Area 100 KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes)
is a new training approach in the ATPL theoretical training, that aims
to teach pilots vital competencies that were not previously addressed by
traditional subjects. KSA does not have an associated official exam but
is instead assessed at the ATO level.
The name “Area 100” comes from the number code that EASA gives to the
ATPL subjects. Ordinary subjects go from 010 (Air Law) to 092 (IFR
Communications), and KSA has been assigned number 100.
Why has Area 100 KSA Been Developed:
EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) data shows that approximately 50% of licensed pilots have
insufficient competencies for employment, and therefore fail AOC
assessments. Single-choice examinations do not verify if the answers
come from rote learning or from understanding.
Moreover, flight crew errors, and specifically a lack or poor
application non-technical skills, are one of the primary causes of
aviation accidents. Its importance as a share of total accidents has
been steadily rising for decades, as aircraft have become more reliable
and complex.
To tackle this issue, Area 100 KSA addresses the need for holistic,
output-based training which develops and assesses the pilot’s
competencies. It is a shift in pilot training to a competency-based training environment.
(Click here for the 8 Competencies)
Area 100 KSA differs from other learning objectives (LOs) in the verbs used: Show and demonstrate. Its syllabus has three main objectives:
- To firmly embed competency-based training in ground school.
- To provide an effective bridge between theoretical knowledge training and flight training.
- To encourage the development of the ‘thinking pilot’.
These objectives are reached through involvement, using learning by discovery and scenario-based learning, embedded in real-world situations.
The training philosophy behind this could be then summarized as “Involve me and I learn”, shifting from passive learning to active learning.
What will KSA mean for future pilots?
As a pilot, you will receive better training and be more competent,
since your knowledge will be based on reasoning and not pure
memorisation. You will therefore have better chances of meeting airline
requirements and securing a job.
On the other side, airlines will be able to choose from a pool of highly qualified pilots that have been trained using best practices
and have demonstrated vital ICAO core competencies, and flight schools
will show commitment with the best training standards and its ability to
adapt to changing requirements and regulations.
Aircrew operating at the basic level have the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes and exhibit a textbook-based performance. With additional motivation, knowledge and experience, aircrew can move up to the superior level.
Here, aircrew do more than simply follow standard operating procedures — they use foresight to anticipate problems and use higher-order skills such as situation assessment, judgement and problem solving to take a proactive rather than reactive approach to situation management. The demands of modern aviation necessitate that aircrew attain a superior level of airmanship.
At the highest level, is the desire to achieve excellence in all aspects of performance. Those operating at this level are dedicated to self-improvement and have a genuine desire to perform optimally at all times. Aircrew operating at this level seek airmanship excellence and this manifests itself in outstanding performance.