Market Intelligence: North America

Aerviva, a Dubai, United Arab Emirates-based international aviation recruitment consultancy, published an article entitled “Transforming Aviation Education: Digital Learning for Pilots and Flight Attendants” where it outlined the importance of digital learning in continuous learning and upskilling of pilots and flight attendants.

Check it out below.

In the ever-evolving aviation industry, where safety, efficiency, and excellence are paramount, the role of digital education has never been more crucial. Pilots and flight attendants, responsible for millions of passengers’ safety and comfort, require continuous learning and upskilling.

The Digital Education Revolution in Aviation

Embracing digital education is not just a choice but a necessity for those navigating the skies of knowledge. Digital education, often referred to as e-learning, has revolutionized the way aviation professionals, including pilots and flight attendants, acquire knowledge and skills. This transformation is driven by several factors, including enhanced abilities, accessibility, improved training, and compliance.

Upskilling involves more than simply picking up new knowledge and abilities; it can also mean developing the knowledge and talents you currently possess, including soft skills. “Soft skills are first and foremost when selecting flight attendants as service is also crucial as well as safety. This is reflected in the selection day for flight attendants, while soft skills for pilots is understood slightly different since they are flying the plane,” states Jainita Hogervorst, Director of Aerviva Aviation Consultancy, a Dubai-based international consultancy specialising in aviation recruitment and document management. “For pilots, the ability to stay calm under pressure, offer clear communication, and be creative in solving problems,” are a few soft skills needed Hogervorst clarifies. As such, airlines have online platforms, but pilots and crew still need to put in training time in person or during personal time learning via an external provider. A study conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2022 found that 85% of aviation professionals believed that upskilling was essential for career progression. Furthermore, 68% of aviation companies reported that they had already invested significantly in upskilling their workforce.

Accessibility and Convenience

One of the primary advantages of digital education is its accessibility worldwide and reduced training costs of up to 40%. “Digital education platforms often offer personalized learning experiences, allowing aviation professionals to focus on their specific areas of improvement,” notes Hogervorst.  A study conducted by FlightGlobal found that pilots who used personalized digital learning modules improved their knowledge retention rates by 25% compared to traditional classroom instruction.

Improved Safety Training

Digital education provides interactive and immersive modules that enhance safety training, ensuring aviation professionals are well-prepared to handle emergencies and unexpected situations. According to Airline Pilot Forums 84% of pilots believe that e-learning courses on safety procedures have improved their preparedness for emergencies. Meanwhile, Flight Global reports that digital education modules can reduce training time by up to 30% compared to traditional classroom training. The efficiency of digital education allows pilots and flight attendants to complete their training in less time, allowing them to return to their duties sooner.  However, with a lack of engagement, technical issues, and difficulty in monitoring flight attendant participation, virtual training is less successful and less well-liked than classroom training, with the main advantage being the flexibility it gives. While virtual training can be modified to increase effectiveness, classroom training is more dynamic and communication functions better.

Compliance and Certification

The IATA states that 95% of flight attendants are required to complete regular e-learning modules to ensure compliance with safety and security regulations. Digital education ensures that it is not only pilots but also flight attendants who meet regulatory requirements, helping them maintain their certifications and licenses. Additionally, many digital education platforms offer courses in multiple languages, catering to the diverse backgrounds of cabin crew members ensuring they receive training in a language they are comfortable with. While statistics showcase the tangible benefits of digital education in enhancing the knowledge, skills, and safety of aviation professionals, a combination of digital learning and traditional methods remains the most effective way to prepare pilots and flight attendants.

In conclusion, digital education is transforming aviation education for pilots and flight attendants, offering accessibility, cost-efficiency, personalization, real-time updates, and interactive learning. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, embracing digital education is essential to stay ahead and ensure the highest standards of safety and service.

Source: Aerviva