Airbus Overhauls Pilot Training with Competency-Based Approach

Airbus has redesigned its pilot training programs to incorporate Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA), moving away from a focus solely on counting flight hours. This shift includes all type rating courses, aligning with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) CBTA standards. The curriculum now highlights nine core competencies that encompass both technical and non-technical skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and workload management. Additionally, the Virtual Procedure Trainer, a cloud-based tool, is used to prepare pilots for the cockpit procedures that are required before advancing to the Full Flight Simulator stage.

Airbus began incorporating Competency-Based Training and Assessment into its pilot training since 2014, starting with the A350 Type Rating.

What has been confirmed

Airbus has confirmed the integration of CBTA into its pilot training programs, including type rating initial training and command courses. The company revised all type rating courses in accordance with ICAO CBTA standards. Airbus has been using CBTA since 2014 for the A350 type rating. Global adoption of CBTA has been acknowledged, with entities like EASA and regions such as Asia Pacific and the Middle East integrating these standards. Human error remains a notable factor in aviation incidents, contributing to approximately 25–40% of accidents.

Why it matters

For the US commercial aviation sector, the move towards CBTA by a major manufacturer like Airbus highlights a trend that could influence pilot training programs worldwide, including North America. This competency-focused approach is intended to enhance pilot effectiveness and further mitigate human error, a significant contributor to aviation incidents. It also reflects a broader industry shift towards Evidence-Based Training (EBT) to boost overall safety standards.

FlyMarshall context

Airbus's decision to focus on competencies in pilot training aligns with growing industry awareness of the limitations in traditional training models focused primarily on flight hours. For pilots and airlines, this evolution could mean more resilient training outcomes, with pilots better prepared for both routine and challenging situations. For passengers, this focus on comprehensive competence development could translate to safer and more reliable flight operations.

What happens next

Airbus will continue to implement CBTA across its training centers globally, and other aircraft manufacturers may observe and adapt these standards. There is an industry-wide move towards Evidence-Based Training, suggesting further developments in training methodologies may emerge as data on new practices becomes available.