In today’s fast-evolving aviation industry, having a foundation of knowledge and practical skills is critical for maintaining safety, security, and operational efficiency. Training and lifelong learning are the cornerstones of developing an aviation professional’s competencies. Continuous learning ensures that aviation professionals are not only well-versed in current regulations but also adept at applying them in real-world scenarios. Ensuring effective competency-based training can be a challenge. Many organizations face time and financial constraints that lead to insufficient instructor training and, as a result, lower course quality. In an industry where even minor errors can have significant consequences, comprehensive training equips professionals with the expertise and confidence needed to navigate complex challenges and uphold the highest standards of safety and performance.
As part of their efforts to support ICAO’s training objectives, the JAA Training Organisation (JAA TO) provides a range of innovative, high-quality training content for States, civil aviation authorities, industry, and other aviation stakeholders, fostering a globally harmonized approach to aviation safety and security.
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Introducing the Fundamentals of Instructional Competencies (FIC)
Bridging the gap between organizational challenges and personnel competency, JAA TO’s new self-paced, online course ICAO-M-ITP Fundamentals of Instructional Competencies (FIC) equips trainees with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes (K-S-A) needed to deliver high-quality, competency-based training. Aligned with ICAO guidelines and using the most efficient instructional strategies, this course ensures that both experienced and new instructors can provide effective training that meets the highest standards.
The CDU incorporated micro-learning techniques, breaking down complex topics into digestible, manageable segments (10-20 min “learning bites”) that fit seamlessly into the busy schedules of aviation professionals. Learners can access the course anytime, anywhere, allowing for flexibility without compromising quality. Further emphasis is put on interactive learning with visuals, voiceover and gamified activities. This approach stimulates learning through multiple senses, hearing, sight, and interaction. Trainees follow the content listening to the narrating voice and engage with interactive features that must be completed to proceed (e.g. pop-ups, embedded buttons, drag-and-drop, 360° classroom exploration), creating a dynamic and engaging experience.
The FIC course is designed to provide aviation professionals and training departments with the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel in instructional roles, logistics, setup and organisation of CBTA content delivery. A replacement for the previously available joint M-ITP Instructional Competencies, this new course teaches concepts introductory to the advised sequel ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS – Training Instructors Course (TIC) – the benchmark training in ICAO’s instructor qualification programme and its adapted instructor competency model. In fact, this course is not just any training programme – it is the only competency-based online training of its kind recognised by ICAO.
ICAO Training recommends FIC as preparation for the next step in their professional instructional development, given that it serves as a key foundation for the prestigious complex methodologies of TIC, Training Managers Course (TMC) and others.
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Excellence in learning design
FIC offers an easy-access, inclusive gateway to acquire the skills needed to educate future generations of aviation professionals reflecting latest innovations in adult learning principles. In creating the FIC course, JAA TO’s in-house Course Development Unit (CDU) employed a learner-centred approach, ensuring the highest levels of engagement and retention. This team of experts developed the course using Bloom’s Taxonomy, an educational framework that promotes a deep understanding of learning objectives addressing various levels of cognitive skills in organised levels of complexity and mastery.
Additionally, the FIC course integrates AI-driven avatar technology, providing a personalised learning experience. Adding an element of engagement and interactivity to the user experience (UX), it empowers trainees to stay focused throughout the completion of the training.
The FIC online course gave me the basic instructional skills I needed to kick-off my career as an aviation instructor. The interactive, self-paced format was very helpful, letting me engage with the content at my own pace. Also, without attending the FIC course, I wouldn’t have been able to fully understand or apply the instructional concepts of the TIC. Attending both courses felt like closing a full circle in my instructional competency training journey, and I now feel confident and ready as an instructor.
User-Centric design for maximum engagement
Understanding that the user experience (UX) is just as important as the content itself, JAA TO invested significant effort into creating an intuitive, engaging, and seamless online environment for learners. The FIC platform is designed to guide trainees smoothly through the course content providing easy access to resources, assessments, and interactive features. Real world examples and learning through anecdotes have proven effective for memory retention, while assessments and knowledge checks at the end of every module use the competency-based approach in realistic aviation scenarios to assess the factual acquisition of competencies. Design and visual elements are based on the primary colour palettes of JAA TO and ICAO, creating a cohesive and familiar visual experience for the user.
Supporting ICAO’s global objectives
As a recognised Platinum Training Centre of Excellence, JAA TO is in a position to contribute to the realisation of ICAO’s objectives ensuring a safer, more secure, and sustainable aviation future. ICAO has long advocated for the global harmonisation of aviation regulations, a critical factor in maintaining the highest levels of safety and security in international air transport.
JAA TO supports these objectives by providing aviation authorities and professionals worldwide with expert training courses leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative instructional design ensuring that learners are not only prepared to become instructors but are also equipped to meet the demands of modern aviation training environments.
By enrolling in this self-paced course, trainees will gain access to ICAO-recognised training that opens doors to transitioning into an instructional role or to strengthening your competencies in aviation training that meet the complex demands of the industry.
JAA TO’s Course Development Unit
The Course Development Unit (CDU) at JAA TO is our dedicated in-house team focused on designing, creating, and enhancing training programmes. The CDU is responsible for developing new courses in alignment with the latest learning theories and updating existing ones to reflect the constant changes in aviation regulations. By applying competency-based training principles, we ensure our courses meet the highest organisational and worldwide standards of effectiveness. The CDU schedules regular course revisions and works closely with our instructors throughout the entire process, to ensure our courses remains relevant, current, and impactful.
For more information on the Fundamentals of Instructional Competencies course or other training opportunities at JAA TO, please visit our website.
About JAA TO
The JAA Training Organisation (JAA TO) is a Dutch non-profit organisation and the Associated Body of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC). JAA TO has a history of 50+ years training the aviation industry and national authorities on regulation in the air transport sector. JAA TO is the only Platinum Training Centre of Excellence (TCE) in Europe recognised by ICAO. JAA TO is an IATA Dangerous Goods CBTA Centre of Excellence, an ACI World Accredited Training Partner, recognized Dutch National Aviation Security Training Centre and a leading member of the EASA Virtual Academy (EVA).
JAA TO schedules more than 300 training courses annually on topics like safety, security, drones and management. Within the aviation community, JAA TO offers a platform to learn and exchange views on latest regulatory developments. In addition, JAA TO provides advisory services, knowledge solutions, training consultancy and assistance with capacity building for (aviation) training departments.
