Airline training is a complex process that prepares pilots and other crew members to operate commercial aircraft safely and effectively. The length of training varies depending on the role, aircraft type, airline, and country. However, most airline training programs take between 3 months to 2 years to complete depending on the license or certification sought.
Types of Airline Training
There are several main types of airline training:
Initial Training
This provides basic skills and knowledge for new hires. It covers:
– Basic company policies, procedures, systems
– Safety and emergency protocols
– Aviation regulations
– Aircraft systems and instrumentation
– Crew resource management
Initial training may take 1-3 months and include classes, simulations, observation flights, and exams.
Aircraft Type Rating
This teaches pilots to fly a specific aircraft model. It involves:
– Aircraft systems and performance
– Standard operating procedures
-Simulator flight lessons
– Line-oriented flight training
– Checks and exams
Type rating can take 3 weeks to 6 months depending on experience.
Upgrade Training
Required to transition roles or aircraft types. This includes:
– New systems, policies, procedures
– Simulator training
– Observed flights
– Checks and exams
Timeframes range from 2 weeks for captain upgrade to 3-6 months switching aircraft types.
Recurrent Training
Refresher training done annually to maintain credentials. It covers:
– Emergency procedures
– Crew resource management
– Systems and instrumentation
– Maneuvers and simulations
– Checks and exams
Recurrent training is typically 5-7 days per year.
Specialized Training
Additional training for special duties like:
– Instructor pilot
– Check airman
– Flight engineer
– Flight attendant roles
– Airport security
– Dangerous goods handling
Specialized courses range from 2 days to 2 months.
Pilot Training Timeframes
Here are typical timeframes for airline pilots:
Ab Initio Cadets
Some airlines offer ab initio training programs for cadet pilots with no prior aviation experience:
– 1-2 years fixed-wing flight training
– 1-2 years airline training
So ab initio programs take 2-4 years total.
New Hire First Officers
Most major airlines require first officer applicants to have an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), Multi-Engine Rating, and 1,000+ flight hours. With this experience, training may take:
– 1-2 months initial airline training
– 1 month aircraft type rating
– 2-3 months supervised line flying
So expect 3-6 months total.
Upgrading First Officers
After flying as first officer, pilots can upgrade to captain. This requires:
– 1 month upgrade training
– 1 month supervised flights as captain
So captain upgrades take around 2 months.
Transitioning Captains
For captains changing aircraft types:
– 1 month differences training
– 1 month supervised line flying
So 2 months total to transition.
Flight Attendant Training
Here are typical timeframes for flight attendants:
– 2-8 weeks initial training
– 1-2 days annual recurrent training
– 2-4 weeks transition training when changing aircraft
So initial training is 2-8 weeks, recurrent is 1-2 days per year, and transition is 2-4 weeks.
Factors Affecting Training Length
Many factors influence airline training durations including:
Aircraft Complexity
More complex planes like jumbo jets require longer type rating programs. Simpler single-aisle jets need less training.
Individual Ability
Trainees who excel can complete training quicker, while those needing more instruction may take longer.
Prior Experience
Applicants with previous aviation backgrounds like military or corporate flying require less initial preparation.
Regulations
Countries have different training requirements. Programs must comply with regulations which affects timeframes.
Company Policies
Some airlines have standardized curriculums, while others customize programs which impacts durations.
Instructor Availability
Access to instructors, simulators and other resources can lengthen or shorten training.
Training Time By Country
Training requirements also vary significantly by country based on regulations. Here are some examples:
United States
– Air Transport Pilot License requires 1500 flight hours
– Aircraft type ratings average 3-4 weeks
– Recurrent training minimum 7 days annually
Europe
– Commercial Pilot License requires 200 hours
– Additional 1500 hours for ATP
– Type ratings average 4-6 weeks
– Recurrent is 6 days annually
China
– Commercial certificate at 150 hours
– ATP requires 1000 hours total
– 320 hours of instruction for type rating
– 7 days recurrent training required
India
– Commercial Pilot License at 200 flight hours
– Additional 250 hours for ATP
– Type rating 300 hours classroom, 240 hours simulator
– Recurrent training 5 days annually
So there are major differences in license and rating requirements between countries.
Typical Airline Training Curriculum
While exact curriculums vary, here is an overview of a typical airline training program:
Orientation (1-2 weeks)
– Company history, policies, culture
– Aviation regulations and law
– Emergency procedures
– Security and health safety
Systems and Procedures (2-4 weeks)
– Aircraft systems, performance, limitations
– Instruments, navigation, flight planning
– Standard operating procedures
– Airline communications
Simulation Training (4-12 weeks)
– Cockpit familiarization
– Normal and emergency maneuvers
– Crew coordination drills
– Line-oriented flight scenarios
Supervised Line Flying (4-8 weeks)
– Preflight planning and briefings
– Observed flights with instructors
– Post-flight debriefs and evaluations
– Gradually increasing responsibility
Checks and Tests
– Oral exams on procedures and systems
– Simulation checks
– Aircraft flight checks
– Line checks on normal and abnormal operations
Differences Training (1-4 weeks*)
– Required when transitioning aircraft types
– New systems, procedures, maneuvers
– Simulator and check flights
*Length depends on complexity of the aircraft
Recurrent Training (5-7 days annually)
– Emergency procedure review
– New policy, security, regulatory updates
– Simulator proficiency training
– Check rides to confirm competency
This represents a general sequence for major airline training programs.
What Training is Required for Airline Pilots
Here are key licenses and certifications required by most major airlines:
– Commercial Pilot License
– Instrument Rating
– Multi-Engine Rating
– Airline Transport Pilot License
– Aircraft Type Rating
– First Officer Training and Checks
– Upgrade Training to Captain
– Recurrent Training and Checks
In total, expect 1500-3000 flight hours before operating airline flights, along with extensive classroom and simulator instruction over 1-2 years.
Conclusion
While training programs vary around the world, most major airlines provide 1-2 years of intensive training for pilots and just a few weeks for flight attendants. Programs are tailored for each aircraft type and must meet strict regulatory requirements. Airline training is an extensive process with continual recurrent training required annually. The end result is highly skilled aviation professionals delivering safe and comfortable air transportation globally.