Mistakes are a normal part of any pilot’s learning journey. Every student will encounter difficulties at some point during the A320 pre-type rating preparation. However, what is important here is how you adapt and improve. In fact, recognising frequent errors early allows you to avoid them or adjust more efficiently.

Flying is complex, and every experienced pilot started by mastering the basics through consistent practice. In this blog, we will discuss the top 10 mistakes pilots make during A320 pre-type rating prep. Below are the most common mistakes to watch out for.

Avoid the 10 Common Mistakes in A320 Pre-Type Rating Training

Here are the most common A320 pre-type rating mistakes to avoid:

Lack of Preparation for CBT & Ground School

A common mistake is beginning the A320 pre-type rating with insufficient preparation for the initial Computer-Based Training and ground school phases. Candidates who neglect the pre-supplied systems manuals often struggle to keep pace. This creates a fundamental knowledge gap, making it difficult to comprehend complex aircraft systems during instructor-led sessions. When you start early, it allows you to build a solid technical foundation at your own pace. This allows ground school to reinforce knowledge instead of introducing everything for the first time.

Selecting a Non-Experienced Aviation Academy

When you select an academy for A320 pre-type rating preparation without careful vetting, it becomes a significant risk. Major pitfalls relevant to this include a lack of evidence of graduate success and insufficiently experienced instructors. Training from instructors without deep, current line experience on the A320 can leave critical gaps in your practical knowledge. The academy’s primary role is to effectively bridge the gap between your previous flying experience and modern jet operations.

Over-Reliance on Automation

Pilots can become dependent on the aircraft’s automation during Airbus A320 type rating preparation. This weakens their manual handling skills and is considered to be one of the biggest A320 pre-type rating mistakes. Plus, this reliance becomes a liability when the automation is unavailable or manual flying is required during training or in failures. During preparation, it’s crucial to focus not only on managing the automation but also on manually controlling the aircraft’s trajectory, energy state, and configuration.

Poor Time Management of Study & Simulator Planning

The A320 pre-type rating syllabus is vast, while the schedule is condensed. Underestimating the time required to study systems, procedures, and memory items leads to last-minute cramming and inadequate preparation. This directly impacts your performance in both ground school and the simulator. Adequate Airbus A320 type rating preparation involves creating a detailed study schedule weeks in advance, allocating dedicated time blocks for each subject, and adhering to it.

Not Understanding Where to Find Information

Attempting to memorise everything is inefficient. The Airbus documentation system (FCOM, QRH, FCTM) is logically structured. However, dealing with it under the time pressure of a simulator session or exam requires practice. Candidates who fail to familiarise themselves with the index, glossary, and hierarchical layout of these documents waste precious time searching. You need to know where to find the answer quickly. Airline pilots who try to memorise everything often freeze when they need specific information under pressure. 

Insufficient Familiarity with Memory Items

Leaving memory items for the last minute overloads mental capacity during simulator sessions. These items must be instinctive, as they are required for immediate action in emergencies. Late memorisation compromises recall and overall simulator performance. Consistent, early, and repeated drilling of memory items using flashcards, audio recordings, or mobile apps embeds them in long-term memory.

Neglecting Crew Resource Management (CRM) Skills

The A320 is operated in a multi-crew environment, yet some candidates focus solely on technical knowledge. They overlook the human factors. Under pressure during training, it’s easy to stop speaking clearly, try to do everything yourself, or make decisions alone. Actively reviewing CRM principles and consciously practising assertive communication, task delegation, and shared situational awareness during preparation is important.

Underestimating the Complexity of A320 Systems

Pilots transitioning from smaller, less complex aircraft sometimes mistakenly assume the A320 is just a “bigger” version of what they already know. This can lead to inadequate preparation for its integrated systems. Airbus A320 type rating course​ . The A320’s systems, such as its flight control laws, autothrust logic, and ECAM, are deeply integrated. A failure in one system can ripple through others. Study how systems interact, not just how they work in isolation. 

Failing to Build Simulator Confidence Ahead of Training

The full-flight simulator can be overwhelming if it’s your first time in any kind of A320 cockpit. While a desktop simulator cannot replicate the FFS, it is an invaluable tool for building initial confidence. Using simulation software to practice cockpit flows, navigation display (ND) and primary flight display (PFD) management, and basic Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) builds familiarity.

Mental Preparation & Stress Management

Many pilots prepare technically but overlook their psychological readiness. This often results in fatigue, higher stress levels, and inconsistent performance. Proactive mental preparation involves practising stress-management techniques such as controlled breathing, mindfulness, and positive visualisation. Furthermore, building a study schedule that includes scheduled breaks, physical exercise, and proper rest is essential.

Conclusion

A dedicated and structured approach is essential for the A320 pre-type rating. To succeed, you must study A320 systems in depth, practice procedures, and develop strong habits from the start. You should avoid the common A320 pre-type rating mistakes outlined above. This level of preparation directly improves confidence and training performance.
At Airship Aviation Academy, our A320 pre-type rating classes ensure that pilots have the necessary knowledge to avoid these common pitfalls. We provide the structured curriculum, expert instruction from current line pilots, and flexible recorded sessions you need to build a rock-solid foundation. Contact us today!