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  • What is MCC: What does this course consist of?

Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) is a course designed to prepare pilots for teamwork and coordination in a multi-crew cockpit environment. It is one of the last steps to becoming a commercial pilot.

Throughout this article, we will explore in more depth what MCC is, how it differs from APS MCC, and how key concepts such as CRM, the dynamics between pilot flying and pilot monitoring, and learning flows contribute to the overall training of a professional pilot.

Will you stay and find out? It’s very, very interesting!


What is MCC?

The MCC or Multi Crew Cooperation course is part of the commercial pilot training process and is a requirement to obtain the ATPL.

The purpose of this course is to teach pilots to work together with other crew members, coordinate effectively and make good decisions under pressure.

The MCC combines both theory and practice, using advanced flight simulators to recreate realistic situations that pilots might face in a commercial environment.

Differences to the APS MCC

The Airline Pilot Standard Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS MCC) is a more advanced and comprehensive version of the MCC course.

While both courses address the same basic areas, the APS MCC includes additional modules focused on the specific operation of an aircraft in an airline environment.

These modules provide a more realistic and detailed experience and are designed to ease the pilot’s transition into their first airline employment.

The APS MCC is therefore a more attractive option for those seeking more rigorous, industry-oriented training.

CRM, the most important MCC concept

Crew Resource Management (CRM) is one of the most important concepts taught at the MCC.

CRM focuses on the effective management of available resources on the flight deck, including communication, decision-making, situational awareness and conflict resolution.

Successful implementation of CRM is essential to ensure the safety and efficiency of air operations, as it helps prevent human error and manage emergency situations smoothly.

The main components studied in the CRM are:

  1. Communication: To emphasise the importance of clear, concise and effective communication between crew members. This includes verbal and non-verbal communication skills, as well as the proper use of standard aviation terminology and phrases.
  2. Decision-making: Pilots are taught to use a structured and logical approach to decision making, following a pattern of risk assessment, information analysis and seeking partner input.
  3. Stress and fatigue management: Essential for decision-making and performance in the cockpit.
  4. Leadership and teamwork: Above all, emphasis is placed on building strong and cooperative working relationships among crew members. This includes skills such as task assignment, supervision and constructive feedback.
  5. Situational awareness: To be aware of all aspects of the flight and operating environment at all times.
  6. Time and workload management: Fundamental to effectively prioritise and manage cockpit workload, especially in high-pressure or emergency situations.

Pilot flying VS Pilot monitoring

Within the cockpit of a commercial aircraft, it is common for one pilot to assume the role of Pilot Flying (PF) and the other the role of Pilot Monitoring (PM).

The Pilot Flying PF is responsible for controlling the aircraft directly, while the Pilot Monitoring PM assists the PF and monitors systems and the overall situation.

MCC training teaches pilots to work together in these roles, ensuring clear communication and proper distribution of responsibilities.

This collaboration is crucial to the smooth operation of the aircraft and to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

Flows are also learned in the MCC

Flows are sequences of specific actions that pilots must perform at specific times, such as before take-off, during landing or in emergency situations.

These sequences of actions are based on checklists and are designed to ensure that each required step is completed in the correct order and without omissions.

They are best practised using a mock-up, a printed replica of the aircraft cockpit, in which the different manoeuvres and procedures can be trained.

Some of the phases of flight in which flows are used are:

  • Pre-flight preparation: Includes checking aircraft status, system configurations, document verification, and review of the weather and flight plan.
  • Aircraft start-up: The flows during aircraft start-up include the activation of electrical systems, verification of the correct functioning of navigation and communication systems and engine start-up.
  • Pre-take-off: Flows during this phase include flap configuration, trim, steering and braking system verification, and pre-take-off checklist review.
  • Take-off and climb: During take-off and climb, flows include monitoring of aircraft systems, communication with air traffic control and engine performance management.
  • Cruise: Cruise flows involve monitoring systems, managing fuel consumption and maintaining situational awareness.
  • Descent, approach and landing: These flows include preparing the aircraft for descent and approach, configuring for landing and performing the appropriate checklists.
  • After landing and shutdown: Includes taxiing to the apron, configuring systems for engine shutdown, disabling electrical systems and shutting down the aircraft.

Now you know what the MCC is and how essential it is for pilot training.

With all that we have told you, we are sure you have a good idea of what the MCC is and why it is such an important stage in training.

At One Air, we teach the most advanced form of MCC, the APS MCC, which makes our students much more disciplined and fully prepared to work for the best airlines.

In addition, apart from the hours stipulated by regulations in a certified simulator for APS MCC, such as our FNPT II Alsim ALX Jet Medium A320 simulator, at One Air we add 10 more hours of training in our Airbus A320 EASA FTD Compliant simulator, a replica of the A320 cockpit, in terms of instruments and software.

We hope you enjoyed the post and that you found it interesting. And, of course, if you want to continue discovering the different courses to become a commercial pilot, we recommend you to keep browsing our aviation blog.

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