APS MCC vs MCC/JOC

What is an MCC Course?

An MCC course, or Multi Crew Co-ordination course, is designed to aid pilots in transitioning from single-pilot to multi-pilot operations. During flight training for a commercial pilot’s license, students typically engage in single-pilot operations. The MCC course becomes crucial when transitioning to aircraft that require multi-pilot operations.

I initially decided to complete the MCC/JOC course upon completing my flight training. However, in later months, I was presented with the opportunity (as a former student) to step in as a supernumerary for an APS MCC course. Therefore, I ended up completing both courses and I’m here to tell you about the differences between both.

Course Option 1: MCC/JOC (Multi Crew Co-ordination, Jet Orientation)

An MCC/JOC is a 28-hour course that is completed on two simulators. The MCC portion is 20 hours and is completed on the XJ simulator, a generic commercial aircraft used to train students for jet transition in a multi-crew jet cockpit environment.

The JOC portion is 8 hours, and it is completed in the 737-800 simulator. This simulator is a full replica of the Boeing 737-800, and it features a simulated FMS, full autopilot, auto-throttle, and full aircraft systems (electrics, pneumatics, and hydraulics).

MCC syllabus:

• Aircraft familiarisation, General handling, Stall recovery, Practicing SOP callouts & Briefing familiarisations.
• Rejected take-offs, EGPWS, and TCAS warnings.
• One Engine Inoperative handling, Abnormal checklists familiarisation, TDODAR, and NITS briefings.
• Emergency descent, Crosswind take-offs & landings, Windshear recovery, Circle-to-land procedures.
• LOFT exercise (Line orientated flight training), smoke in the cockpit & removal procedures, and pilot incapacitation.
• JOC 1 – 737 familiarisation & handling and use of FMS.
• JOC 2 – 737 familiarisation & handling and use of FMS.

Advantages of MCC/JOC:

• Less costly compared to APS MCC.
• Two different simulators – XJ simulator for MCC, and 737-800 simulator for JOC.
• Shorter course – ground school and simulator sessions are covered in 10 days
• No assessments involved, suitable for those averse to testing environments.

Disadvantages of MCC/JOC:

• Job prospects may be influenced; some airlines prefer APS MCC.
• Simulator assessment may have a higher failure rate compared to APS MCC.
• Shorter simulator time – 12 hours less than APS MCC.

Course Option 2: APS MCC (Airline Pilot Standard, Multi-Crew Co-ordination)

The APS MCC course is a 40-hour course that is all completed on the 737-800 simulator, featuring a simulated FMS, full autopilot, auto-throttle, and full aircraft systems (electrics, pneumatics, and hydraulics).

The APS MCC course is a more advanced, thorough version of the regular MCC/JOC course. It was introduced when airlines requested training providers to better prepare cadets for multi-crew cockpit environments. To ensure that cadets improve their crew resource management skills, the course is 12 hours longer than a typical MCC course and it includes a final assessment on the last session to ensure that the cadets satisfy the Airline Pilot Standard criteria.

Upon successful completion of the APS MCC course, you will receive an APS MCC certification. If you are unsuccessful, you will receive a regular MCC/JOC certificate.

APS MCC syllabus:

• Aircraft familiarisation, General handling, Stall recovery, Practicing SOP callouts & Briefing familiarisations, stabilised & high energy approaches.
• Rejected take-offs, EGPWS, precision & non-precision approaches, evacuation procedures, CDFA, MEL Checklists.
• F/D handling, pilot incapacitation recognition and procedures, Crosswind take-offs & landings, Windshear recovery, TCAS warnings, Evacuation procedures and NITS briefings, work, and crew resource management.
• One Engine Inoperative handling, Abnormal checklists familiarisation, NITS briefings, workload management/task sharing, Use of problem analysis/solving techniques, TDODAR.
• (Progress check) – LOFT exercise (Line orientated flight training), smoke in the cockpit & removal procedures, minor engine faults, engine start malfunctioning/Use of QRH, MEL Checklists, descent planning and monitoring, Diversion planning accounting for weather and fuel.
• Expanded use of automation, emergency turn procedures, depressurisation/emergency descent procedure, and Use of oxygen masks.
• LOFT exercise (Line orientated flight training), Circle-to-land procedures, Minor in-flight fault, Use of QRH / Landing distance tables, TDODAR, and threat and error management (TEM).
• LOFT exercise (Line orientated flight training), complicated fault and failure management, electrical malfunction, diversion planning, Upset recovery prevention training (UPRT), Use of QRH, TDODAR, and threat and error management (TEM).
• LOFT exercise (Line orientated flight training), complicated hydraulic fault, failure management, Use of QRH, TDODAR, and threat and error management (TEM).
• (LOE) – Line Orientated Evaluation assessment. This is a flight where the pilots may encounter technical and non-technical issues. Both pilots will be assessed on their situational awareness, decision-making skills, and failure management.

Advantages of APS MCC:

• More consolidation with a structured syllabus building on previous sessions.
• Extra sim hours – 12 additional hours compared to MCC/JOC.
• Advantageous for an airline sim assessment, especially if using a 737-800 simulator.
• More LOFT (Line Orientated Flight Training) flights for enhanced skills.

Disadvantages of APS MCC:

• More expensive compared to MCC/JOC.
• More challenging; graded to satisfy a particular criterion.
• Longer course – 16 days compared to 10 days for MCC/JOC.
• Involves assessments – theory examination and a final assessment.

Personal Experience:
While the APS MCC was more challenging, it provided valuable opportunities to push limits and enhance flying skills.  The extensive syllabus gives cadets multiple opportunities throughout the course to improve their flying, situational awareness, failure management and decision-making skills. These are all competencies that any pilot is assessed on during an interview.

Since the APS MCC is graded, you are given feedback and guidance throughout the course, offering time for consolidation and improvement. Regardless of the chosen course, the objective remains the same – preparing pilots to work together to create a safe flying environment.

Whether opting for APS MCC or MCC/JOC, these courses underscore the importance of collaboration in achieving safe flying environments. The decision ultimately depends on individual preferences, financial considerations, and career aspirations.