The Importance of Embracing Proficiency Culture

Instructors and pilots must train often to avoid mistakes and stay safe.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 09:08 AM ET

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Remember this warning: Be humble in aviation, or aviation will humble you. [iStock]

Key Takeaways:

True pilot proficiency extends beyond minimum currency, requiring pilots to proactively identify and address skill deficiencies through targeted dual instruction, focused personal practice with measurable goals, and thorough pre-flight self-briefing.
Maintaining proficiency also necessitates continuous review of aviation knowledge using resources like the FAR/AIM, handbooks, and online ground schools, independent of official check rides.
Pilots must actively combat the "normalization of deviance" by avoiding rationalized shortcuts or the avoidance of challenging procedures and airspace, as these habits erode skills and increase risk.
When engaging a CFI for proficiency training, clearly communicate specific challenges and expectations for their instruction, both during pre-briefs and in-flight, to ensure effective and tailored learning.

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You know three takeoffs and landings will restore your currency, but how many does it take to reach proficiency? For most of us the answer is “it takes as many as it takes.” You may realize you have lost proficiency when you scare yourself—maybe it was a bounced landing or a crosswind that made you go around three times or getting scolded by the tower because you didn’t make a proper radio call that rattled your confidence.

If this happens, you may want to consider going up for an hour of dual instruction with a CFI who specializes in the area you had difficulty in—like crosswinds or short field landings.