What are the Pilot Competencies?
Pilot core competencies are an industry recognised standard which airline recruitment teams use to determine whether a pilot is suitable for a Captain or First Officer role.
Each of the competencies have a sub-set of behavioural markers that pilots should demonstrate to ensure that the operation is safe, efficient and comfortable.
It is key that you know and practice these competencies, so below we’ve listed each of the 9 competencies as well as an explanation and the behavioural sub-sets.
Communication (COM)
Demonstrates effective oral, non-verbal, and written communications, in normal and non-normal situations.
Correctly prioritises what, how and who to communicate with
Ensures recipient is ready and able to receive information
Conveys messages and information clearly, accurately, timely and adequately using appropriate vocabulary and standard phraseology
Confirms that the recipient correctly understands important information; resolves ambiguity
Listens actively, patiently, and demonstrates understanding when receiving information
Asks relevant and effective questions and offers suggestions
Uses appropriate body language, eye contact and tone and correctly interprets non-verbal communication of others
Workload Management (WLM)
Manages available resources efficiently to prioritise and perform tasks in a timely manner under all circumstances.
Is calm, relaxed, methodical and not impulsive
Plans, prepares, prioritises and schedules tasks effectively
Manages time efficiently when carrying out tasks
Offers and accepts assistance, delegates when necessary and asks for help when appropriate
Reviews, monitors and cross-checks actions conscientiously
Ensures tasks are completed
Manages and recovers from interruptions, distractions, variations and failures effectively
Situational Awareness (SAW)
Perceives and comprehends all the relevant information available and anticipates what could happen that may affect the operation.
Is aware of the aircraft, its systems and projection of the status in the future
Is aware of the aircraft flightpath, proximity to terrain/obstacles and the operational environment
Keeps track of time and fuel
Anticipates likely threats and events, plans and mitigates appropriately
Is aware of the condition of people involved in or affected by the operation
Develops “what if” scenarios and plans for contingencies
Regularly reviews mental model, recognises and responds to indications of reduced situational awareness
Knowledge (KNO)
The information, understanding and skills that you gain through education, also both flight training and experience.
Demonstrates practical and applicable knowledge of limitations and systems and their interaction
Demonstrates required knowledge of published operating instructions
Demonstrates knowledge of the physical environment, including ATC/airspace, wx, airports and operational infrastructure
Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of applicable legislation
Knows where to source required information
Demonstrates a positive interest in acquiring knowledge
Is able to apply knowledge effectively
Application of Procedures (PRO)
Identifies and applies procedures in accordance with published operating instructions and applicable regulations, using the appropriate knowledge.
Follows SOPs unless a higher degree of safety dictates otherwise
Identifies the source of operating instructions and applies all operating instructions in a timely manner
Correctly uses aircraft systems, controls and instruments
Disciplined in use of checklists, QRH and procedures
Safely manages the aircraft to achieve optimum efficiency
Flight Path Management Automation (FPA)
Controls the aircraft flight path through automation, including appropriate use of flight management system(s) and guidance.
Controls the aircraft using automation appropriate to the situation with accuracy and smoothness
Detects deviations from the desired trajectory and takes appropriate action
Manages the flightpath to achieve optimum operational performance
Manages the flightpath using automation while managing other tasks and distractions
Selects appropriate level and mode of automation in a timely manner considering phase of flight and workload
Effectively monitors automation and maintains FMA awareness
Flight Path Management Manual (FPM)
Controls the aircraft flight path through manual flight, including appropriate use of flight management system(s) and flight guidance systems.
Controls the aircraft manually appropriate to the situation with accuracy and smoothness
Detects deviations from the desired trajectory and takes appropriate action
Controls the aircraft safely using the relationship between attitude, speed and power
Manages the flightpath to achieve optimum operational performance
Manages the flightpath during manual flight while managing other tasks and distractions
Selects appropriate level and mode of flight guidance systems in a timely manner considering phase of flight and workload
Effectively monitors flight guidance systems
Problem Solving and Decision Making (PSD)
Accurately identifies risks and resolves problems. Uses the appropriate decision-making processes.
Identifies and verifies why things have gone wrong, does not jump to conclusions or make uninformed assumptions
Seeks accurate and relevant information from appropriate sources
Perseveres in working through a problem without reducing safety
Uses appropriate, agreed and timely decision making processes
Applies essential and desirable criteria with effective prioritisation
Makes decisions when needed, reviews and changes them if required
Anticipates and manages risk effectively
Improvises appropriately when faced with unforeseen circumstances to achieve the safest outcome
Leadership and Teamwork (LTW)
Demonstrates effective leadership and team working.
Leads by example with integrity and responsibility
Creates a supportive and inclusive atmosphere of open communication and encourages team participation
Uses initiative, gives direction and takes responsibility when required
Anticipates other crew members needs and carries out instructions when directed
Is open and honest about thoughts, concerns and intentions
Encourages feedback, gives and receives both criticism and praises well, admits own mistakes
Demonstrates empathy, respect and tolerance for other people
Involves others in planning and allocates activities fairly and appropriately to abilities
Understanding these pilot competencies and demonstrating them during your interviews and assessments is a key to success. Are you up to speed with your pilot competencies?
At VA, our APS MCC courses are built around these competencies, ensuring you have the best chance of succeeding.
Learn more about our AirlineReady® APS MCC →