A Pilot’s Guide to Airbus A350 Training

The Airbus A350 family is one of the most advanced and sought-after range of long-haul aircrafts in service today. Designed with modern aerodynamics configuration and innovative composite construction, the A350 delivers up to 25% lower fuel burn and operating costs compared to older generation aircraft. 

Moreover, the A350 has been a commercial success. It has won over 1,390 firm orders from more than 60 customers worldwide, becoming a flagship long-haul aircraft for many major airlines. For pilots, this means growing demand: many airlines are introducing A350s into their fleets, creating new recruitment and growth opportunities for those qualified to fly it.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what an A350 type rating entails, the training requirements, and the specialized transition courses for pilots converting between the A330 and A350 models.

A350 Initial Type Rating Training Program 

The A350 initial type rating course is a comprehensive program, designed to equip you with all the knowledge and skills to safely operate the aircraft from day one. Our A350 type rating course tailored as per EASA regulations, spans roughly 45 days and combines intensive ground school with full-flight simulator practice. Here’s an overview of the requirements and training curriculum:

Eligibility Requirements for A350 Initial Type Rating Course as per EASA regulations (Prerequisites)

Before enrolling in an A350 type rating program, make sure you meet the standard prerequisites. These requirements ensure that trainees have the necessary pilot foundation and credentials:

• Valid Pilot Licence: You must hold a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) appropriate to the training authority (for example, an EASA CPL/ATPL).
• Medical Certificate: A valid Class 1 medical certificate is required to confirm you meet the health standards for commercial pilots.
• English Proficiency: At least ICAO English Level 4 (operational) proficiency in English is mandatory, as English is the international language of aviation.
• MCC Course: Proof of Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) training is needed if this is your first type rating. MCC training prepares pilots to operate in a multi-pilot cockpit environment, which is essential for an aircraft like the A350.
• UPRT Certificate: Completion of an Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) course is required for a first type rating under EASA rules. 

These eligibility items align with EASA standards and ensure each pilot has the foundational skills and knowledge to succeed in type training. If you already have prior jet experience and ratings, you likely have most of these items checked off.

Training Curriculum and Structure

Once prerequisites are met, the A350 type rating course itself is a blend of theoretical learning and practical simulation, typically broken into two phases:

• Ground School (Theoretical Training): Expect about 16 days of intensive ground school covering A350 aircraft systems, performance, normal and abnormal procedures, and more. Uniquely, much of the theory at Simaero is delivered via computer-based training (CBT) and interactive distance learning. All theoretical courses are self-paced and conducted remotely through our e-learning platform (Wisdom), accessible 24/7. The ground phase also includes other training devices (OTDs) for procedures practice and culminates in a written exam to ensure you’ve grasped the extensive systems knowledge.
• Simulator Training (Practical Training): Following ground school, you’ll move on to the full-flight simulator (FFS) sessions. Our program includes 8 simulator sessions, each 4 hours long, plus a final 4-hour skill test session. These 8×4 hour FFS sessions allow you to practice real-world flight scenarios in a high-fidelity A350 simulator under the guidance of an experienced instructor. You’ll rehearse everything from normal takeoffs and landings to engine failures, hydraulic system malfunctions, and other emergency drills; essentially learning to handle the A350 in all phases of flight and conditions. The final session is a skill test (license proficiency check) where you demonstrate your ability to operate the A350 safely and competently, as per EASA standards. 

Note: The initial type rating course described above is based on an EASA program offered at our Paris CDG Training Center. Duration and specifics might vary slightly under other regulatory authorities, but the general structure of ground school + simulator + check ride is similar.

A330-to-A350 and A350-to-A330 Transition Courses (CTR)

The A350 aircraft was developed with Airbus’ common fly-by-wire cockpit philosophy, meaning its flight deck layout and handling characteristics are similar to other Airbus models. This commonality brings tangible benefits: pilots can transition between Airbus types with shorter training and even hold multiple type qualifications simultaneously. Notably, regulators have approved a Common Type Rating (CTR) for the A350 and its predecessor the A330, given their similar handling. This allows an A330-qualified pilot to add the A350 with a relatively shorter duration course. 

Likewise, an A350-rated pilot can more easily qualify on the A330. This flexibility can make an A350 type rating especially valuable, as it broadens the range of aircraft a pilot can fly and makes them more versatile to potential employers.

Our A330 to A350 and A350 to A330 EASA common type rating course is typically completed in about 10 days. The program includes a blend of online study and hands-on sim practice, structured roughly as follows:

• Theoretical Differences Training: Approximately 4 days of ground training focused on systems and operational differences between the A330 and A350. This is split into 2 days of CBT modules (for instance, on the CPAT e-learning platform) plus 2 days of instructor-led or self-paced study on our remote learning system. The training is efficient, leveraging the fact that much of the core knowledge carries over between the two Airbus models.
• Practical Training: The differences course includes about 4×4-hour sessions in a full-flight simulator for the target aircraft (A350 or A330 as applicable). Since you’re already an experienced Airbus pilot, this simulator time is meant to familiarize you with the new type and ensure you can perform all normal and non-normal procedures confidently. Notably, no additional skill test is required at the end of the A330/A350 CTR course. 

By the end of the CTR course, dual-qualified pilots are able to fly both the A330 and A350 under a single license endorsement, giving airlines great scheduling flexibility and pilots a broader career scope. This dual-operation capability (sometimes called Mixed Fleet Flying) is a huge benefit of the Airbus common cockpit design. 

Simaero’s instructors have extensive experience on both Airbus models, ensuring that transitioning pilots get practical insights into handling differences and best practices on the new aircraft.

Tip: Even though the transition training is shorter, come prepared by brushing up on core Airbus procedures and reviewing any study materials provided on systems differences ahead of time. This will help you get the most out of those 10 days and hit the ground running in the simulator.

Looking Ahead: Cross-Crew Qualification (CCQ)

While the Common Type Rating (CTR) courses streamline transitions between closely related aircraft like the A330 and A350, Cross-Crew Qualification (CCQ) extends this philosophy across different Airbus families. For example, it enables pilots to move from the A320 single aisle to the A350 widebody. 

We are currently in the process of potentially introducing the A320 to A350 CCQ course at our Paris CDG training center, which shall complement our existing A350 training pathways.

Beyond the Type Rating: Career Support

We know that completing your Airbus A350 training is only part of the journey. To help you succeed at the next stage, Simaero also provides airline interview preparation support. You can take an airline interview preparation course at any of our training centers. To require this course, you can simply submit the completed contact form with your preferred date. Our team will respond with the pricing details and upcoming availability.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re considering A350 simulator training and type rating, the opportunity has never been better. Our team is ready to guide you through the full process, right from meeting prerequisites to completing your simulator hours and preparing for airline interviews.

👉 Learn more about our Airbus A350 type rating program
👉 Explore our A330 to A350 Common Type Rating course
👉 Or contact us directly for personalized guidance.