A320 Lounge Command Preparation Course | 27th February

Industry-leading 1-day Command Theory and Failure Management course, delivered live by experienced Airbus Captains and Trainers. Trusted by 150+ pilots worldwide who have fast-tracked their route to command.

Fast-track your route to command with the leading one-day Command Theory and Failure Management course.

Designed by the team behind the most-recognised A320 Podcast in the world, this intensive programme gives you the clarity, structure, and confidence needed to excel in your upcoming command upgrade, all from the comfort of your living space and personal device.

Our virtual classroom is delivered live by highly experienced Airbus Captains and Trainers who guide you through the exact non-technical and technical skills required for a successful transition to the left seat.

Once enrolled you will instantly receive your Zoom link, joining instructions, and a full breakdown of the training day.

What’s Included

Live Command Preparation Course
Structured walkthrough of the full command assessment journey including examiner expectations, competency frameworks, and best-practice behaviours.

Infographic PDF Handouts
Concise visual summaries of suggested workflows, systems, and decision-making models for rapid revision.

Commander Responsibilities
• Command mindset
• Effective communication and delegation
• Threat and error management
• Legal responsibilities

Failure Management Workshops
• Managing complex primary and secondary failures
• Prioritisation logic
• Running real-time failures
• Interactive break-out rooms with colleagues to discuss management

Revision Strategy and Study Planning

• The study and preparation plan weeks & months before the big day
• The run up to the Sim Assessment
• Memory aids and structured note-taking

ICAO Competencies Deep Dive

Scenarios based on technical and non-technical skills defined in ICAO Doc 9995

Command Sim Session Preparation
• Avoiding common FO-to-Captain transition traps
• The importance of interactive briefings
• Handling exam pressure
• Common Weak Areas - and why colleagues fail first time

Real-Time Scenario Runs
• Multi-system failures on commercially licensed software from Airbus
• How do challenging weather, commercial considerations, multiple system failures influence the decision?
• Interactive group discussion about what we did, why we did it.

Your Instructor

Matt

I first wanted to be a pilot at 7. I started flying at the age of 13 with the Air Cadets, later earning a gliding scholarship, flying out of RAF Henlow. After the course, I was invited to join the Squadron as an Instructor Trainee. Soon after, I then got my PPL and went to the USA for hour-building, before returning back home to the UK to complete my CPL/IR at Bristol Flying Centre.

In 2007, I secured a role with a type rating on the A320 at one of Europe’s largest airlines, where I’ve worked ever since. I gained Command in 2013 and now have around 8,000 hours on the A320.

In my spare time, I teach as a Type Rating ground school instructor for the Airbus A320 family and run A320 and 737 technical refresher webinars. (www.a320lounge.com) (www.737lounge.com)

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the course start and finish?

The course will run on Friday, 27th February 2026, commencing at 10:00 and concluding at 16:00 (UK & UTC time)

How long do I have access to the course?

As this is a live, interactive course, it is not recorded. As a result, replays will not be available, allowing for a dynamic and engaging real-time experience. However, you’ll receive a comprehensive PDF handout to support your learning, and provide a lasting resource for future reference.

What if I am unhappy with the course?

We want you to be completely satisfied with your experience. If, for any reason, you’re not happy with your purchase, simply reach out within 30 days, and we’ll provide a full refund—no fuss.

I want to join but I'm on standby that morning. What happens if I get called out?

It happens, and that's why we offer Standby Protection. If crewing call you to operate prior, or during the session we'll transfer you to our next course date, or refund your purchase if no date suits.

None of the available dates work for me, how can I participate?

Our airline schedules and life plans don't always perfectly align. We advise you to join our waitlist so that you're first to know when our next dates are published. > a320lounge.com/waitlist

Who is this course designed for?

First Officers preparing for a command upgrade on any jet or turboprop fleet. The content works on all devices and focuses on the competencies, behaviours, and decision-making frameworks required for Command.

Is the course specific to the Airbus A320?

The examples often reference Airbus, but the command competencies, failure management logic, and leadership principles apply to any commercial jet fleet. Pilots from multiple airlines and aircraft types have used this course successfully.

What format is the training delivered in?

A live, full-day virtual classroom hosted via Zoom. You will receive instant access to the link and joining instructions upon enrolment.

Is this suitable if I’m short on study time?

Yes. The course includes a clear revision strategy and a targeted study plan so you can prepare efficiently in the weeks leading up to your assessment.

Thank you for considering our Command Theory and Failure Management course. Over the past few years we’ve supported more than 150 pilots worldwide as they stepped confidently into the left seat.

The programme you’ve just read about was built by Airbus Captains and Trainers who understand the demands of the modern command upgrade and know exactly how to guide you through it. Every session, every workshop, and every scenario is designed to strengthen your judgement, sharpen your leadership, and elevate your performance when it matters most.

We look forward to helping you do the same.