Expert: Ismar Avdic, Eng. - 4/9/2009

Question
QUESTION:  am considering the new MPL for flight training at Alpha Aviation Academy UAE (partnered with air arabia) where I'll get more than 40 sectors on the A320, can you give me your impression/thoughts/advice about such a training Program?

ANSWER: I have heard about Alpha academy and their contract with Air Arabia from their web site. However I do not have any info about their program A320 with 40 sectors. What thjose sectors really mean? is that 40 areas of coverage? Check with them if the program, when you complete include type rating in A320 or not.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, I just got back from Alpha Aviation Academy, they told me that in order to get the MPL, I must get a type rating on a Transport Jet + 12 Takeoffs & Landings (actual flying in an A320) so they must provide & they will!, as Air Arabia is concerned, they will also provide me with an extra 40 Sectors (40 flights = 40 Take offs & Landings), building about (at least) 120 Hours of flight time in an A320!!! + I will be the first choice for hiring instead of external hiring!, they guarantee a job for current employees, while guaranteeing a job interview for private people like me (their first choice)...what do you say?
Thanks

ANSWER: send me more info about program, please before I tell you if it is OK. Also include complete description what they offer and what is the asking price for complete course. It sounds that they will offer you job right away. Do not rush make sure that, you have some kind warranty letter with those statements, and after you send me all info about course (web site would be nice) I'll tell you if you are on the good course.

Ismar

What is MPL?? No idea what that mean Multi-engine pilot license or something else?


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi there, The MPL is the Multi-Crew Pilots License, this license is the replacement of CPL/IR/Frozen ATPL, it prepare's student pilots to fly a jet from day one, where they are trained in an airline environment & spend alots of time practising on Sims (normal pilots spend 8 hours on a sim for a type rating, but MPL guys spend 72 hours of training + actual flying of a Jet like the A320), it is a new ICAO license made by the experience of ICAO, Pilots & airlines to prepare a 0 hour cadet to fly a Jet after 14 months without making him go through the several PPL, CPL, fATPL then ATPL (saving time & cost on both the airline & cadet), this is the new Ab-initio training curriculum set by ICAO (Not Famous schools).
In order to issue a MPL, I have to go through 4 main stages, that are, 1-Ground School, 2-Basic Flying skills, 3-Jet Bridge/MCC, 4-Type Rating & actual flying on the Jet aircraft (minimum 12 TOS & Landings).
So I will graduate from this school with a MPL (like a Frozen ATPL...but better), Type Rating on a commercial Jet & at least 12 TOs & landings, but since Air Arabia is the main partner & they want to recruit us, they will offer 100 more hours before moving us forward as FOs 100%, the cost of the program is 120,000 USD...no guarantees for residents, but there are gurantess for citizens!, but since there are a huge shortage for quality pilots in the UAE, we meet air arabias quality & passed their assessments, we just have to wait for a new aircrafy every 6 weeks!!!

The main website is http://www.alphagroup.aero/

Answer
Ok Ali, now I got picture. This is nothing new really,it is just differently known in USA.  Facilities like Flight Safety has same programs for airline orientation popular called "from zero to hero" from 0 flt time to cockpit of airliner in 12 months or less. Although the price is little bit high but it is definetelly worth becaus the number of months spent in training. Also type training is very benefitial, question that students getting ready for F/O position not an Capt position following their agenda, and again that is normal in industry.
I would definetelly recommend program following what I have seen on their web site, I have not familiar who is running company and how and what kind of traininers and what kind of service they provide. I would suggest you before you "jump", make sure that you do your homework and get as much as possible information about school, what is included in price, is room on campus included in price,how they want to be paid, (right away or in installements), and all pertinent information that will give you more information about school. This will give you heads up in your decision.

Good Luck
Ismar