Common type rating pilot training for A350 and A330

European and US civil aviation authorities have approved common type rating pilot training on the Airbus A350 XWB and A330 widebody jetliners.

The approval means that pilots who are qualified and current on the A330 can already commence their preparations to take the A350 XWB’s controls by undergoing "differences training" only.


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, airlines can create a pool of pilots who can fly both the A330 and A350 XWB in a single-fleet for increased scheduling flexibility and mobility.

With deliveries to begin before the end of 2014, an increasing number of pilots will be trained to fly the A350 XWB - many of whom are already approved to operate A330 jetliners.

Airbus points to 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. (Photo: Airbus)

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