India is exploring a significant change in pilot training that would prioritize flight simulators over actual aircraft hours, aiming to tackle a growing shortage of airline crew as the aviation sector expands rapidly. A government-appointed panel has proposed introducing the Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL), an alternative training pathway already used in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Proposed Training Changes
The proposal, detailed in an unpublished draft report dated June 3, suggests that trainee pilots under the MPL system would complete between 100 and 120 hours in training aircraft, including at least 20 hours of solo flying. This is a reduction from the current Indian regulation requiring a minimum of 200 hours of flying time for traditional training routes. The remaining practical instruction would be conducted in advanced commercial jet simulators.
Addressing Crew Shortage
The alternative route could shorten the training timeline for cadets while maintaining safety standards, according to the draft report. Airlines in India are expanding fleets and increasing operations, creating a need for a more predictable pipeline of airline-ready pilots. The panel behind the proposal was headed by a senior official of India's aviation regulator and included representatives from IndiGo, Air India, and flight-training organizations.
Next Steps
Airlines have been invited to submit feedback before a final report is presented to aviation authorities. The proposed MPL system is seen as a way to streamline training and address the crew shortage without compromising safety.
