The Value of Competency-Based Training & Assessment (CBTA) in Aviation
This article was originally published in the January 2026 issue of Jetstream.
Photo courtesy of Boeing.
Safety is the foremost priority in aviation.
The well-being of those who operate, maintain and fly-on aircraft is paramount. As the complexity of modern airplane operations increases, so does the need for effective training methodologies to ensure personnel are not only knowledgeable but also competent in their roles.
Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) is a well-defined, data driven methodology that has emerged as a leading approach to both flight and maintenance training, focusing on the demonstration and development of skills, knowledge and behaviours in real-world scenarios.
Fundamental to the implementation of CBTA is the integration of this training methodology as a risk mitigation strategy when tied to a Safety Management System (SMS).
Investing in a Safer Industry—Global Aerospace Safety
In 2020, Boeing formed Global Aerospace Safety with a mission to enhance operational safety across the aerospace industry.
This is a collaborative effort with customers, regulators and other industry stakeholders to enhance safety through six focus areas:
1. Aligning Safety Management Systems: Complements and augments existing safety processes, while ensuring regulatory standards and industry best practices are upheld.
2. Enhancing Customer Support Services: Provides operational readiness support for both in-service and to-be-delivered airplanes.
3. Using Advanced Analytics: Provides ability to deploy predictive analytics and address findings utilising a robust customer data collection and integration capability.
4. Enhancing Training Programs: Continuously raises the bar on safety through improved training for pilots and maintainers.
5. Collaboration with Global Policymakers and Regulatory Authorities: Ensures compliance and safety standards are met through ongoing worldwide regulatory engagement.
6. Feedback on Engineering Designs: Results in improved aircraft design and safety features, driven by customer feedback.
The Evolution of Pilot Training
Historically, pilot training in the 1960s focused on areas with higher mechanical failure rates.
Studies indicate that 70-80% of industry accidents involve human factors, such as poor judgement and decision-making.
As aircraft technology and operational complexity has advanced, the need for more comprehensive training has evolved.
Pilots now require not only technical instruction but also training that enhances their skills in:
- Application of procedures
- Application of knowledge
- Communication
- Flight path management – manual
- Flight path management – automation
- Leadership and teamwork
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Situation awareness
- Workload management
Boeing and the aviation industry have turned to competency and evidence-based programs to impart core skills, attitudes and behaviours that complement pilots’ technical knowledge. This approach enables pilots to manage and mitigate threats and errors effectively, ultimately building pilot resilience.
“Our Competency-Based Training and Assessment program goes beyond traditional task-based training methods and focuses on the essential skills needed to navigate the complex situations that pilots and maintainers face in operations,” said Chris Broom, vice president of Boeing Commercial Training Solutions.
Boeing’s Pilot Competency Framework
Boeing’s CBTA curriculum equips pilots and maintainers with essential technical knowledge as well as the skills, attitudes and values required to achieve the highest levels of safety. Instructors observe and record trainees’ behaviours, decisions and interactions during training. This allows instructors to assess pilot proficiencies in teamwork, communication, decision-making and crew management without directing their actions.
Through follow-on facilitation and dialogue, examiners and instructors can assess the observable pilot behaviours to consistently rate their competencies. By allowing pilots to demonstrate their existing knowledge and experience, training can then be tailored to their specific needs.
What is a competency?
Competencies are defined as a collection of observable behaviours that encompass knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for successful job performance.
Research has identified specific behaviours that indicate levels of competencies, allowing for the development of a standardised language to assess and enhance pilot-specific competencies. This is the foundation of CBTA, which standardises behaviour into a common language that can be used to develop and objectively evaluate pilots.
Boeing’s CBTA framework develops nine core competencies that enable professional pilots to more effectively identify and manage threats and errors, making them more resilient and adaptable in real-world scenarios.
Photo courtesy of Boeing.
Competency-Based Training & Assessment Cycle
Evidence-based training is a key strength of the CBTA program. Multiple data sources inform tailored training, some of which include:
- Operational Data: Used to inform tailored recurrent training programs and assess training effectiveness.
- Safety Performance Benchmarks: Establishing standards for safety performance provides the operator visibility to facilitate industry sharing and learning.
- Correlation Analytics: Analysing data to identify trends, areas for improvement and risks that may need to be addressed within the operator SMS.
- Monitoring and Training Effectiveness Assessment: Evaluating the effectiveness of training programs.
Operators can reassess their training needs based on current, real-world operational data, allowing for continuous improvement in safety practices.
“As we developed the curriculum, we brought in customers and asked for their valuable feedback,” said Mike Miller, Director of Learning Design for Boeing Commercial Training Solutions. “We partnered with multiple airlines to identify known operational hazards and analyse safety risks, and we found that the flight operations data is really what makes this work.”
CBTA Deployment Strategy
Since early 2020, Boeing has collaborated with airlines, maintenance providers, flight schools, pilot unions and regulatory authorities to:
- Create an immersive training curriculum.
- Certify dozens of instructors.
- Provide access to high-tech training tools at campuses worldwide.
- Actively deploy with over 70 airlines, maintenance organisations and flight schools.
- Continually assess program and curriculum effectiveness.
Tying CBTA to Safety Management System (SMS)
CBTA is a key risk mitigation strategy that aligns closely with SMS principles. By developing competencies that address real operational risks, CBTA supports the proactive identification and management of hazards central to SMS. Using real-world data and safety benchmarks, CBTA enables tailored training that complements SMS processes, helps uphold regulatory standards and industry best practices and develops more resilient pilots.
CBTA is being integrated into Boeing’s Flight, Early Career and Maintenance Training offerings. The training is delivered at Boeing campuses and customer locations, with a focus on continuous customer engagement to maximise adoption across the industry. This includes over 300 customer and regulatory engagements, small group tryouts, workshops and over 70 live CBTA deployments.
Competency-Based Training and Assessment represents a significant advancement in aviation training methodologies.
By focusing on observable behaviours and competencies, Boeing’s CBTA curriculum not only enhances pilot training but also serves as a vital risk mitigation strategy tied to an operator’s Safety Management System.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, investing in CBTA will help ensure that safety remains the top priority through continuous monitoring and mitigation of current and emergent safety issues, ultimately leading to a safer industry for all stakeholders involved.