Market Intelligence: North America

Digital Airline Pilot Development Platform Unveils New Features

The Airline Pilot Club (APC), a respected authority in high-quality airline pilot development, has announced a pioneering approach to help address the ongoing global pilot shortage.

“We are entering a new era in aviation where traditional methods of pilot recruitmentand training are no longer sufficient to meet the industry’s demands,” said Captain Andy O’Shea, CEO at APC. “Our solution is grounded in a holistic perspective that considers the entire lifecycle of pilot development. This comprehensive approach allows us to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled and diverse pilots, helping ensurethe industry’s future growth.”

APC’s integrated end-to-end strategy and underlying technology helps connect aspiring pilots to a network of high-quality Approved Training Organizations (ATOs) and ultimately to hiring airlines. Throughout the pilot’s training and career, APC offers continuous support.

“The result of this interconnected community can be more efficient and effective training, reduced cost, and a faster career progression,” Capt. O’Shea said.

The APC community incorporates:

Aspiring Pilots: APC offers aspiring pilots a clear pathway to success. By engaging with potential aviators early in their education, providing guidance, and offering scholarships, APC is nurturing a new generation of skilled pilots who are ready tomeet the industry’s demands. This approach not only ensures top-notch training but also makes the journey towards becoming a pilot more accessible and inclusive.

Approved Training Organizations (ATOs): Partnering with premier Approved Training Organizations (ATOs), APC ensures flight training schools have access tocutting-edge resources and standardized training programs that meet the industry’s highest benchmarks. This collaboration empowers ATOs to produce pilots who are not only technically proficient but also possess the resilience and adaptability required in today’s aviation landscape.

Airlines: For airlines, APC’s end-to-end approach translates to a stronger and more diverse pool of talent. Airlines benefit from a pipeline of skilled pilots who are well-prepared to embrace the challenges of modern aviation. APC’s commitment to diversity ensures that airlines can tap into a broader talent pool, enriching theirworkforce with varied perspectives and experiences.

APC’s holistic approach revolves around these key pillars:

1. Early Engagement: APC engages with potential pilots at an early stage, introducing them to the exciting opportunities in aviation. By partnering with schools and educational institutions, APC sparks curiosity and interest, ignites their passion, and provides resources for those considering a career as a pilot.
2. Comprehensive Training: Recognizing that effective pilot training is thecornerstone of a successful aviation career, APC collaborates with ApprovedTraining Organizations (ATOs) to deliver high-quality, industry-relevant training programs. This ensures that pilots are well prepared for the challenges of themodern aviation environment.
3. Career Development: Beyond initial training, APC offers ongoing professional development programs that cater to pilots’ evolving needs. From mentorship initiatives to specialized training modules, APC supports pilots throughout their careers, facilitating skill enhancement and career progression.
4. Diversity and Inclusion: APC’s solution emphasizes the importance of diversity inthe aviation industry. By actively promoting inclusivity and encouraging underrepresented groups to pursue aviation careers, APC contributes to buildinga workforce that reflects the world it serves.
5. Technology-Driven Integration: APC leverages advanced technologies, such as data analytics and artificial intelligence, to optimize pilot recruitment, training, andongoing performance assessment. These technologies enhance decision-makingprocesses and ensure efficient training outcomes.
6. Sustainable Growth: APC’s holistic approach extends beyond immediate solutions, aiming for long-term growth. By addressing the entire pilot supply chain, we are laying a foundation for a sustainable and thriving aviation industry.

APC’s comprehensive integrated portfolio for pilots, flight schools and airlines currently features:

APC Engage – a comprehensive pilot recruitment platform connecting aspiring pilots with partner flight schools and hiring airlines. It provides a user-friendly interface to enable candidates to apply to opportunities in the aviation industry, and helps airlines streamline their hiring process.

APC Train – comprehensive flight training for Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) licenses through high-quality partner flight schools which have been thoroughly vetted by APC subject experts.

APC Track – a cutting-edge, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted airline tracking system to monitor and manage pilots’ progress – ensuring compliance with training requirements, certifications, and ongoing performance evaluations.

APC Select – a specialized service for airlines to efficiently select the best-suited candidates for pilot positions. Includes assessment tools, interviews, and evaluations for informed hiring decisions.

APC Mentor – ongoing support and guidance to pilots throughout their careers.Including mentorship programs, resources, and a network of experienced professionals to help pilots excel in their commercial aviation roles.

APC Consult – expert consultancy services to Approved Training Organizations (ATOs) and airlines to optimize training programs, improve operations, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.

“APC’s innovative approach not only addresses the immediate pilot shortage butalso fosters a resilient aviation industry that can adapt to changing dynamics,” said O’Shea. “By taking a holistic view of the pilot supply chain, APC is committed to helping shape the future of aviation.”

About Airline Pilot Club

APC is a respected authority in aviation training and pilot development. With a vision to help reshape aviation’s talent landscape, APC adopts a holistic approach that encompasses pilot recruitment, training, ongoing professional development, diversity, and technological integration. Through innovative solutions and strategic collaborations, APC is dedicated to ensuring a skilled, diverse, and resilient pilot workforce for the future.

Source: Airline Pilot Club

Related Posts

US University Begins Training Students in New ALSIM Commercial Jet Simulator

The first Commercial Aviation students at the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace of the University of North Dakota got the chance to experience training in the brand new ALSIM, learning skills that will help them throughout their career.

The first of its kind in North America, the ALSIM is a French-made trainer that simulates the operation of major commercial jetliners. The simulator is customizable, allowing it to simulate the cockpit of either an Airbus or Boeing aircraft.

“The main attractive feature of the sim is that it’s flexible,” said Andreas Anagnostos, one of the UND students on the flight. “It can switch between the A320 and 737 training philosophies. We operated it in the A320 configuration.”

The ALSIM creates an extremely realistic training experience. It features a completely enclosed cockpit, allowing students to immerse themselves in the environment without distractions. Sitting within, it becomes easy to forget that it is not a real aircraft.

“The realism is amazing,” said instructor Alan Murray. “You can program a whole flight from departure to landing. It will simulate the parameters of what we enter in – even the weight and balance. If we program it with a certain amount of fuel and weight, it will react accordingly.”

The ALSIM can be customized to any environment that might be encountered during flight. It can be programed to simulate different airports, weather, other traffic and much more. Students can practice all sorts of situations, even taxiing directly to a gate at an airport.

Throughout the flight, instructors with industry experience give instructions and advice on how to operate a large jet, allowing students to learn in a safe way.

“You are learning how to fly a jet,” said UND student Mason Plowman. “You can work out the kinks and find out what works and what doesn’t before you get into an actual airliner. It’s a lower stakes environment where you can learn and make mistakes.”

The ALSIM even features emergency equipment, allowing students to practice emergency responses while remaining safe on the ground.

As Anagnostos and Plowman ran through their procedures, they were given the chance to practice Crew Resource Management or CRM. This training procedure is used by airline pilots every day and is a way of dividing tasks among crew members to improve safety.

“We are actually running it as a crew environment,” said Plowman. “In most of our training, we are trying to achieve single pilot ratings, but we don’t get a lot of experience in the CRM environment – which for many of us will be the bulk of our careers. Here, we are learning how to work in a team in a practical setting.”

“A lot of the training at UND focuses on the theory of CRM, but there is very little of that actually going on in the aircraft through most of the training,” added Anagnostos.

“If you think about your future job, that is all you are expected to do. You have to operate as a crew and operate well in order to ensure safety.

“Getting the chance to practice that here will prepare you for your career and start transitioning you into a team mindset.”

The excitement of both students and instructor was palpable. The ALSIM will be an addition to the CRJ 200 simulator that the university has been using for more than 20 years. With advancements in technology and changes within the industry, the ALSIM provides valuable flexibility as the university enters a new era within aviation.

“The CRJ has very little automation, whereas most airliners now are highly automated,” said Anagnosotos. “The experience in the ALSIM is more akin to what you will experience in your career.”

Both students remarked on how important this experience is to transition to an airline career after graduation.

“The regionals are becoming less of a steppingstone, so the ALSIM models an aircraft that you might go directly to,” stated Plowman.

“Getting the opportunity to practice on an aircraft that I could be potentially flying within a year or so is invaluable,” said Anagnostos. “Now all of the ‘uncertainty’ in trying to transition from general aviation to airline flying happens here, instead of on the job.”

The ALSIM marks a new step in hands-on learning for students, preparing them for a career before they even get on the job.

“It’s invaluable for transitioning to the real world of flying,” said Murray.

“By having this class available, the first time you go through training at the airlines, you are more likely to pass because you have been through all the maneuvers before. Students will be way ahead of the game by going through this course.”

Source: University of North Dakota
Photo Credit: University of North Dakota

Related Posts

Pilot and Aircraft Maintenance Training Group Welcomes Regional Airline in One of its Campuses

United States headquartered Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology’s campus in Broomfield was thrilled to welcome CommuteAir for a “Lunch and Learn”. Paul Hancock from CommuteAir introduced students to opportunities at their facilities and spoke about the benefits of working with a regional airline.

Source: Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
Photo Credit: Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology

Related Posts