Airbus A350 XWB and A330 jetliners has received Comman Type Rating pilot training approval from EASA and FAA, enabling operational commo...
Airbus A350 XWB and A330 jetliners has received Comman Type Rating pilot training approval from EASA and FAA, enabling operational commonality between Airbus fly-by-wire aircraft families.
The new regulatory approval allows pilots qualified on the current A330 to begin their A350 XWB’s conversion by undergoing the “differences training” only.
A notable factor in achieving the A350 XWB/A330 Common Type Rating is the similarity in handling qualities between the two fly-by-wire jetliners, as recently verified by pilots representing the European and U.S. civil aviation authorities who flew both aircraft.
The CTR enables a significant reduction of costs for airlines, the differences training does not necessitate the use of a ground-based full-flight-simulator, and allows a 65 percent reduction in pilot training time – to only eight days – versus a standard transition course. Additionally, it facilitates the creation of a pool of pilots who can fly both the A330 and A350 XWB in a single-fleet flying (SFF) concept for increased scheduling flexibility and mobility.
