Towards new educational standards for aircraft maintenance: analysing transversal competencies on industry safety priorities and assessment challenges

The aviation industry is one of the most regulated industries in the world; safety is its overriding objective. In Europe, aviation maintenance training regulations rely on time-based technical experience and theoretical multiple-choice exams for a basic aircraft maintenance licence. The aviation industry and authorities are exploring the incorporation of competency-based training and assessment to keep pace with the rapidly evolving aviation industry. However, the shift from traditional time-based to competency-based education presents challenges for vocational education and training in aircraft maintenance, particularly as the assessment of transversal competencies is a newly introduced element. This study centres on transversal competencies in aircraft maintenance, aiming to uncover priorities and obstacles for training and assessing these competencies in aircraft maintenance education. Survey results from 141 aviation experts revealed that transversal competencies involving communication, teamwork, and work management are viewed as the most important transversal competencies, with communication rated highest χ2 (2) = 16.2, p < .001. In addition, four observable behaviours from these competencies were identified as most important, yet most challenging to assess during education. These findings highlight crucial areas and thus bring focus to developing new, competency-based, educational programmes for aviation maintenance.