Insights / The Framework
The ICAO Competency Framework

Every Behaviour.
Every Competency.

All 9 ICAO Core Competencies and 77 observable behaviours — mapped across 12 phases of flight, developed at Foundation, Proficient, and Mastery level, and linked to in-depth articles on each.

9
Core Competencies
77
Observable Behaviours
12
Phases of Flight
3
Development Levels
Leadership & Teamwork
9 behaviours▼
Follows directions effectively and completes assigned tasks reliablyLive → Anticipates and responds to crew members' needsLive → Admits mistakes and takes responsibilitiesLive → At all times has humility and integrityLive → Demonstrates empathy, showing respect and tolerance for other peopleLive → Provides support and feedback constructivelyLive → Addresses and resolves conflict and disagreements in a constructive mannerLive → Empowers and encourages team participationLive → Takes initiative and gives direction when requiredLive →
Communication
8 behaviours▼
Creates an atmosphere of open communicationLive → Conveys information clearly, concisely and accuratelyLive → Listens actively and shows understanding when receiving informationLive → Checks for understanding and resolves ambiguityLive → Uses body language, tone and eye contact consistent with verbal messagesLive → Correctly interprets body languageLive → Adheres to standard RT phraseology and proceduresLive → Ensures recipient is ready and able to receive informationLive →
Situational Awareness
7 behaviours▼
Assesses and identifies accurately the state of the aircraft and its systems, geographical position, anticipated flight path and general environmentLive → Anticipates accurately what could happen and makes realistic and effective contingency plansLive → As PM, thinks ahead, monitors effectively and provides PF with timely warning of threatsLive → Identifies errors and undesirable aircraft states and acts in a timely manner to remedyLive → Keeps track of time and fuelLive → Acts to maintain an accurate mental model and maintains awareness during distractionsLive → Recognises and responds to indications of reduced situational awareness in self and othersLive →
Workload Management
8 behaviours▼
Maintains self control in all situationsLive → Plans, prioritises and schedules tasks effectively, avoiding task fixationLive → Offers and accepts assistance, delegates where necessary and asks for help earlyLive → Verifies tasks are completed to expected outcomeLive → Manages time efficiently, including interruptions and distractionsLive → Reviews, monitors and cross-checks actions constantlyLive → Identifies and responds to workload peaksLive → Uses automation to manage workloadLive →
Flight Path Management — Automatic
11 behaviours▼
Uses appropriate level of automationLive → Effectively monitors automationLive → Controls the aircraft using automation with accuracy and smoothnessLive → Manages flight path and energy to achieve optimum operational performance whilst managing other tasks and distractionsLive → Anticipates energy and flight path requirementLive → Detects deviations from the desired aircraft trajectory and takes appropriate actionLive → Contains the aircraft within the normal flight envelopeLive → Manages the flight path to achieve optimum operational performanceLive → Maintains the desired flight path during flight using automation whilst managing other tasksLive → Selects appropriate level and mode of automation in a timely mannerLive → Maintains mode awarenessComing
Flight Path Management — Manual
10 behaviours▼
Controls the aircraft manually with accuracy and smoothness as appropriateComing Manually controls the aircraft using only the relationship between aircraft attitude, speed and thrustComing Maintains the desired flight path during manual flight whilst managing other tasksComing Detects deviations from the desired aircraft trajectory and takes appropriate actionComing Contains the aircraft within the normal flight envelopeComing Manages the flight path to achieve optimum operational performanceComing Manages flight path and energy whilst managing other tasks and distractionsComing Anticipates energy and flight path requirementComing Identifies and responds appropriately to unreliable or unavailable flight instrumentsComing Executes go-around and missed approach procedures accuratelyComing
Application of Knowledge
8 behaviours▼
Demonstrates knowledge of aircraft systems and associated equipmentComing Demonstrates knowledge of the general operating environmentComing Correctly applies knowledge, procedures and techniquesComing Effective use of electronic checklists and manualsComing Recalls critical memory itemsComing Adheres to standard RT phraseology and proceduresComing Seeks accurate and adequate information from appropriate sourcesComing Plans for contingenciesComing
Professionalism
7 behaviours▼
Is accurate and thoroughComing Demonstrates a questioning attitudeComing Demonstrates self-awareness and the ability to evaluate personal performanceComing Accepts and uses feedback constructivelyComing Manages and applies personal limitationsComing Remains calm and in control when faced with difficult situationsComing Complies with and promotes compliance with SOPsComing
Problem Solving & Decision Making
9 behaviours▼
Identifies and verifies what and why things have gone wrongComing Employs proper problem-solving strategiesComing Sets priorities appropriately, identifies and considers optionsComing Identifies and manages risks effectivelyComing Plans with appropriate time horizonsComing Uses and applies available resources effectivelyComing Reviews the effectiveness of implemented solutionsComing Monitors, reviews and adapts decisions as requiredComing Seeks accurate and adequate information from appropriate sourcesComing
✦ High Performance Pilot
Practise These Behaviours on the Line

HPP maps every one of these behaviours across three development levels — with structured daily practice, honest reflection, and a personalised coaching plan built from what you tell it about your own flying.

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