All you need to know about the multi-crew pilots licence By Senior First Officer Dale Mudie Chairman, BALPA nextGen S ince its inception in 2006, the multi-crew pilots licence (MPL) has been a confusing concept for the industry. The idea was to focus on the key skills required to operate a modern commercial airliner, rather than overall flight hours. However, flight schools appear to love it, airlines are hesitant about it, and pilots dont really understand it. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, BALPA has been receiving more and more queries from pilots and students concerned about the status of their MPL. In short, a student cannot apply for the initial issue of an MPL until they have passed both type rating and base training two stages beyond when a traditional CPL/ME-IR student can apply for their licence. This means that, should the airline to which you have been tagged go bust or rescind your offer of employment, you are left with nothing. We spoke to one ex-Flybe cadet about his experience. I was two events away from completing my [MPL] licence when the news came of Flybe going into administration. LST and base training were the last two events due to take place in the same week as the airline went into administration. Now, after spending close to 100,000 and completing 98% of the type rating, I still have no licence to show for it. Here I am, left contemplating whether its the MPL structure, coronavirus or simply bad luck that has led to this situation I find myself in. BALPA is supporting this individual, and many others like him. However, we are calling on the CAA and/or ICAO to make drastic changes to the MPL process to avoid others having to go through this harrowing experience. We also urge those who are considering starting training to avoid MPL schemes, and those who are currently on an MPL scheme, to discuss with their flighttraining providers their options for transferring to a CPL/ME-IR course. If youve had a similar experience with an MPL scheme, or are concerned about the one that you are on, the BALPA nextGen committee wants to hear from you. Email us at nextgenenquiries@balpa.org TAI LWI N D Confused? You might be