First ATO in Europe to Implement Area 100 KSA

BAA Training is one of the first aviation training centers in Europe to start Ab Initio pilot training with integrated Area 100 Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA).

KSA represents a philosophy in initial pilot training focusing on competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) instead of factual knowledge training. While gaining particular importance in the aviation field, this paradigm allows students to develop appropriate ICAO core competencies during the ground training and apply theoretical knowledge through practical exercises.

The need for modernized aviation discipline training has arisen over safety concerns as multiple statistics show over 70% of commercial aircraft accidents happen due to pilot error.

Regulators are evaluating a pathway to evidence-based training tailored to rotorcraft pilots. Check out  Helicopter Training Rotating Toward EBT to find out more.

EASA observes: “Current teaching and learning tools are not sufficiently developed to encourage future pilots to use analytic and synthetic thinking or to challenge student pilots to enhance their decision-making skills, their problem-solving ability, and their level of understanding of assimilated knowledge.”

Responding to the alarming statistics, EASA has mandated ATOs to reorganize their initial pilot training system and include the KSA philosophy consolidating knowledge, skills, and understanding through scenario-based learning by January 31, 2022.

Egle Vaitkeviciute, CEO at BAA Training, says: “Despite the challenges posed by the virus, BAA Training has strategically reinforced focus on quality to embrace competency-based training and assessment approach and has done so one of the first in Europe. We have set up our own in-house enhanced training scheme under Area 100 KSA for student pilots. From day one at ground school, they will be getting intense and coherent preparation for their future work at an airline. An ability to quickly apply relevant skills and competencies is vital for different situations, including emergencies, to avoid critical mistakes during the flight."

BAA Training will integrate Area 100 KSA into the entire training syllabus. A particular emphasis will be on training through real-world situations, dealing with emergency events, stimulating resilience, and more. The rational and consistent CBTA will allow students to develop higher cognitive skill levels and pilot core competencies.

The training structure will meet EASA requirements and include one formative assessment, two summative ones, and a mental math test. Instructors will also duly brief students about Area 100 KSA background in an introductory course. During the assessments, the preference will be given to group exercises as collaborative and interactive activities facilitate disclosure of the core competencies. The mental math test will include calculations and estimations during which the use of any tools, such as calculators or rulers, will be prohibited.

All BAA Training Ab Initio students will be affected by the significant change and get introduced to Area 100 KSA in due course. The first ATPL group with Area 100 KSA embedded into the training begins in February 2021. Other Ab Initio programs available at BAA Training – CPL and MPL – will also encompass the new approach in the nearest future.