Archive for January, 2009
Sport Pilot Academy: Pilot Proficiency Program
by mikel on Jan.08, 2009, under Powered Parachute News, Sport Pilot Academy News
As pilots, it does not matter how much training or how many hours we have in our logbook, we like to think we are always on the top of our game. Unfortunately, human physiology, psychology and several other “ologies” indicate we are not as proficient, as we think we are.
Click here for a sample proficiency plan!
We must guard against complacency by being proficient each time we fly. Being truly proficient will:
- boost self-reliance.
- reveal a confident pilot who understands the aviation environment.
- help apply the skills and knowledge necessary to safely operate the aircraft
- ensure a safe experience for a passenger(s).
Proficiency requires consistent new learning and upgrading existing skills.
As pilots we should realize completing our initial training and getting a license is only the first step to becoming a good pilot. During initial pilot training, advancement of your skills beyond getting your initial license, is not typically stressed. An effective proficiency plan should address both maintaining and further building your technique and your knowledge on a regular basis.
Another critical element of an effective proficiency plan is practice. In order to be a good pilot you must go out and fly. Thinking about your proficiency must include quality practice sessions. A quality practice session is more than a typical flight where you takeoff fly around for a while then come back and land. A quality practice session will require you to apply specific flight profiles to a specific standard. A quality practice session will challenge your skills, polishing you towards becoming a better, more precise pilot.
The more proficient you are, the more confident you will be and the more you will enjoy flying. After all, isn’t that why we wanted to learn to fly in the first place?
Personal proficiency plans require thought. Whether it is self or professionally designed, the time to start thinking about and implementing a proficiency plan is shortly after initial solo flights. Once you start flying solo and unsupervised, proficiency should always be a priority whether licensed or not.
Click here for a sample proficiency plan!
