Definition of Competence
Having consulted various dictionaries I find the following would be the relevant interpretation of competence in the context of a professional helicopter pilot:
Able to demonstrate the required* level of skill and knowledge to complete the assigned task.
* as set out by the appropriate regulatory authority in their Proficiency Check regulations. This to include the Line Check which is a well known weakness in the system as it permits the 'checker' to be other than a TRE/SFE and be part of the crew instead of an independent observer.
What I am particularly keen on is the 'demonstrate' part. It's no good looking at a CV or a log-book and saying "That's OK then". I want to see you do it and if you can't I want to see the proposed next step in the form of an appropriate training programme to raise the individual's performance to an acceptable standard.
G.