in a simulator will include:
- the requirements for any type rating you need
- upset recovery training
- night flying
- flight solely by reference to instruments
- the experience required to achieve the relevant airmanship.
You will be given training in asymmetric flight in an aeroplane or a suitable simulator.
Each phase will include both instruction in the underpinning knowledge and practical training. Your course syllabus and progress will be assessed throughout to ensure that the course is relevant and that you learn the essential skills.
The training course must include at least 12 take-offs and landings, performed under the supervision of your instructor in the same aeroplane that you are completing the type rating for.
EASA licence holders
Please refer to the following webpage for information on how to convert an EASA MPL to a UK Part-FCL MPL: Third Country CPL and ATPL licence conversion requirements from 1 January 2023
How to apply
You will need to hold a valid English Language Proficiency and a valid Class 1 UK Part-MED Medical certificate held on our database.
When you are ready to apply, you will need to complete our online application form SRG1183.
As part of the application, you will be required to upload the following supporting documents:
- Proof of your ID
(This can be a certified copy of your valid passport/full UK photographic driving licence, or a close-up photo of you holding your ID in which your face and ID are clearly visible). - Course Completion Certification CAA5005
- Evidence of Advanced UPRT (such as a course completion certificate or logbook pages)
- A copy of your Examiner Report form (SRG2199)
- If you already hold a Flight Crew Licence, a copy of your licence
If you already hold an EASA licence with another authority (such as a PPL), you will also need to complete the online application for a Third Country Verification (SRG2142).
How to get copies of your documents certified
Schools and training
Please ensure that your training provider is approved to conduct the training that you are undertaking.
We strongly recommend you check that your instructor and examiner hold the relevant privileges to conduct the training and any flight test, examination or assessment of competence that is being carried out.
How to find a UK examiner or UK approved school
- UK ATOs are listed in Standards Document 31
- List of Declared Training Organisations
- UK examiners
EASA ratings list and flight simulators
Please ensure that your training provider is approved to conduct the training that you are undertaking.
We strongly recommend you check that your instructor and examiner hold the relevant privileges to conduct the training and any flight test, examination or assessment of competence that is being carried out.
UK Part-FCL approved examiners, training organisations and flight simulators:
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