Train-the-Trainer by DataHomeLab

12.21 Self-Analysis and Improvement

The input of aviation instruction is for as long as a pilot flies. Professional flight instructors must never become complacent or satisfied with their own qualifications and ability. They should be constantly active and alert for ways to improve their qualifications, teaching effectiveness, and the service they provide to students. Flight instructors are considered authorities on aeronautical matters and are the experts to whom many pilots refer questions concerning regulations, requirements and operating techniques. It is essential that the instructor maintain currency in the national civil aviation rules and their associated guidance material (advisory circulars or State equivalents).

A flight instructor who is not completely familiar with current company policies and rating requirements cannot do a competent job of flight instruction.

However, the instructor is not alone: if confronted with a question to which the answer is unknown, turn to your supervisor (fleet training manager or equivalent). Better, make use of your supervisor to get answers before the questions arise. Your supervisor (probably your role model) is there to assist you.

12.21.1 Self-improvement

Instructors should be alert for ways to improve:

  • Qualifications.
  • Effectiveness.
  • Services.

Instructors should be alert to changes:

  • AIM, A/FD, charts, handbooks, manuals, periodicals, internet, meetings, seminars, etc.

How self-analysis maps onto the framework

The self-analysis and improvement duty operationalises the two elements of Unit 7 (Continuously improves performance) of the Instructor / Examiner Competency and Performance Framework:

  • Unit 7 Element A (Evaluates effectiveness). Encourages and welcomes feedback on performance as an instructor; evaluates own instructor's performance and learns from the results; actively seeks feedback on the training course from trainees and peers.
  • Unit 7 Element B (Sustains personal development). Maintains required qualifications; strives to increase and updates relevant knowledge and skills; demonstrates continuous improvement of instructor and evaluator competencies; demonstrates high standard of performance during personal training and checking events.

The maintains-required-qualifications duty on 12.22 Maintains Required Qualifications is the formal-currency counterpart to the informal-currency obligation set out here.

Connections