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A Look at the Evolution of Flight Training

There have been changes to avionics, airspace, navigation, and other aspects over the past 40 years.

Thursday, November 28, 2024 at 10:00 AM ET

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Although the laws of physics have not changed since the beginning of time, flight training has evolved and continues to do so. [Courtesy: Randy S. Bolinger]

Key Takeaways:

Flight training modernized significantly with the introduction of remote learning options, from VCR ground schools to internet-based courses, enhancing accessibility and instructional resources.
Cockpit technology evolved dramatically, including the widespread adoption of advanced noise-canceling headsets with integrated safety features and the transition from traditional analog "round dial" instruments to integrated "glass cockpits."
Navigation and surveillance systems underwent a revolution, phasing out ground-based NDBs and VORs in favor of highly accurate satellite-based GPS and WAAS approaches, complemented by the mandatory implementation of ADS-B for improved air traffic awareness and safety.

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I started my aviation career when Ronald Reagan was president. If you do the math, that means I am coming up on 40 years as a pilot—and approximately half of that has been as a flight instructor.

Although the laws of physics have not changed since the beginning of time, flight training has evolved and continues to do so. Join us as we look back on some of the key changes to flight training over the past 40 years.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.