Flight instructor perspectives on competency-based education: insights into educator practice within an aviation context

Abstract

This paper investigates how flight instructors view the utility of competency-based education/training (CBE/T) during the training of new pilots. A total of ten flight instructors were interviewed and analysed through an interpretive paradigm of grounded theory. The findings indicate flight instructors of all experience levels have difficulty engaging with competency texts and have a limited theoretical understanding of CBE/T. The findings suggest possible incorrect practices are being employed by instructors. More importantly, the study highlights a concern that the current industry understanding of CBE/T directly relates to learning and safety, with a potential for negative outcomes. The paper questions if CBE/T is an appropriate model for training new pilots.