Cockpit Association: Success in pilot training and flight safety

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The Cockpit Association, together with international partners, temporarily halted a move to lower ICAO’s global pilot training standards. This initiative would have allowed for a relaxation of existing requirements through more simulator hours and met with fierce resistance from the VC.

Resistance to lowering standards

Within the ICAO Pilot Training and Licensing Panel, an initiative was formed to relax existing training requirements. Specifically, it proposed replacing real flight hours on a large scale with flight simulator hours. These plans met with strong opposition from the Cockpit Association (VC) and its international umbrella organization, IFALPA. The VC argued that no technology could replace real-life flight experience, especially in unexpected or complex situations.

Safety-critical arguments of the Cockpit Association

The VC warned urgently of the safety risks associated with such a relaxation. In various committee meetings, the VC pointed out that the fragmentation of global training quality could jeopardize flight safety in the long term. According to the VC, maintaining high standards is non-negotiable and crucial to the integrity of pilot training worldwide.

Milestone for international cooperation

Anja Granvogl, VC Board Member for Flight Safety, described the achievement of the goals as a milestone. This success underscores that sound arguments and international cooperation can be effective, even against commercial interests. For the Cockpit Association, the primary goal remains to maintain the highest safety standards in pilot training worldwide.

Continuity and future outlook

Despite the success achieved, the Cockpit Association remains on alert, as the debate about the future of pilot training will continue in the coming years. The Association continuously invests in human and professional resources to further develop flight safety. In its role as an independent and technically sound authority, it, together with its partners, acts as an important corrective in the global aviation system.

The Cockpit Association has been committed to safeguarding and advancing aviation safety for years. As a trusted and independent player, the VC sets standards for training and safety. Together with international partners, it is committed to the integrity of pilot training and ensures that safety is a priority.