Insights

Proficiency is a personal concept that pilots rationalize in novel ways. Some pilots think they're proficient because they've fulfilled the minimum requirements of the federal aviation regulations. They've made three takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days (FAR 61.57) and received a flight review within the preceding 24 months (FAR 61.56). And if they have an instrument rating, they've flown at least six instrument approaches to include holding and course intercept/tracking procedures within the preceding six months (FAR 61.57).

My experience tells me that many of these pilots are not proficient in the true sense of the word - in the eyes of a flight examiner and the mandates of the practical test standards (PTS) for the certificates and ratings they hold.

"Proficiency" in FAR Part 61 is used in two different senses, or connotations. The first relates proficiency to the annual proficiency check that's required for the pilot-in-command of an aircraft that must operate with two pilots. This check consists of the maneuvers and procedures required for a type rating or a practical test in such an aircraft (FAR 61.58d).

The second connotation is more revealing. It relates proficiency to the pilot who is working toward a pilot certificate (recreational, private, commercial, airline transport pilot, or flight instructor) or a pilot rating (multiengine or instrument). Here, the term "flight proficiency" is always followed by the term "areas of operation" (FAR 61.63(b)(3), 63(c)(2), 65(c), 98, 107, 127, 157, and 187). "Areas of operation" is a direct reference to the applicable PTS.

Each area of operation and its related tasks describe the knowledge and performance requirements for pilots who seek or who hold that certification or rating. Proficiency exists when pilots can perform the tasks as specified.

General aviation flight training improved dramatically when the FAA embraced the train-to-proficiency philosophy and developed the PTS. Pilots and instructors commonly think the PTS pertains to training only, but I'll let you in on a secret. The PTS is more important to you after training than during training, when you were under flight instructor guidance.

One of the most important components of proficiency is your mental posture - your awareness of the flight procedures, rules, and piloting skills that apply to the certificate and ratings you hold. If you use the PTS to maintain the correct mental posture, your proficiency level will rise and your proficiency training expenses will decrease.

Let's use the private pilot PTS normal crosswind approach and landing task as an example. It says:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a normal and crosswind approach and landing.

2. Considers the wind conditions, landing surface, and obstructions, and selects the most suitable touchdown point.

3. Establishes the recommended approach and landing configuration and airspeed, and adjusts pitch attitude and power as required.

4. Maintains a stabilized approach and the recommended approach airspeed, or in its absence, not more than 1.3 VSO, +10/-5 knots, with gust factor applied.

5. Makes smooth, timely, and correct control application during the round-out and touchdown.

6. Touches down smoothly at the approximate stalling speed, at or within 400 feet beyond a specified point, with no drift, and with the airplane's longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway centerline.

7. Maintains crosswind correction and directional control throughout the approach and landing.

8. Completes the appropriate checklist.

Here's the trick. Turn off the TV, sit in your favorite chair, and review a specific PTS task. Now, close your eyes, imagine yourself in an airplane, and mentally fly the task. Using the example, you would "fly" normal and crosswind approaches and landings until you develop complete awareness of the task's procedures, rules, and piloting skills. When time permits, go to the airport and shoot some actual approaches and landings to reinforce your mental posture. Your performance and self-confidence will surprise you, and you'll discover that proficiency is more than a word.