What is the Common Type Rating?
The Common Type Rating (CTR) is a certification in aviation that allows pilots to operate multiple aircraft models within the same manufacturer’s family without requiring a separate type rating for each model. This concept is particularly beneficial for airlines, as it reduces training costs, improves operational flexibility, and allows pilots to transition more efficiently between aircraft models.
With the increasing complexity of modern commercial aircraft, manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing have designed their aircraft families with cockpit commonality in mind, making the Common Type Rating a valuable asset for airlines and pilots alike.
Understanding Type Ratings in Aviation
In aviation, a type rating is an authorization issued by a regulatory authority (such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)) that permits a pilot to fly a specific aircraft type. The type rating is required for all aircraft that fall outside the scope of a general pilot’s license due to their complexity or size.
For example:
- A pilot licensed to fly a Boeing 737 cannot automatically fly a Boeing 777 without obtaining a new type rating.
- Similarly, a pilot trained on an Airbus A320 cannot operate an Airbus A330 without additional training and certification.
However, with a Common Type Rating, pilots can fly multiple models within an aircraft family without needing a full type rating conversion.
How the Common Type Rating Works
A Common Type Rating applies when two or more aircraft share a significant degree of cockpit commonality, flight characteristics, and operational procedures. This means that while the aircraft may differ in size, performance, or range, their control systems, cockpit layouts, and flight deck operations remain highly similar.
For instance, Airbus has designed its aircraft with a common flight deck philosophy, allowing pilots to transition between different models with minimal retraining. Boeing also implements similar design strategies in some of its aircraft families.
When pilots hold a Common Type Rating, they undergo Differences Training instead of a full type rating course. This shorter and less intensive training covers the specific differences between aircraft models while building on the pilot’s existing knowledge and skills.
Aircraft Families with Common Type Ratings
1. Airbus Common Type Rating
Airbus has pioneered the fly-by-wire system and standardized cockpit design, making it easier for pilots to switch between different models.
A320 Family (A318, A319, A320, A321)
- All aircraft in the A320 family share an identical flight deck, making them eligible for a Common Type Rating.
- A pilot certified on one A320-family aircraft can operate any of the others with minimal training.
A330 & A350 Common Type Rating
- The Airbus A330 and Airbus A350 have a high level of cockpit similarity, allowing for a Common Type Rating.
- This means an A330 pilot can transition to the A350 with shortened Differences Training, reducing training time and cost.
A380 and A350 Cross-Crew Qualification (CCQ)
- While not exactly a Common Type Rating, the A380 and A350 share enough similarities to enable a Cross-Crew Qualification (CCQ), which allows pilots to fly both aircraft with limited additional training.
2. Boeing Common Type Ratings
Boeing also employs cockpit commonality in some of its aircraft families, although to a lesser extent than Airbus.
737 Family (737 Classic, 737 NG, 737 MAX)
- Pilots trained on earlier Boeing 737 NG models can transition to the newer 737 MAX with Differences Training instead of a full type rating course.
757 & 767 Common Type Rating
- The Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 share similar cockpit layouts and avionics, making them eligible for a Common Type Rating.
- Many airlines train pilots to operate both aircraft interchangeably, improving fleet flexibility.
777 & 787 Common Type Rating
- The Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 have a high degree of flight deck commonality, allowing pilots to operate both with Differences Training.
- This enables airlines to optimize pilot schedules and minimize training costs.
Benefits of a Common Type Rating
1. Reduced Training Time and Costs
- Since pilots can transition between models with Differences Training instead of full certification courses, airlines save significant time and money on pilot training.
2. Increased Flexibility for Airlines
- Airlines can assign pilots to different aircraft within the same family, optimizing crew scheduling and reducing pilot shortages.
- This flexibility becomes crucial when airlines need to adjust aircraft assignments due to operational demand.
3. Faster Career Progression for Pilots
- Pilots who train on an aircraft family with a Common Type Rating can upgrade to larger models more quickly without extensive retraining.
- For example, an A320 pilot can transition to an A321 or even an A330 with minimal additional training.
4. Improved Safety and Standardization
- By maintaining cockpit commonality across aircraft families, pilots experience a more consistent operational environment, reducing the likelihood of errors.
- Common Type Ratings help standardize procedures, making it easier for pilots to adapt when switching aircraft within the same manufacturer.
Challenges and Limitations of Common Type Ratings
While the benefits of Common Type Ratings are significant, there are also some challenges and limitations to consider:
1. Operational and Regulatory Restrictions
- Not all aircraft families qualify for a Common Type Rating, as they must meet strict regulatory requirements for cockpit similarity.
- Aviation authorities (FAA, EASA) conduct rigorous evaluations before approving Common Type Ratings for specific aircraft pairs.
2. Differences Training Requirements
- While Differences Training is shorter than full type rating courses, pilots must still undergo simulator sessions and proficiency checks to ensure competency on the new model.
- Airlines must carefully manage pilot currency and training schedules to maintain operational safety.
3. Physical and Performance Differences
- Even though aircraft within the same family may share a cockpit design, they can have significant performance differences, such as:
- Different engine power
- Variations in fuel consumption
- Changes in handling characteristics
- Pilots must adjust their techniques accordingly, especially when transitioning to larger or more advanced models.
