Can a pilot go from A318 flight to A321 flight?

[VZ626]

Hello,

So I know that the cockpit for the A320 series is the same, and so is the type rating. But realistically, could a pilot fly an A318 from say MSP to ORD, but then an A321 from ORD to DTW?

 

[Iltsujp]

Yes, theoretically as they have the same flight deck and instruments, similar to the way the 737ng works.

 

[HungryRegionalGuy]

It's on their license, therefore legally they HAVE to be able to fly it (as a type rating on their license I mean), else the FAA would be very unhappy.

 

[321Captain]

Hello,

So I know that the cockpit for the A320 series is the same, and so is the type rating. But realistically, could a pilot fly an A318 from say MSP to ORD, but then an A321 from ORD to DTW?

Yes, and it happens all the time.

 

[321Captain]

Pretty much every trip you swap aircraft from one leg to the next. Sometimes if you are lucky, you will keep the same airplane if you are doing a turn.