Pilot competency and operational standardisation remain fundamental to the safety of Part 135 non-scheduled passenger operations. The sector operates across a wide range of:
- aircraft types
- aerodrome environments
- operating conditions.
These include:
- regional and remote locations
- single-pilot operations
- mixed traffic environments.
These operations require pilots to:
- consistently apply standard operating procedures
- maintain strong manual handling skills
- make sound decisions under varying levels of workload.
Recurring safety themes noted during the workshop included:
- communication issues
- aircraft separation events
- approach and landing occurrences.
Although these events may involve multiple contributing factors, they often occur during high-workload phases of flight where it is particularly important to maintain:
- effective aircraft handling
- situational awareness
- procedural compliance.
Many newly qualified pilots have limited experience operating:
- into regional and remote aerodromes
- on unsealed runways
- in challenging crosswind conditions
- within the environments commonly encountered by Part 135 operators.
Operators often invest significant additional resources to develop practical skills after pilots enter commercial service.
The discussion noted several risks:
- declining manual flying skills
- reduced exposure to diverse operating environments during initial pilot training
- increased reliance on automation and electronic flight information systems
- inconsistent application of standard operating procedures
- varying levels of experience among flight crew
- challenges associated with mixed aircraft fleets
- the need for stronger operational standardisation across training and line operations.
Standardisation supports safe operations by ensuring that pilots respond consistently to normal, abnormal and emergency situations. Factors that help reduce variability in pilot performance and improve decision-making include:
- effective standard operating procedures
- recurrent training and checking
- line-oriented supervision.
Pilots particularly need manual handling skills during:
- take-off
- approach
- landing
- go-around
- abnormal operations
- situations where automation is unavailable or inappropriate.
While modern avionics and electronic flight information systems provide significant benefits, they do not replace the need for:
- fundamental aircraft handling skills
- situational awareness
- sound aeronautical decision-making.
Participants also discussed the interaction between:
- competency
- workload
- operational complexity.
Operations that may require pilots to manage multiple threats simultaneously may involve:
- mixed traffic
- non-controlled aerodromes
- changing weather conditions
- remote area operations.
In these environments, strong manual flying skills and disciplined adherence to standard operating procedures provide an important defence against error.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of maintaining competency across mixed aircraft fleets. Differences in the following areas can increase workload and reduce standardisation if operators do not manage them through training, checking and procedures:
- aircraft systems
- avionics
- aircraft performance
- operating procedures.
What you can do
Operators can strengthen pilot competency and operational standardisation by embedding these principles within their Safety Management System, training and checking programs. Practical strategies include:
- reinforcing adherence to standard operating procedures during line operations and proficiency checks
- providing recurrent manual handling training, including take-off, landing, go-around and abnormal flight scenarios
- incorporating scenario-based training that reflects regional, remote and non-controlled aerodrome operations
- ensuring pilots receive practical exposure to the operating environments encountered within the organisation
- monitoring operational standardisation through line checks, safety observations and occurrence reporting
- using threat and error management principles to strengthen decision-making and situational awareness
- providing structured mentoring and supervision for less experienced pilots
- managing aircraft type transitions through comprehensive differences training
- reviewing training outcomes to find recurring competency trends
- encouraging the reporting of deviations and standardisation issues through the Safety Management System.
What we have done
We continue to support pilot competency and operational standardisation through education, guidance material, surveillance and industry engagement.
Current activities include:
- publishing guidance material supporting pilot proficiency, decision-making and human factors
- providing educational resources through the CASA Pilot Safety Hub
- supporting safety education initiatives relating to manual handling, threat and error management and decision-making
- conducting surveillance activities that include training and checking systems
- engaging with industry to find emerging competency and standardisation issues
- incorporating occurrence data and safety intelligence into education, surveillance planning and regulatory risk analysis.
We also continue to promote as important defences against risk across the Part 135 sector:
- practical flight proficiency
- effective supervision
- consistent application of standard operating procedures.