Consistency in aviation training matters—especially with ICAO’s efforts to ensure competency-based approaches become the global norm. Ensuring that training courses are designed, reviewed and delivered using shared methodologies helps maintain safety, efficiency and trust across borders. Against this backdrop, Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA) has made a new contribution to ICAO’s global training ecosystem, while also strengthening its own in-house expertise.
Recently, HKIAA developed and launched a new Member ICAO Training Package (M-ITP) titled “Conducting a cursory review of competency-based training course materials” for use by the wider ICAO training community, while also qualifying two new ICAO Qualified Course Developers (IQCDs). As ICAO continues to promote global standardization in aviation training, this new M-ITP is designed to support organizations and professionals responsible for reviewing competency-based training materials worldwide.
The ICAO TDC equips course developers with the competencies required to design and develop standardized training packages, in accordance with ICAO Doc 9941, the Training Development Guide. Through an intensive programme, participants learn how to apply Instructional Systems Development (ISD) methodology, including job and population analyses, curriculum and module design, production and developmental testing, and validation.
Reflecting on the experience, Karrie, Toby and their classmates described the course as demanding but highly practical, offering hands-on exposure to the structured methodologies that underpin ICAO-recognized training worldwide.
Following completion of the TDC, discussions with HKIAA Director of Foundation and Academic Programmes and Subject Matter Expert Kenny Ma helped chart a new path for Karrie and Toby: the development of a new M-ITP focused on the cursory review of competency-based training course materials.
Kenny noted that the timing was particularly relevant, having observed a gap in understanding of competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) among professionals who are not course developers themselves, but who nonetheless play a role in reviewing or overseeing training materials. This insight became the foundation for the new course.
Over the following year, Karrie and Toby worked to develop the M-ITP, culminating in the launch of the course and their recognition as ICAO Qualified Course Developers.
The M-ITP
ICAO maintains a diverse global training portfolio, developed by ICAO, TRAINAIR PLUS Members and other partners, all aligned with ICAO Doc 9941 and designed to promote safety, security and efficiency across the international civil aviation system. A key objective of these training packages is to ensure consistency and standardization in how aviation training is developed and delivered worldwide.
Within the TRAINAIR PLUS Electronic Management System (TPEMS), users can access ICAO Training Packages (ITPs), Partnership Training Packages (PTPs), Standard Training Packages (STPs) and Member ICAO Training Packages (M-ITPs).
HKIAA’s newly developed M-ITP is intended for a global audience of training managers and civil aviation personnel. The three-day course equips participants with the competencies needed to conduct effective cursory reviews of competency-based training and assessment packages, enabling them to consistently identify essential components and assess alignment with ICAO standards. The methodologies and processes covered are aligned with ICAO Doc 9941, ICAO Doc 8335, and the TRAINAIR PLUS Operations Manual.
The process
The process of developing and validating the M-ITP was both demanding and instructive. Balancing the development work alongside their regular professional responsibilities, Karrie and Toby navigated steep learning curves and significant time commitments. Throughout the process, Kenny Ma and ICAO Instructional Systems Design (ISD) validator Mostafa Hoummady worked closely with them to ensure full compliance with relevant ICAO documentation and annexes.
While the challenges encountered were not unique, the experience gave Karrie and Toby a deeper appreciation of the importance of standardization and structured competency-based methodologies. They also highlighted the significance of clear language and the use of appropriate action verbs to accurately describe and demonstrate different levels of competency.
As part of the validation process, Karrie and Toby had the opportunity to observe course delivery, receive structured feedback and refine the training materials accordingly, further strengthening the final product.
By developing this new M-ITP and qualifying two ICAO Course Developers, HKIAA has reinforced its role as an active contributor to ICAO’s global training framework. The initiative not only strengthens internal expertise, but also supports the broader aviation community by promoting shared standards, consistent review practices and high-quality competency-based training worldwide.