MCC Course DGCA: The Ultimate Guide to Multi-Crew Cooperation Training (2025)
The MCC course DGCA requires for aspiring airline pilots is a mandatory step between obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and entering multi-crew cockpit environments. MCC, or Multi-Crew Cooperation training, is designed to bridge the gap between single-pilot operations and airline-style flying where coordination, communication, and cockpit discipline are critical.
Approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the MCC course equips CPL holders with the skills needed to function effectively in a multi-crew setting. This guide explains what the MCC course includes, who needs it, how it’s structured under DGCA rules, and where to complete it in India.
What Is the MCC Course DGCA?
The MCC course DGCA mandates is a structured training program that prepares pilots for airline operations by developing non-technical skills such as teamwork, situational awareness, leadership, and decision-making in a multi-crew environment. It is conducted in approved simulators and focuses on the dynamics of operating as part of a two-pilot crew, rather than flying alone.
DGCA regulations specify that the MCC course must be completed after obtaining a CPL and Instrument Rating (IR), but before beginning airline-specific training or type rating. The training is typically delivered at a Type Rating Training Organisation (TRTO) or an advanced Flying Training Organisation (FTO), using high-fidelity Full Flight Simulators (FFS) or FNPT II devices.
MCC training also introduces pilots to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), cockpit resource management, and role separation between the Pilot Flying (PF) and Pilot Monitoring (PM). For many CPL holders, this course is the first exposure to airline-style flight deck operations, making it a foundational requirement under the MCC course DGCA framework.
Who Needs the MCC Course?
The MCC course DGCA requires is essential for any pilot transitioning from single-pilot training to multi-crew airline operations. If you are a CPL holder planning to apply to airlines, this training is mandatory before you can qualify for type rating or airline assessments in India.
You are required to complete the MCC course if you fall into any of these categories:
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders preparing for airline interviews
- Pilots applying for a Type Rating course, especially on multi-crew aircraft
- ATPL candidates meeting final requirements for DGCA approval
- Indian pilots returning from foreign training who need to align with domestic airline readiness standards
For all of these cases, the MCC course DGCA regulates is a non-negotiable prerequisite, and failure to complete it can disqualify candidates from progressing to advanced training or airline recruitment stages.
MCC Course Requirements Under DGCA
To enroll in the MCC course DGCA has approved, candidates must first meet a few essential prerequisites. These include holding a valid Commercial Pilot License, a current Class 1 medical certificate, and an active Instrument Rating. Without these, you are not eligible to begin MCC training under DGCA rules.
The course structure itself must meet specific standards:
- Minimum simulator time: Typically 25 to 32 hours in a certified FFS or FNPT II
- Classroom instruction: Ground school on CRM, SOPs, crew roles, and cockpit management
- Training provider: The MCC course must be delivered by a DGCA-approved TRTO or FTO
- Instructor qualifications: Sessions must be conducted by airline-experienced instructors with DGCA authorization
DGCA guidelines are strict about the quality and structure of this training. Any course that does not meet the prescribed simulator time, device type, or instructor qualifications may not be recognized. Therefore, candidates should always verify that their MCC provider is listed on the official eGCA portal before enrolling.
What Does the MCC Course Include?
The MCC course DGCA mandates focuses on developing core non-technical skills required for safe and efficient multi-crew operations. While most pilot training programs concentrate on flying the aircraft, MCC shifts the focus to effective communication, task sharing, decision-making, and coordination between two pilots.
A standard MCC course includes the following components:
Theoretical Training: Ground school sessions cover Crew Resource Management (CRM), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), workload management, threat and error management (TEM), and decision-making models used in commercial aviation.
Simulator Training: The bulk of the MCC course DGCA structure is built around high-fidelity simulator sessions. Pilots operate in pairs, alternating between the Pilot Flying (PF) and Pilot Monitoring (PM) roles across normal, abnormal, and emergency scenarios.
LOFT (Line-Oriented Flight Training): In the final stages of the course, pilots undergo full-flight scenarios replicating real airline routes to apply their knowledge in a realistic multi-crew setting.
Throughout the course, trainees are evaluated not only on technical handling but on how well they manage cockpit interaction and situational awareness—skills that airlines value just as much as stick-and-rudder proficiency.
Duration and Format of MCC Training
The MCC course DGCA recognizes typically runs for 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the training organization and simulator availability. While the syllabus is standardized, the format may vary slightly between TRTOs.
Here’s a typical format breakdown:
- Ground school (2–3 days): Classroom sessions focused on CRM, flight operations, and role distribution
- Simulator sessions (5–7 days): 8 to 10 structured sessions, each lasting 2–4 hours, with alternating PF and PM roles
- Crew pairing: Candidates are grouped into pairs, simulating real-life cockpit dynamics
- Final assessment: A practical check to ensure the pilot can function confidently in a multi-crew environment
All simulator sessions must be completed on a DGCA-approved Full Flight Simulator (FFS) or FNPT II, and instructors must be qualified as per the latest regulatory standards. The training is intensive, but essential—each phase of the MCC course DGCA has approved is designed to simulate real-world airline operations and prepare you for multi-pilot flying.
Cost of MCC Course in India
The cost of the MCC course DGCA requires typically ranges from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh, depending on the training provider, simulator quality, and additional services included. While price is important, it’s critical to ensure the course is DGCA-approved and meets the official syllabus standards.
Below is an updated comparison of estimated MCC course fees across popular Indian training institutes:
| Training Institute | Location | Simulator Type | Estimated Cost (₹) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Flyers Flight Academy | Mumbai / NCR (TRTO tie‑up) | FNPT II (verified DGCA device) | ₹1,40,000 – ₹1,80,000 | Ground school, sim sessions, MCC certificate |
| CAE Simulation Training Pvt. Ltd. | Bengaluru / Greater Noida | Level D FFS – Airbus/Boeing | ₹3,00,000 – ₹3,50,000 | Ground school, FFS sim, certificate |
| Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics | Chandigarh | FNPT II MCC-certified | ₹1,80,000 – ₹2,20,000 | Theory, sim, instructor, MCC certificate |
| CEA Aviation | Delhi | FNPT II (via TRTO partnership) | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000 | Simulator time, instructor, documentation |
| Capt. Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy | Delhi NCR | FNPT II | ₹1,70,000 – ₹2,30,000 | Classroom training, sim, practical sessions |
| Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation & Aeronautics | Jaipur | FNPT II | ₹1,80,000 – ₹2,50,000 | Full MCC package, CRM sessions |
Note: Prices are approximate and vary based on simulator scheduling, batch size, and optional extras like soft skills or airline interview prep.
Florida Flyers Flight Academy (in collaboration with a DGCA-recognized TRTO) currently offers one of the most competitive MCC course rates, without compromising on simulator quality or certification.
When selecting your training provider under the MCC course DGCA framework, confirm:
- The simulator is DGCA-certified
- The total number of simulator hours satisfies DGCA’s MCC requirements
- Sessions are conducted by DGCA-approved instructors
- A valid MCC course completion certificate is issued at the end
Choosing the right provider is about balancing compliance, quality, and value—not just cost.
List of DGCA-Approved MCC Course Providers
To meet the MCC course DGCA mandates, candidates must train at a DGCA-approved Type Rating Training Organisation (TRTO) or Flying Training Organisation (FTO) equipped with certified simulators and qualified instructors. Below is an updated list of recognized MCC course providers in India:
| Training Organisation | Location | Simulator Type |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Flyers Flight Academy (India) | Mumbai / NCR¹ | FNPT II (DGCA-verified device) |
| CAE Simulation Training Pvt. Ltd. | Bengaluru/Noida | Level D FFS – Airbus/Boeing |
| Capt. Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy | Delhi NCR | FNPT II |
| Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics | Chandigarh | FNPT II MCC-certified |
| Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation & Aeronautics | Jaipur | FNPT II |
| CEA Aviation (via TRTO partnership) | Delhi | FNPT II |
¹ Florida Flyers Flight Academy operates in collaboration with a DGCA-approved TRTO and utilizes certified FNPT II simulators to deliver an industry-standard MCC course.
Pilots should verify each provider’s approval status on the eGCA portal prior to enrollment, ensuring:
- DGCA certification for their simulator
- Proper instructor approval
- Issuance of a valid MCC course completion certificate
Training at any institute not listed as DGCA-approved may result in hours being rejected or issues during licensing or airline hiring.
MCC Course vs. Jet Orientation Course (JOC)
While both the MCC course DGCA requires and the Jet Orientation Course (JOC) are essential for airline readiness, they serve different purposes and are not interchangeable. Understanding the distinction is important for CPL holders preparing for interviews or type ratings.
The MCC course DGCA focuses on multi-crew cooperation—how two pilots operate together in a cockpit using CRM (Crew Resource Management), decision-making strategies, and SOPs. It is required under DGCA rules before type rating or applying to most airlines.
The JOC, on the other hand, introduces pilots to the handling characteristics of jet aircraft, especially during high-speed phases of flight. It is often required for cadet programs abroad and foreign type rating courses, particularly in Europe.
| Aspect | MCC Course (DGCA) | Jet Orientation Course (JOC) |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory by DGCA | Yes | No |
| Focus | Multi-crew CRM, SOPs | Jet handling, high-speed ops |
| Format | Theoretical + simulator (MCC device) | Simulator only |
| Ideal Timing | Post-CPL, pre-type rating | Before airline simulator assessments |
| Regulatory Basis | DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements | Recommended by EASA/TRTOs |
In summary, the MCC course DGCA mandates is a licensing requirement in India, while the JOC is an optional enhancement that may boost performance in airline simulator checks, especially abroad.
How MCC Prepares You for Airline Jobs
Completing the MCC course DGCA recognizes is a vital step in aligning your training with the expectations of airline recruiters. While it doesn’t replace type rating or simulator assessments, it equips pilots with the operational mindset needed for professional multi-crew flight decks.
Airlines look for candidates who are not only technically sound but also capable of communicating effectively, managing workload, and responding to emergencies as a team. The MCC course introduces real-world cockpit scenarios, requiring pilots to perform under pressure, follow SOPs, and alternate PF/PM roles across complex flights.
Most importantly, MCC course DGCA completion is non-negotiable for domestic airline recruitment. Many Indian carriers won’t even shortlist applicants without this certificate. For those planning to apply internationally, it’s also a critical foundation before attending simulator checks or MCC+JOC combined courses.
In short, MCC training builds both competence and confidence, preparing CPL holders for the collaborative dynamics of airline flying.
Conclusion
The MCC course DGCA mandates is a critical milestone for any pilot transitioning from single-pilot flying to multi-crew operations. It doesn’t just check a regulatory box—it prepares you for real-world airline environments, where effective communication, decision-making, and cockpit coordination are just as important as technical skill.
Whether you’re pursuing a type rating, applying to airlines, or preparing for simulator checks, completing your MCC course through a DGCA-approved training provider ensures you’re compliant, competent, and ready for the next stage of your aviation career. By choosing the right course, logging hours correctly, and absorbing the non-technical skills that airlines prioritize, you position yourself as a confident, cockpit-ready professional.
FAQs – MCC Course DGCA
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the MCC course mandatory under DGCA regulations? | Yes. The MCC course DGCA requires is mandatory for CPL holders before airline application or type rating. |
| Can I take the MCC course without having a CPL? | No. A valid CPL with Instrument Rating and Class 1 medical is required before enrolling. |
| Is the MCC course the same as type rating? | No. MCC focuses on crew coordination, while type rating is aircraft-specific training. |
| Can simulator hours from the MCC course be used in my logbook? | Yes, but they must be logged separately as simulator time with instructor verification. |
| How do I verify if an MCC provider is DGCA-approved? | Visit the official eGCA portal and check the list of approved TRTOs and MCC simulator devices. |
Contact the Florida Flyers Flight Academy Team today at 91 (0) 1171 816622 to learn more about the Private Pilot Ground School Course.
