Etihad Aviation Training Director to Address the Critical Link Between Confidence and Competence at APATS 2025

The story of two aspiring pilots struggling through their A320 type rating despite strong technical abilities reveals a fundamental truth about aviation training: competence without confidence often leads to failure. Captain Stefan Dudda, Director of Training at Etihad Aviation Training, has witnessed this pattern repeatedly throughout his 30-year career, leading him to develop innovative approaches that he will share in "The Relationship of Confidence" at APATS 2025.

Beyond Technical Skills

Dudda's presentation challenges the traditional focus on technical competencies alone, demonstrating how self-confidence serves as the foundation upon which all other pilot skills are built. His session will illustrate this principle through the real-world journey of two aspiring female pilots, Shirley and Ishita, who encountered significant learning plateaus during their A320 type rating programme despite possessing strong technical abilities.

Their breakthrough came not through additional technical instruction, but through a focused simulator session emphasising positive reinforcement. This case study exemplifies Dudda's core message: that confidence and competence are inseparable elements in pilot development, with confidence often determining whether technical skills can be effectively applied under pressure.

Practical Training Solutions

Drawing from his extensive experience implementing Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) and Evidence-Based Training (EBT), Dudda will present practical approaches to confidence-building within existing training frameworks. His methodology centres on scenario-based training that actively incorporates positive reinforcement, enabling trainees to recognise achievements while learning constructively from mistakes.

The presentation extends beyond initial training to examine how line operations, mentorship programs, and structured debriefings contribute to long-term pilot resilience. Dudda's approach recognises that confidence-building must continue throughout a pilot's career, adapting to new challenges and operational environments.

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Proven Leadership Experience

Dudda's credentials span multiple dimensions of aviation training leadership. His 10+ years in training management as a Nominated Postholder, combined with 18+ years in aircrew training and development, provide him with comprehensive understanding of how training programs translate into operational success. His four recognitions for training excellence underscore his ability to implement effective methodologies that produce measurable results.

His experience as both Pilot and Aircraft Commander in international airline operations ensures his training approaches remain grounded in operational reality. This combination of practical flying experience and training leadership enables him to bridge the gap between theoretical training concepts and real-world application.

Industry Impact

Dudda's focus on confidence-building addresses a critical gap in current training discussions. As the aviation industry faces pilot shortage challenges and evolving operational demands, his insights into developing resilient aviators become increasingly valuable. His call to action for aviation instructors to actively cultivate self-confidence represents a paradigm shift toward more holistic pilot development approaches.

The timing of Dudda's presentation reflects the industry's growing recognition that technical competency alone cannot ensure safe operations in increasingly complex operational environments.