Developments in Aviation Training
TRAINAIR Plus Programme — Supporting Aviation Human Resources Development
Global Aviation Training — Developments in Aviation Training
Establishment of the Global Aviation Training (GAT) Office
In September 2013, the 38th Session of the ICAO Assembly defined the role ICAO should play to assist States in achieving and maintaining the competency of aviation personnel through its aviation training programme. To this end, the Global Aviation Training (GAT) Office was established on 1 January 2014 and is responsible for the planning, management and coordination of all training activities of ICAO. This is the first time in ICAO’s history that all training activities are centralized under a single office. In close collaboration with Member States, international organizations and industry, the GAT Office serves as the Organization’s focal point for training, with a mission to bring greater leadership to the coordination of human resources development in aviation.
Approval of the ICAO Training Policy by the Council
In addition to the formation of the GAT Office, the Council approved the development of a new ICAO Civil Aviation Training Policy to support the human resources development strategies, based on the following four pillars:
- The TRAINAIR PLUS Programme (TPP): ICAO’s cooperative global training network of training centres is now implemented in close to 65 Member States and composed of close to 80 organizations. The programme supports its member training centres in developing high-quality, competency-based training material, such as Standardized Training Packages (STPs), on topics related to Safety, and Air Navigation Capacity and Efficiency, and will evolve to include training on matters related to Security and Facilitation, Economic Development of Air Transport, and Environmental Protection. In 2014, 15 STPs were validated, bringing the total number of STPs available to TPP Members to 45. Furthermore, an additional 42 STPs were being developed by TPP Members.
- Recognition by ICAO of aviation training activities: Outside of TPP, ICAO may recognize training activities (an activity or a product such as a targeted training activity or ad-hoc training) when the activity represents a direct benefit and added value for international civil aviation, promotes ICAO’s Strategic Objectives, and is consistent with global plans.
- ICAO-developed aviation training activities: ICAO may develop its own training activities to meet specific requirements or objectives, for instance, related to a Technical Cooperation or Technical Assistance project. The principles used for recognition of aviation training activities above will also apply in such cases.
- Cooperation and partnership agreements: Agreements for cooperation and partnership between ICAO and Member States, United Nations organizations, international and regional organizations, educational institutions and industry shall be pursued to the extent they help to achieve the objectives of ICAO.
Establishment of the ICAO Regional Training Centres of Excellence (RTCE)
In 2014, the GAT Office also launched the exclusive ICAO Regional Training Centres of Excellence (RTCEs) network, an integrated part of the TPP initiative. In fact, this initiative is of paramount importance to our wider global training strategy, as it supports ICAO’s goal of assisting Member States in achieving and maintaining the professional competencies of their skilled aviation personnel. The selection of RTCEs, through the GAT Office, ensures the best possible consideration of all regional and linguistic aspects, and these designated training organizations are responsible for the development and delivery of ICAO training courses in one or more authorized subject areas, such as aerodromes, air navigation services, air transport, environment, flight safety and safety management, and security and facilitation. RTCEs are encouraged to use ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and guidance material to enhance the quality of aviation training delivered to Member States and to ensure ICAO provisions are well taught. As of December 2014, the GAT Office is pleased to announce the selection of eight RTCEs in three different regions: Dublin International Aviation Training Academy (Ireland), Ēcole Africaine de la Météorologie et de l’Aviation Civile (Niger), École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (France), GMR Aviation Academy (India), Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (United Arab Emirates), Joint Aviation Authorities Training Organization (Netherlands), Incheon Airport Aviation Academy (Republic of Korea), Singapore Aviation Academy (Singapore). Additionally, six new applicants are currently under consideration.
