Pilot Training Advances and Innovations in Latin America

With the goal of working together to tackle the industry's challenges and promote continuous staff development, the Advanced Pilot Training Workshop, the result of collaboration between LATAM and the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), brought together industry professionals, experts and regulatory authorities with the aim of advancing pilot training practices in the region.

With the goal of working together to tackle the industry's challenges and promote continuous staff development, the Advanced Pilot Training Workshop, the result of collaboration between LATAM and the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), brought together industry professionals, experts and regulatory authorities with the aim of advancing pilot training practices in the region. The message reiterated throughout the workshop was the commitment to safety and the constant search for excellence in training models.

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A broad overview of the origins and evolution of CBT (competency-based training) was presented, highlighting the importance of migrating from traditional training models to competency-based and data-driven models to generate new scenarios in line with the reality of airline operations. In addition, the experts discussed the similarities and differences between advanced programs, such as the Advanced Qualification Program (AQP), the European model ATQP (Alternative Training Qualification Program), Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) applicable to initial and ab initio pilot programs, and Evidence-Based Training (EBT) for recurrent training. The contribution of these programs to the reduction of air accidents worldwide is a reality, which reinforces the importance of migrating to these models and measuring and assessing pilot competencies in an objective and standardized way.

The workshop emphasized the crucial role of human resources, as well as instructors, as facilitators in the process of shaping the competencies required of pilots for proper decision-making, generating the need to invest in qualified and up-to-date instructors.

Likewise, the use of technology to simulate scenarios that are more realistic to current operations and the growing relevance of the use of data in advanced aviation were emphasized, allowing for the continuous updating of training programs in line with safety indices and cabin resource management (CRM) needs.

The expert panels offered a platform for sharing experiences and exploring innovative strategies. One of the highlights was the discussion on the role of civil aviation authorities and regulation. Brazil's ANAC emphasized the need for an approach focused on developing pilots' skills, as opposed to mere compliance with standard controls. This approach was complemented by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which highlighted the global commitment to developing standards that ensure the sustainable growth of the sector. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) presented its efforts to improve the training of inspectors and instructors and support the implementation of programs such as EBT, demonstrating that international collaboration is a fundamental pillar for aviation safety, as well as the need for standardization and reliability of the information generated.

In addition to the panels, the workshop offered working tables divided by country, promoting more detailed discussions and the exchange of experiences between participants, as well as establishing the necessary steps for implementing these programs in each country. In closing, the conclusions of the round tables emphasized the joint commitment to raising the standards of safety and excellence in Latin American aviation, moving towards the migration to advanced pilot training programs at a regional level and the importance of collaboration and information exchange between airlines, regulatory bodies and the industry in their implementation.

The event represented an important milestone in Latin American aviation, providing an essential forum for dialog and collaboration around best practices and innovations in pilot training. It is hoped that the knowledge shared will inspire new approaches and drive continued progress in aviation safety and the effectiveness of pilot training in Latin America.

The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA for its name in Spanish) is a private, non-profit organization at the service of the aviation industry, whose mission is to develop an even safer, more efficient and environmentally responsible air transport in Latin America and the Caribbean. ALTA coordinates the collaborative efforts throughout the entire aviation ecosystem maximizing the impact the industry has on the economic and social growth of the region for the benefit of industry, nations, and people served by air transport.

ALTA groups over 160 companies to develop projects through 10 working groups. More information at www.alta.aero.