Aviation training glossary

What is a competency framework in aviation training?

A competency framework is the defined set of competencies and observable behaviours that pilots are trained and assessed against. It is the backbone of both CBTA and EBT, giving every instructor and examiner a common standard to grade against.

What a framework contains

A competency framework lists each competency (for example, communication or workload management), the observable behaviours that indicate it, and a grading scale. ICAO's framework defines nine core competencies for pilots; EASA and UK CAA build on the same foundation, and operators may add their own overlays.

Why the framework must be consistent

If instructors grade against different interpretations, the resulting data is not comparable and evidence-based training breaks down. A single, well-defined framework — enforced by software — is what makes competency data trustworthy across a fleet.

Frameworks in Waypoint

Waypoint ships the EASA, UK CAA and ICAO frameworks out of the box and lets training managers edit competencies, observable behaviours and grading policies per operator. Its ICAO-aligned foundation also suits GCC authorities. See CBTA software.

Frequently asked questions

Answers for training teams

What is an aviation competency framework?

An aviation competency framework is the defined set of competencies, observable behaviours and grading scales that pilots are trained and assessed against. It underpins CBTA and EBT by giving every assessor a common standard.

Can a competency framework be customised per operator?

Yes. In Waypoint, training managers can edit competencies, observable behaviours and grading policies per operator, building on the EASA, UK CAA and ICAO frameworks that ship out of the box.

Put the theory into practice

See CBTA and EBT running in Waypoint, configured to your regulator. Book a 30-minute demo.