To Become a Better Pilot, Master the Top Gun Debrief

New technology helps, but pilots and instructors should take the postflight feedback process seriously.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 09:11 AM ET

Verified

Lt. Col. Geffrey Gebhardt, assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackand, briefs student pilots 1st Lt. Patrick Mudd and Maj. Dave Carlo at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. [Courtesy: Joint Base San Antonio]

Key Takeaways:

Modern aviation, exemplified by American Airlines, uses advanced data-driven tools for post-flight debriefs to enhance pilot learning, safety, and continuous self-improvement.
Post-flight debriefs are crucial for pilots at all career stages, enabling continuous skill development, fostering self-critique, and integrating feedback, a principle historically proven by programs like the U.S. Navy's Top Gun school.
Effective debriefing requires a collaborative environment built on trust, objective feedback (often supported by technology), and structured approaches like the FAA's 4-R process (replay, reconstruct, reflect, redirect) to maximize learning.

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In December 2021, American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL) adopted a new electronic flight bag tool, CEFA AMS, that would allow more than 15,000 pilots to review flight data virtually on their tablets after landing. It’s another example of how technology can augment flying and empower pilots with more objective tools.

“This progressive new debriefing capability will help promote a culture of continuous self-improvement and reinforce American’s safety-first mentality into every flight,” said Captain Neil Raaz, operations safety director at American Airlines, at the time in a statement.