The world's first nine pilots to fly the line commercially with Multi-Crew Pilot Licences are now out of a job after only a few months at work.

The MPL is a superb system for becoming an aviator, provided that airline flying is your primary aim. The training system associated with it represents the first attempt since the Second World War to review airline pilot training in the light of the changing nature of the job and the massive advances in the capabilities of training devices and simulators that have taken place in that time.

 But in the light of the experience of Sterling's new MPL first officers, who would dare go for the MPL now, airline sponsorship or no? CPL/IR may be old thinking, but at least it's flexible.

Greetings David. Have trawled around, but am unable to locate some news about the Sterling MPL chaps. What has happened to cause them to be redundant? As MPL is such a contentious issue and has so many experienced pilots divided as to this, what many are terming a Quasi-licence, was wondering if you might be able to steer us to some more info? Much appreciated if you can assist. I had been on the verge of penning a blog on the subject actually, but shall put it on hold in the interim.

Please belay my previous request. I found your excellent article on the matter. Makes one wonder though why the MPL pilots don't do the extra in-command time etc and have a traditional licence as well. I guess it is all about money. Must be a tad delicate though when trying to explain to their children why Dad can't take them for a fly in the local aero club Cessna 172.