CAE Implements CBTA Model for Bizav Recurrent Training

CAE will introduce Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) principles into its business aviation programs beginning in January, marking a structural shift in how pilots are evaluated and prepared for increasingly complex operational environments. The company said the model will debut with Phase A of the EASA recurrent training curriculum, where CBTA will be offered as an optional format alongside traditional recurrent coursework.

Instructor development began a year ago, with CBTA principles incorporated into CAE’s teaching standards through structured training and mentorship. The methodology, delivered through the company’s Continuously Optimized Recurrent (CORe) model, links operational insights to training outcomes and emphasizes standardized procedures, scenario-based exercises, and measurable performance improvement.

According to CAE, CBTA is recognized by regulators such as the FAA, EASA, UK CAA, and Transport Canada. It is designed to develop practical decisionmaking and real-world competencies rather than relying on task-based evaluation. The company describes the framework as a data-driven approach that better reflects modern operational demands.

Alexandre Prévost, CAE president of civil aviation, said the transition reflects broader safety and training priorities. “The adoption of CBTA-Principles is a testament to CAE’s ongoing commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence in business aviation,” he noted.

Pilots enrolled in the Phase A EASA recurrent training program in 2026 will see assessments conducted through observable behaviors, facilitated debriefs, and modular CORe topics that reinforce skills like teamwork, decisionmaking, and situational awareness. CAE noted that the approach aligns with guidance from ICAO, IATA, and major aircraft manufacturers.