Flight Training - March/April 2023 - 13

ASI TIPS
BY TERRIE MEAD
PROFESSIONALISM FOR ALL
A HIGHER STANDARD OF FLYING
AS YOU STUMBLE, FALL, AND GET BACK UP EN ROUTE TO YOUR PRIMARY PILOT
certificate (private, light sport, or recreational), you are assigned a mentor, also
known as your flight instructor. They are your principal support system during
training. When questions arise, setbacks pile up, or you turn pessimistic over ever
reaching your goal-all normal, by the way-it is the CFI's lesser-known responsibility
as a mentor that imparts support, encouragement, and advice.
But what about the day after you have earned your coveted wings? How can you
stay safe and proficient? Whom can you call when you need access to experience
beyond your current level? The FAA may be on to something.
Early in 2020, the agency issued an Advisory Circular (AC 121-43) that required
FAR Part 121 air carriers, operators, and program managers involved in training to
develop and implement a mentoring program for all pilots in command in their employ.
The advisory circular was in response to the NTSB's analysis of two fatal accidents and
a limited study that revealed the accidents were caused by a lack of professionalism by
the pilots in command. You might ask, " How does this apply to me, a student pilot? "
Professionalism is not an ambiguous concept specific to paid pilots. The National
Business Aviation Association (NBAA) defines the term this way: " Professionalism
in aviation is the pursuit of excellence through discipline, ethical behavior, and
continuous improvement. " No matter the path you pursue, whether as an airline or
recreational pilot, your actions are determined by your character, and your character is
developed through learning and experience. Enlisting a mentor can be its gateway.
Within the chapters of ASI's online flight instructor refresher course is a reference
to the importance of the CFI as a mentor. The course material is a reminder of how
quickly new pilots lose proficiency, then interest, and the many who hang up their
wings altogether. As much as commercial pilots need a mentor, the student pilot may
also significantly benefit from mentorship.
What is the mentor/protégé relationship, and how can it make a safer pilot? A mentor
is an experienced pilot and aviation enthusiast willing and available to give back to
the community by passing their knowledge and love of flying to the next generation
of aviators. The relationship between
mentor and protégé is at its core supportive,
with its vital benefit being one-to-one
engagement. This connection can further
develop communication skills, ensure a
reliable route with whom the protégé can
direct questions, and create an example of
professionalism worthy of imitation.
How to find or become a mentor?
The path to finding a mentor is identical
to finding a protégé. Foremost, don't be a
stranger at your base airport. There you
will be exposed to numerous volunteer
opportunities, including directing aircraft
during a fly-in, an airshow, or other events.
Get involved with your local aviation community
and hang out with other pilots who
share your aviation goals. Also, many airports
rent hangar space to flying clubs. You
will enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded
folks, plus flying clubs commonly rent
their aircraft at a reduced rate to members.
Lastly, check out your local Civil Air Patrol.
Acting primarily as support for the U.S. Air
Force since World War II, CAP's core values-integrity,
volunteer service, excellence,
and respect-epitomize the mentor/protégé
relationship and its rewards.
airsafetyinstitute.org
terrie.mead@aopa.org
SAFETY CENTER: FLIGHT
PLANNING AND PREFLIGHT
After a long winter's nap, or
whatever you do when it's blustery
outside, this Safety Center will help
you dust off the rust and put the
spring back in your step. You'll find
videos, quizzes, and online courses
to help prepare you for an entire
flying season of sky-bound joy.
airsafetyinstitute.org/safetycenters
The AOPA Air Safety Institute is the
safety arm of the association. ASI
produces free programs to help all
pilots fly safer. From groundbreaking
online courses and videos to
popular live seminars, ASI is the
leader in aviation safety education.
airsafetyinstitute.org
FLIGHT TRAINING MARCH/APRIL 2023
13
CHRIS ROSE
http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org/safetycenters http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org
Flight Training - March/April 2023

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