A Quantitative Analysis of the Impact of Traditional vs. MPL (Multi-Crew Pilot License) Training Pathways on Operational Performance: A 15-Month FDM Data Study

Quantitative data on the long-term operational impact of the Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) model, which has emerged as a competency-based alternative in the pilot training industry, remains limited. This study aims to quantitatively analyze the operational performance differences between First Officers (FOs) graduated from Traditional (CPL/IR/MCC) and MPL pathways using Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) metrics. This retrospective cohort study analyzed FDM data collected from a single airline fleet over a 15-month period (January 2024 - March 2025). The study included 123 MPL and 251 Traditional pathway graduate FOs. Exceedance rates (per 1,000 segments) for 17 distinct FDM events and 7 critical manual flight parameters were compared, evaluating statistical significance at the p < 0.05 level using Fisher’s Exact Test. The analysis revealed a statistically significant lower-risk profile for the MPL group in critical landing parameters. The MPL group experienced significantly fewer exceedances in events such as ‘Hard Landing’ (p = 0.008) and ‘Long Touchdown’ (p < 0.001) compared to the traditional group. Furthermore, the MPL group performed better in procedural and safety-critical categories such as 'Fuel Imbalance' and 'Stall Warning'. These findings do not support claims that MPL training negatively impacts operational performance or manual flying skills.