Currency Does Not Equal Proficiency

The Iowa winters can be extremely hit or miss for having good opportunities to get out and flex your flying muscles. At any rate, it's inconsistent at best and the ability to maintain proficiency becomes difficult. It brings up the classic mindset in aviation of Currency does NOT equal Proficiency.

What is currency? Let's say you hold a Private Pilot certificate, the Federal Aviation Regulations outline various stipulations as it relates to being "current" and exercising the privileges associated with your certificate. If you do not meet those required minimums, you aren't considered "current" for the privileges pertaining to that regulation.

What is proficiency? The definition of "Proficient," according to Miriam-Webster, is being "able to do something to a higher than average standard." In aviation, if you have a baseline standard for performance, the definition of being proficient would be the ability to consistently perform those skills at, or better, than the standards of completion outlined. "Standard of completion" could refer to the Airmen Certification Standards, or simply standards/goals set by your Certified Flight Instructor for certain activities.

So, how does this differ from currency? Currency is the FAA's way of telling us the minimum (or baseline) requirements needed to exercise the privileges of our certificate. It only identifies the minimums. Proficiency would be taking those minimums and continuing to build your skillset beyond what is required of you.

If the regulations for PIC currency are 3 takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days, you should ask yourself, as a PIC, would you feel proficient and comfortable with just doing three takeoffs and landings to satisfy that requirement? The honest answer for most us would be "no". The skills associated with being PIC are things like; takeoffs, landings, avionics knowledge, flight planning, autopilot management, ATC communication, and more... So does accomplishing 3 takeoffs and landings build your skillset on around all of those other skill? No, it does not.

Spending time flying solo, or flying with a Flight Instructor, are great ways to build your proficiency. In aviation, a core standard of safety is the idea that all pilots should continue to learn and improve their proficiency in their skills. Denying this fact would be making you, as a pilot, complicit in being unsafe in your flying operations.

Although flying solo and practicing these skills on your own are a great way to build confidence and improve your skills, flying with a Flight Instructor is a proven way to get real-time, quality feedback on the skills you are performing. Getting quality feedback from an instructor and being able to immediately apply that feedback in the airplane is invaluable to improving your skills and becoming proficient in your operations.

I have done numerous proficiency flights skill refresher flights with pilots in the Central Iowa area. You should never feel afraid to call a flight instructor to fly with you and help you build your skillset. If you are in the Central Iowa area, and want to build your confidence because you haven't flown for long period of time, or want to master a certain maneuver, or simply dedicate flight time to becoming a better pilot, call me today! I am happy to consult with you on what you're goals are, and will fly with you to help you master those goals.

If you own your own airplane, I can fly with you in your aircraft. Or, if you are a member of the Central Iowa Flying Club, I can provide instruction for you in the Piper Archers available in the club. The flying club is a great group with very nice and well-equipped aircraft. Joining is easy, and doesn't take much time to complete.

Don't get complacent and believe that just because you're meeting the currency minimums, that it makes you a safe, proficient pilot. Take the time and effort to improve your skills, continue your learning, and becoming a better pilot. Let Narber Aviation help you with that today.

Contact Me Today

Blue Skies,

Ethan Narber