Proficiency Levels

Am I ready for this flight? Thats the question I found myself asking when I decided to resume flying in a rental aircraft after a six-month lapse. This was after selling the V35B Bonanza Id owned for eight years. Since I was due for a flight review anyway, I engaged an instructor and got checked out to fly a Cessna 172 from a local flight school. I was comfortable flying the Skyhawk after only an hour and three landings, despite not having flown in six months. That certainly wouldnt be the case for all the aircraft Im rated in: The last time I flew a jet was more than seven years ago.

Key Takeaways:

• Pilot proficiency involves five key dimensions: basic stick-and-rudder skills, attitude instrument flying, automation, operating within the air traffic system, and risk management.
• A pilot's readiness and proficiency can vary significantly based on aircraft type, operational complexity, and recency of experience, even for highly experienced individuals.
• While manual flying and instrument scan skills tend to be retained, a NASA study suggests that cognitive skills needed for manual flying may degrade if pilots are not actively engaged in supervising automation.
• Effective risk management is presented as the most crucial dimension, overarching all others, to continuously assess and mitigate potential hazards for every flight.

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