Introduction to Pilot Podcast EP73

➤ Cadet and Conventional Pilot Program
➤ Variable Cost of Pilot Training India vs Abroad
➤ MPL (Multi Crew Pilot License) vs CPL
➤ Advantages and Disadvantages of MPL vs CPL
➤ On-Demand ATPL Exams
➤ Reason for Removal of ATPL Viva
➤ All India Toppers for DGCA Exams
➤ Best Method to Study for DGCA Exams
➤ A Day in the Life of a CNTAA Student
➤ What is the Primary Reason for Medical Unfitness?
➤ Study Material for DGCA Exams
➤ Environment at CNTAA – The Pilot Ground School for Aspiring Pilots
Watch Full Podcast EP 73

Key Points

  • MPL vs CPL basics

    CPL is the traditional pathway with ~200 hours of actual aircraft time before type rating; MPL blends limited real flying (about 70 hours) with extensive airline-specific simulator training (roughly 140–160 hours) leading directly to multi-crew airline ops on a specific type.​​

  • Career flexibility and constraints

    CPL offers broad flexibility across general aviation, charters, and varied types; MPL ties you to multi-crew airline operations on the designated type and airline, limiting transfers until higher experience/ATPL milestones are met.

  • Rationale for MPL in India


    DGCA convened an expert panel to study MPL implementation amid rapid fleet growth and a projected pilot need, aiming to accelerate cockpit readiness and align training with airline operations while keeping CPL and MPL concurrent if approved.

  • Training infrastructure implications

    MPL’s heavy simulator reliance requires robust full‑flight simulator capacity and airline–ATO partnerships; India would need added sim slots given existing demand from airline training and CPL conversions.

  • Exam reforms in discussion


    Proposals include making ATPL exams on‑demand and removing the ATPL viva to speed CPL-to-ATPL progression and relieve captain shortages; details remain proposed and subject to DGCA decisions.

  • Cost and timeline contours


    Total spend for MPL vs CPL can be similar, but cash-flow patterns differ; abroad training costs vary with currency and lesson competency, while Indian per-hour rates are more predictable but can change with payment timing and fuel prices.

Podcast Summary

The episode explains how India’s DGCA is evaluating MPL as an additional pathway alongside CPL to meet rising pilot demand, contrasting CPL’s ~200-hour aircraft experience plus later type rating with MPL’s airline‑led, simulator‑heavy route focused on a single aircraft type and multi‑crew operations from the outset. The hosts outline trade‑offs: MPL can accelerate airline seat readiness but reduces flexibility and increases reliance on simulator infrastructure, while CPL preserves broader flying options and portability; parallel policy moves like on‑demand ATPL and viva removal aim to ease captain shortages by speeding upgrades.


Conclusion

For aspirants prioritizing flexibility, broader PIC experience, and optionality across roles, CPL remains the safer, portable path; for those with a firm airline/type target and a tolerance for tighter commitments, MPL could be a faster lane once frameworks, sim capacity, and airline slots align. Expect MPL to run alongside CPL if adopted, with exam process updates potentially shortening CPL‑to‑ATPL timelines and relieving command bottlenecks across airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What’s the core difference between MPL and CPL?

    CPL requires ~200 flight hours on training aircraft before type rating; MPL integrates about 70 aircraft hours with 140–160 full‑flight simulator hours on the airline’s target type, funneling directly to multi‑crew airline ops.

  • Will MPL replace CPL in India?

    Current reporting indicates DGCA is studying MPL and may run it alongside CPL, not as a sole pathway, pending committee recommendations and regulatory adoption.​​

  • Is MPL recognized globally?

    Adoption is mixed: EASA/UK/China recognize MPL with conditions; FAA does not, affecting portability if planning US careers or conversions.

  • Does MPL limit career options?

    Yes; holders are restricted to multi‑crew airline operations on the trained type and may face constraints moving airlines/types until completing further milestones (e.g., ATPL).

  • Why consider MPL now?

    India’s projected fleet additions and pilot needs are driving interest in faster, airline‑aligned training, provided simulator capacity and partnerships scale appropriately.

  • Are DGCA exams changing?

    Proposals (not final) include on‑demand ATPL exams and removing vivas, which would speed FO upgrades and address captain shortages; watch DGCA updates for implementation.