In the framework of the ACAO ICAO MoU, and in consideration of the joint activity plan 2023-2025, the CBTA/EBT Competency Based Training Assessment/Evidence Based Training supported by Airbus has been held at Dubai – UAE, the 25 -26 September 2024. Around 45 participants from 17 states and 4 organizations and various air operators attended the event. It was an opportunity to have a dynamic interactives session on the development of the Evidence Based training by the aviation operators as well as the Competency based training by the aviation Training Organizations.  

Training is one of the most important components of the aviation safety system, considering the Growing interest to Human Factor, mental & physical health and fatigue risk management. The way we approach training and assessment is evolving, with regulators and industries coming together to ensure that skills development is both practical and effective.

The WS was split in two sessions:
Regulator and industry experiences: For state regulators, the journey toward competency-based frameworks has been both rewarding and challenging. Regulatory bodies face the task of ensuring that training programs meet the highest standards, while also adapting to the specific needs of industries and regions. Navigating these complexities—whether in licensing, compliance, or certification—requires innovative approaches. Challenges such as resource constraints, evolving industry demands, and balancing uniformity with flexibility are part of the regulator’s daily experience. This is where competency-based training offers a solution, aligning outcomes with real-world tasks and ensuring that individuals are well equipped to meet professional expectations. GCAA and air lines from UAE have presented their experiences within the implementation of competency-based training. An interesting debate has taken place during the Q&A session.

CBTA course development: On the development side, creating CBTA courses that meet international standards & best practices, national regulatory requirements but also the needs of learners is no small feat. It involves designing curricula that are not just theoretical but grounded in practical skills, ensuring assessments measure real competencies. Evidence-based training, powered by research and data, plays a critical role in this process by helping us refine our methods and improve outcomes based on proven strategies. Mr. M. Olivier Airbus instructor, presented the airbus developed process for the CBTA, using reverse engineering and adaptative learning process in order to the development of training course based on the assessment of the competency of the pilots.
The discussion was an opportunity to explore how these challenges can be addressed, leveraging competency-based models to better support both learners and regulatory bodies, while ensuring that course development remains aligned with the ever-evolving needs of the industry.