The Provision of Multi-Engine Pilot Training

Overview

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) requires a Civilian Aviation Authority (CAA) Approved Training Organisation (ATO) to train up to 22 fixed-wing pilots from April 2026 to March 2028. This training will use two syllabi due to differing input standards and onward training routes: - Multi-Engine Crossovers (MEXO). The first, up to 10 trainees, will see training using elements of the modular Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) / Instrument Rating (IR) courses and the Airline Pilot Standard (APS) Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) Course to achieve the training standard set by the MOD. The MOD is not looking for the award of a Commercial Pilot Licence / Instrument Rating at the end of this training as trainees will not have completed any CAA pre-requisite training courses so will not have met the minimum CAA entry requirements for starting CPL/IR training; this training therefore does not need CAA approval. However, the MOD is looking to achieve a near equivalent CPL/IR skills test standard along with MCC training and some additional training elements not required by the CPL/IR. Trainees will have completed the following military training courses, as a minimum, before arrival with the Contractor: Elementary Flying Training, Fast-Jet Lead-In, and Basic Fast-Jet Training with associated Groundschools. Alternatively, these trainees may be previously qualified military Fast-Jet or Rotary Wing pilots who have been awarded RAF Wings and completed at least one front-line tour with approximately 1000+ total flying hours. - Ab-initios. The second, up to 12 trainees, will see training on Single-Engine (SE) aircraft and Multi-Engine (ME) aircraft prior to them undertaking additional training with the military. The SE element should broadly mirror the Private Pilot Licence syllabus which will allow them to gain Pilot in Command experience and focus on Instrument Flying skillsets. This will be followed by a ME syllabus which should build on Instrument Flying techniques as well as teach asymmetric flying skills. In addition, these trainees should also complete the APS MCC Course. The MOD is not looking for the award of any licence upon completion of this course. Trainees will have completed Elementary Flying Training and associated Groundschool.