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Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics David M. Greene, DirectorP.O.Box 7914, Madison, WI 53707-7914(608) 266-3351www.dot.wisconsin.govAre You Proficient? – Or Just Current?by Jeffery R. TaylorWisDOT Aviation ConsultantWhatwasyourfirst thought thelast time someoneasked you tofly an airplane?Was it, “Am Icurrent?” If it was,you are probablynot alone. Typically, pilots begin tocompare what their currency status isin relation to the FAR 61.57 RecentFlight Experience. This lists the numberof takeoffs and landings or the numberof instrument approaches required ina given time period. Pilots also checkFAR 61.56 Flight Reviews, which liststhe minimum training requirementsfor their pilot certificate. While beingcurrent from an FAA legal standpointis always important, shouldn’t weask more of ourselves? And don’tour passengers assume we are doingmore than maintaining the bare legalminimum?Looking back at how I wastrained, and how I trained studentpilots, this pattern does not surpriseme. During the early stages of ouraviation experience, we all became wellversed in reading the regulations andlearning the minimum requirementsfor each certificate. In fact, duringthe practical exams for a certificate,the examiner probably quizzed us onthese minimums. Unfortunately, their54 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINEintent was misunderstood. It was notto reinforce that we only need threetakeoffs and landings every 90 days; itwas merely to verify that we understoodthe FAA bare legal minimum.So what can we do to move beyondstaying “legally current,” to improvingour proficiency as pilots? First, take aconservative approach when assessingyour individual level of proficiency.Several studies show that skill loss insome of the most important phasesof flight (landings, unusual attituderecovery and crosswind takeoffs),occur much sooner than most pilotsexpect. And particularly concerning isthat these studies also show we are notvery accurate at assessing our level ofproficiency. Overestimating our abilitiesis not just a pilot trait; it is a commonhuman characteristic.Practice makes perfect. Or betteryet, perfect practice makes perfect. Wehave all heard these sayings, but thesephrases become clichés because they aretrue. There is no greater benefit to yourproficiency than practicing the skillsyou need the most. While cost is alwaysa factor, there are economical toolsavailable to practice your piloting skills.Listen to that little voice in your headwhen it suggests that you need morepractice. It’s talking for a reason.Simulators have come a long way inproviding a realistic flight experience.There are several flight simulationprograms available for home use on aPC that allows you to fly an assortmentof aircraft in almost any weather.For those who don’t want to use aWisDOT Maskhead CMYK April09.indd Feb09.indd 1 1/23/09 2/13/09 13ad.indd 1Jeffery Taylorcomputer, the least expensive flightsimulator is “chair flying.”Find a quiet room, not just toallow you to concentrate, but to keepothers from staring. Then, sit downand visualize a flight. It is an extremelyeffective tool for building habit patternsand preparing you to maximize yourflight time. Props can help. A photoof your cockpit panel is a great visualaid. While flight simulators can bevaluable tools, it’s important they areused appropriately. Treat them like anaircraft.To gain the maximum benefit fromyour flight simulation experience, trulyact as if you are in an aircraft. Also,make sure you are practicing correctly.Review flight manuals and discussprocedures with a local CFI and verifythat your procedures are appropriate.While you might look a little funny“play acting” flying, the benefitsfar outweigh the kidding and yourpotential passengers will appreciate yourconscientious efforts.Flying an airplane is not like ridinga bike. Pilots today need to maintainknowledge and proficiency in a widerange of skills to conduct a safe flight.Respect the fact that your skills need tobe nourished on a consistent basis andnever assume that just because you arelegally current, you are also safe.7/20/08 12:22:11 PMq