About the Industry Forum

The team at the 2024 UPRT Conference have identified four of the major building blocks of our industry, that we believe contribute directly to achieving the standards that every pilot should meet BEFORE being issued a Pilot Certificate or License.

SYSTEM

(WHERE to get training)

There are a number of different Flight Training Organisations where people can obtain a pilot qualification.

The main 4 methods are as follows;

Commence flight training with RAAus and obtain a Pilot Certificate then develop your skills and knowledge. You may choose to remain a “Recreational Pilot” and continue to fly LSA, home-built or ultralight aircraft….or,
Progress to (or start at) General Aviation at your local CASR Part 141 Flight Training School to obtain a RPL, PPL or onto a CPL via a “Non-Integrated” course, funding the training yourself….or,
Perhaps you may like to attend a CASR Part 142 fully integrated training facility for your CPL….or finally,
Obtain Government Funding at an approved CASR Part 142 School under an Education Based Flight Training Scheme.

Each of these avenues have their “Pros and Cons” and depending upon how these systems are coupled with the other 3 building blocks, the end product desired is -

A Competent Pilot

SYLLABUS

(WHAT is the training content)

The CASR Part 61 syllabus provides us the roadmap for both initial and advanced flight training requirements.

The very first flight training syllabus was developed in 1917 and it has not changed very much over the last century. Some components have been added for the good, and some items removed, could be considered not so beneficial for the development of a competent pilot.

We must respect the Regulations and abide by them, however there are opportunities available to provide feedback to CASA with regard to the content.

The role of the Flight Instructor is to “Skillfully implement the spirit and intent of the Syllabus”, with the view to helping individuals meet, at the very least, the minimum standards of skills and knowledge to be a safe and competent pilot.

Regardless of the “System” chosen, HOW the Flight Instructor delivers the syllabus varies widely from operator to operator. This may well be one of the contributors to the varied standards of competency of pilots……….

“Leaving the nest”.

This Industry Forum is definitely an opportunity to table opinions on how to address some of these items.

DELIVERY

(HOW is the training delivered)

The CASR Part 61 document is complex and provides for an “Outcomes Based” result. This structure makes it clear what skills each pilot should be able to perform to a measured standard.

Basically, the Syllabus tells us WHAT you need to do, but not HOW to do it. For example:

Let’s say a desired outcome is to cross a busy motorway. To meet the goal, you must simply get from one side to the other.

There are many ways this can be performed.

You could check for traffic, pick a gap and run to the median strip, look the other way and do the same OR you could walk 1Km and cross at the pedestrian bridge.

Walking 1Km and crossing the bridge requires more energy and time than the other option, but the process is much safer.

Approvals for an individual becoming a Flight Instructor should include a solid understanding of the underpinning knowledge and possess almost “EXPERT” flight handling skills.

Despite what we have learnt about Human Factors, Threat & Error Management, Principles & Methods of Instruction, there has been little change in the CASA Flight Instructor Manual since the mid 20th Century.

This Industry Forum is a chance for us to review and recommend changes so we can better deliver the HOW.

ASSESSMENT

(Observing and confirming COMPETENCY)

Assessment in flight training is pivotal, serving as the compass guiding both instructor and examiner.

For instructors, ongoing evaluation ensures students grasp concepts, hone skills, and cultivate sound judgment—essential for safe aviators. It tailors instruction, pinpointing strengths and weaknesses to customise training paths and insertion into the job market.

Meanwhile, flight examiners rely on assessment to uphold aviation standards. Rigorous evaluation ensures aspiring pilots meet proficiency benchmarks, guaranteeing competence in dynamic flight environments.

Together, robust assessment forms the backbone of flight training, shaping skilled aviators equipped to navigate challenges with precision and confidence.