Trainings Future

The FAA rightly has taken its lumps on many things, leading to a healthy dose of skepticism among many in the industry whenever the agency tries something new. This is especially true whenever theres a rulemaking activity affecting general aviation training. I knew this, of course, when I began work as manager of the FAAs General Aviation and Commercial Division. After a few months in my new job, I began surveying the landscape, which included the Garmin 430 phenomenon (I installed one in my Bonanza, as well as a multifunction display and weather data link) and a visit to Cirrus highlighted the coming "glass cockpit" revolution.

Key Takeaways:

• The traditional general aviation pilot training paradigm, rooted in pre-WWII maneuver-based instruction, became inadequate for addressing modern safety issues and integrating emerging technologies like glass cockpits.
• The FAA Industry Training Standards (FITS) was introduced to replace this, focusing on higher-order pilot skills such as risk management, single-pilot resource management, and automation management, delivered through scenario-based and student-centered learning.
• Despite facing resistance from ingrained culture and internal FAA bureaucracy, FITS concepts were validated by research and adopted by some industry leaders, though an over-bureaucratized "acceptance" process now hinders further innovation.
• New industry initiatives, such as SAFE's reform symposium and AOPA's student retention program, are actively working to build upon or supersede FITS to comprehensively modernize flight training for enhanced safety, quality, and pilot retention in the 21st century.

Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->

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