Non-technical Skills in Aviation

Contact Training Department

Diana Lünse
Diana LünseHead of Training

At the origin of many errors and accidents, as highlighted by studies and analyses, there may be factors linked to soft skills - such as the ability to communicate effectively, leadership, decision making - rather than technical skills.

The first considerations on non-technical skills applied to the specific field of aviation date back several decades and are connected to the history of the “crew resources management”, a concept outlined by the author of “The Human Factor in Aircraft Accidents”, David Beaty.

Although much has changed since then, especially in terms of technological aids and tools, soft skills - intended as the set of cognitive, personal and social skills that are integrated with the technical-operational abilities of operators and professionals - continue to play a crucial role in the process of continuous improvement of the individual performance and the safety levels in an organization.

The course is aimed at top and middle management committed to the safety and provides an overview of a fundamental set of non-technical skills to enable participants to consolidate a vision that values these skills as a priority in their professional development alongside technical-operational skills and at the same time promotes safer and more effective operational practices.

Course Details

Location:In-house
Language:English
Duration:2 days
Provider:airsight GmbH

Course Content

Introduction

  • Understanding the Importance of Non-Technical Skills 
  • Differentiating Non-Technical and Technical Skills 
  • Impact of Non-Technical Skills on Professional Success 
  • Key Non-Technical Skills Overview

The human factor in aviation: focus on non-technical skills

  • Communication: communicating effectively in all operational situations using verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
  • Teamwork: working together to achieve shared goals.
  • Decision-Making: making a decision after evaluating context and alternatives.
  • Problem solving: identifying and managing a problem, analyzing the results of one's actions
  • Leadership: influencing a group so that everyone contributes to a shared goal. Motivating and supporting others to achieve operational goals.
  • Time, stress and fatigue management: symptoms, risks, and resilience strategies. 
  • Situational awareness: correctly interpreting the context and available information, anticipating possible risks.
  • Adaptability and flexibility: manage resilience in the work place coping with change and adapting to new situations

Assessment and proficiency check of non-technical skills

Trainer

Daniele Occhiato

Daniele is a trainer with over 12 years of experience in the aviation industry. 

He holds a degree in aerospace engineering and a master's degree in Aviation Safety. In 2020 he joined airsight's team in the safety & operations department, as a project engineer and auditor, using his experience in airport operations, apron management service, ground handling, Safety Management System, airport emergency plans, auditing and compliance management. Since 2024 he is Director of airsight Italy S.r.l. 

Daniele has held positions in the airport sector as a certification figure and has an excellent knowledge of regulations (ICAO/EASA), international best practices and their implementation in the airport environment.  

In airsight, he contributes to the analysis of risks related to major upgrading works, revision of airport contingency plans and compliance audits in the international context. 

Marta Mottola

Marta worked for over 20 years in Alitalia's ground handling, first in operational departments and then in ground safety, dealing with safety activities, development  of procedures, auditing, and quality assurance monitoring. 

She is currently a freelance IATA-certified Auditor under ISAGO Program for Ground Service providers. Thanks to the experience gained throughout her career, she is an expert trainer and consultant in ground operations and safety management system. 

For airsight, Marta Mottola works as a trainer for the courses “Aerodrome Instructors & Assessors” and “Operational Requirements and Best Practices for Ground Handling Service Providers.” She is also a consultant for projects related to safety and training programs. 

Target Group

  • Accountable Managers 
  • Nominated persons and Deputies 
  • Senior and middle management involved in the relevant processes
  • Quality Assurance Audit Staff 
  • Competent Authority staff
  • Inspectors /auditors 
     

Organisational Details

airsight offers this training course on request, worldwide. At the end of the course, all participants will receive an airsight certificate based on EASA training regulations, which is highly recognised throughout the aviation industry.

About airsight Training

airsight Training course quality

airsight operates an ISO 9001 certified Quality Management System and pursues the objective to provide high quality services that fully meet the clients’ needs.

Show more