Competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) for flight crew - draft Advisory Circular 61-09 v1.0

From 15 February to 1 March 2022 we sought feedback on draft advisory circular (AC) 61-09 - Competency-based training and assessment for flight crew. The consultation asked if the AC contained sufficient explanation for the implementation of competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) and recognition of prior learning (RoPL) in the flight crew training environment.

This consultation has now closed, and a summary of feedback is provided below.

About this consultation

Prior to this consultation, there has been inconsistent awareness and implementation of CBTA systems and the use of RoPL for Australian aviation training. While CBTA training concepts are not new in vocational education and training environments, they may not yet have been completely introduced and accepted in a flight crew training setting. This consultation enquired into the understanding and experience of CBTA and RoPL, asking respondents if the AC provided a sufficient explanation of the concepts, and an opinion of its success if and when implemented.

In total, there were 10 respondents to the consultation. Responses came from various groups (some respondents were part of more than one group); 4 flight training operators, 5 flight instructors, 5 flight examiners, 1 CASA inspector and 1 trainee. Of the submissions, 5 consented to allow their responses to be published and 4 requested their submissions be confidential.

Summary of feedback

The majority of responses agreed with the amount and relevance of the information within the AC, although various responses requested clarification or additional guidance.

Common themes across the feedback were:

• CBTA and RoPL has a diverse meaning amongst a wide range of training environments
• there were several suggestions to include guidance on specific matters or training
• the terminology used around CBTA and RoPL can be confusing, particularly when comparing other training sectors
• these methods may already have been implemented by some FTO's but further guidance will be helpful.

There were few responses which disagreed with the AC contents which confirms the information is generally accepted.

CASA accepts CBTA training methods are varied and broad in many environments. CASA recognises the challenges faced by many training organisations to implement or transform their current training methods to a CBTA framework, while keeping up with industry standards.

CASA agrees with the responses regarding some difficulties in interpreting information on the RoPL Candidate Application (Annex A). Minor amendments will be made to improve this sample form. Similarly, amendments will be made to the AC to include information that may have originally been omitted.

CASA is dedicated to assisting training operators with a smooth, simple transition to, and maintenance of CBTA methods.

Next steps

CASA thanks the many highly qualified people and organisations contributing their time and thought to this consultation and acknowledges the feedback as beneficial to the effectiveness of the consultation process.

Relevant stakeholders will be notified of the AC, a Notice to Instructors circulated and a proposal to develop further education and training on CBTA and RoPL.

Based on industry feedback, CASA will proceed with the publishing of AC 61-09 and will undertake the following activities:

• provide comparison of traditional training methods against CBTA methods to assist with interpretation of CBTA methodology
• investigate the development and promulgation of further educational tools to assist training operations with CBTA and RoPL methods.