Airline Pilot Club unveils AI tools to support CBTA assessments

AI is coming to the flight simulator and airline cockpit to assist instructors.

Airline Pilot Club (APC) will soon introduce a pair of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered tools to enable flight instructors to observe, record, classify, and assess pilot competencies more efficiently. The ‘Project ORCA’ tools will evaluate trainee and instructor performances against ICAO Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) standards.

“The Project ORCA initiative is the next in a suite of AI-powered applications which enhance and streamline each phase of a pilot’s journey – from recruitment and training to operational readiness,” said Cedric Paillard, CEO of APC.

Using a structured, ICAO-aligned framework during training events and flight operations checking, instructors/examiners record pilot actions, decisions and behaviors (Observe). All performance data, including flight phase, exercises, and observable behaviors (OBs), is logged in a structured, time-stamped format (Record). Using an advanced native AI audio and video analysis, the AI system maps OBs to the relevant ICAO competencies and sub-competencies, enabling standardized evaluation across different sessions and instructors (Classify). Then, using the CBTA grading scale (1-5), the AI calculates scores – how many, how often, how well, outcome TEM – and applies pass/remedial/ fail logic (Assess).

The tool generates comprehensive training reports tailored for students, instructors, and management alike. These reports support record individualized pilot feedback by providing heat maps that clearly indicate strengths and development areas. With AI-driven insights, all stakeholders gain a transparent view into competency progress, ensuring that training and assessment are aligned, data-driven, and actionable across every level of the organization.

Instructors remain in control; they can accept, edit, or reject the automated grading evaluation suggestions.

For instructor assessment, the Project ORCA tool analyzes key training events against instructor-specific competencies and Obs duringbriefing, training event, evaluation, debriefing.

“As a data-driven, standardized, evidence-based assessment process, the Project ORCA tools can help airlines and flight schools cost-efficiently ensure regulatory compliance in CBTA/EBT environments, improve instructor consistency and accelerate pilot development,” said Andy O’Shea, Chairman of APC.

The new AI instructor-support tools are being developed in partnership with leading airlines and training organizations, and are designed to integrate with existing training management systems, learning management systems and HR platforms. Following test and validation phases, initial deployment is planned for Q1 2026.

To request a demonstration of the forthcoming APC AI instructor tools, contact roisin@theairlinepilotclub.com.The post Airline Pilot Club unveils AI tools to support CBTA assessments appeared first on AeroTime.

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