A professional pilot’s ability to operate safely and efficiently is not just a function of technical skill – it relies on a broader set of professional competencies that define decision-making, communication, leadership, and adaptability under pressure. In today’s complex aviation environment, traditional training models that rely solely on experience accumulation are no longer sufficient. A competency-based approach ensures that pilots are not only proficient in flying, but are also prepared to manage the full spectrum of challenges they may encounter in real-world operations. This blog outlines aviation competency-based training and how Cineon’s flagship platform, TACET, provides deeper insights into performance with behavioural AI.
What Are Pilot Competencies?
Pilot competencies cover the critical skills, behaviours, and knowledge required to operate an aircraft safely and effectively. Unlike traditional training, which focuses primarily on flight hours and technical skills, competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) takes a more holistic approach, ensuring pilots can adapt dynamically, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively under operational pressures.
Competencies are not just a checklist of pass-fail items. They work together and a pilot is only truly competent when they can demonstrate proficiency in all areas. Weakness in a single competency can undermine operational effectiveness.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) defines eight key pilot competencies, which form the foundation of modern competency-based training:
- Application of Procedures – Correctly applying standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulatory requirements in all flight phases.
- Communication – Clearly and concisely conveying and receiving information to ensure effective coordination.
- Flight Path Management (Automation) – Operating and monitoring automated systems while maintaining overall situational awareness.
- Flight Path Management (Manual Control) – Controlling the aircraft manually with precision when required.
- Leadership & Teamwork – Managing and coordinating with the crew to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making – Analysing situations, assessing risks, and making sound operational decisions.
- Situational Awareness – Maintaining an accurate perception of all operational elements and their potential impact on the flight.
- Workload Management – Prioritising and distributing tasks effectively to maintain safety and efficiency.
Evolution of Competency-Based Training
Historically, pilot training followed a prescriptive, hours-based model where experience was measured in flight time rather than demonstrated capability. However, as aircraft operations have become more complex and safety data have revealed gaps in conventional training, The ICAO led the shift towards competency-based training and assessment. This has since been adopted by several National Aviation Authorities recognising its benefits.
CBTA ensures pilots are not just accumulating experience but actively demonstrating the skills necessary to manage real-world scenarios. This method focusses on performance rather than just repetition, making training more tailored to individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why Pilot Competencies Matter
Each pilot has a unique operational experience, learning style, and developmental needs. A standardised training framework cannot effectively prepare pilots for the varied challenges of real-world flight operations. Training must be adaptable and targeted to address any competency gaps.
Pilot competencies are the cornerstone of aviation safety and operational efficiency. In an industry where decision-making under pressure is routine, a competency-based approach provides tangible benefits:
- Enhanced Safety – A fully competent pilot is better equipped to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to risks and abnormal situations.
- Improved Decision-Making – Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities reduce human error and enhance situational judgment.
- Operational Efficiency – Competent pilots optimise fuel management, reduce delays, and improve airline performance.
- Adaptability to Emerging Technologies – With automation and advanced avionics evolving rapidly, pilots must seamlessly integrate new technologies into their operational repertoire.
- Stronger Leadership and Communication – Effective coordination with crew and ground teams ensures smoother, more cohesive operations.
CBTA benefits both pilots and operators by fostering a structured, targeted training approach that continuously refines performance rather than simply meeting minimum regulatory standards.
What Is TACET?
Traditional pilot assessments rely heavily on subjective observations, leaving gaps in competency development. TACET (Training Aircrew Competencies using Eye Tracking) is an advanced immersive training platform – developed by Cineon – that bridges these gaps by using real-time behavioural analysis. Its eye-tracking technology monitors cognitive states like stress, fatigue, situational awareness, and attention – offering instructors precise, data-driven insights to improve training effectiveness.
How TACET Enhances Competency-Based Training
By integrating TACET into CBTA, instructors gain objective performance data that goes beyond classroom lessons and simulator drills. TACET provides deeper insights into critical pilot competencies, including:
- Decision-Making – Helping instructors evaluate how pilots assess situations quickly and act decisively.
- Situational Awareness – Supporting the assessment of pilots’ ability to process and respond to rapidly changing flight conditions and operational demands.
- Leadership and Teamwork – Identifying strengths and weaknesses in leadership and teamwork under high-stakes conditions.
- Workload Management – Measuring a pilot’s ability to maintain performance under operational stress.
- Automation and Manual Flight Path Management – Evaluating how pilots balance the use of automation while maintaining manual flying skills and awareness.
- Communication and Coordination – Providing insights into the effectiveness of a pilot’s communication with ATC, crew, and operational teams.
Additionally, TACET helps instructors evaluate key pilot behaviours like monitoring, a fundamental skill that supports overall situational awareness and decision-making.
With personalised training, objective performance metrics, and real-time feedback, TACET ensures pilot training is tailored, measurable, and aligned with real-world operational demands.
The Future of Pilot Training
Competency in aviation is non-negotiable. Training has evolved, it is no longer about ticking regulatory boxes but about embedding a culture of excellence, precision, and adaptability into every pilot’s skillset. As the industry evolves, so must the way we train and assess pilots.
With tools like TACET, we can move beyond outdated methods and instead offer adaptive, personalised training that meets the demands of modern aviation.
The pilots who fully engage with CBTA will be those who set the standard for safety and efficiency in the skies. As training methodologies evolve, staying ahead of these developments will be crucial for ensuring the highest levels of competency and operational excellence.
