A twenty-year forecast predicting significant increases in global air transportation portends a need to increase the capacity and effectiveness of initial pilot training. In addition to quantitative concerns related to the supply of new pilots, industry leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with the qualitative output of current aviation training programs. Specifically, newly licensed pilots often lack the holistic combination of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics required of a commercial airline pilot. Acknowledging that aviation is a highly-regulated industry in which systemic change is slow, this research proposes that the development of professional competence may be improved through the addition of a structured program of multi-dimensional assessments and mentoring. Previous efforts to improve professional competency were complex, controversial, and expensive and achieved only inconclusive results. A simpler means of assessing the development of professional competence would afford the industry a new, critical metric for gauging the quality of initial pilot training programs and evaluating program changes. To suggest a simpler assessment, this study analyzed survey results of airline-affiliated stakeholders regarding factors in the development and assessment of professional competence for professional pilot cadets. The expert opinions of students, instructors, and check captains shaped the recommendation of a new, supplemental program of formative assessment for the Emirates Flight Training Academy. This program includes Emirates Airline's existing competency framework adapted for use during initial pilot training with a multi-dimensional (360 degrees) assessment tool based on relevant, evidence-based practices of other, highly-regulated industries with professional licensing. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]