Demystifying Pilot Training: Completion Rates and Requirements
Is it true that all pilots who start training will eventually finish it? The answer is complicated and depends on several factors, particularly the type of flying environment and the level of commitment from the pilot.
Attrition Rates in Different Flying Environments
When discussing military flight schools, the completion rate can be notably lower due to a high attrition rate. This dropout rate is often attributed to the rigorous physical and mental demands as well as the high standards that military pilots must meet. Civilian aviation, on the other hand, is more accommodating, provided one has the necessary time and financial resources.
For civilian pilots aspiring to obtain a Private or Commercial license, while it is possible to achieve these milestones, the path is far from guaranteed. Challenges may arise if a pilot is unable to think several steps ahead of the aircraft, especially when transitioning to flying a jet. The responsibility of ensuring passenger safety is crucial, and any deviation from proper flying techniques can lead to a catastrophic outcome.
Graduation Criteria: Becoming a Certified Pilot
Until a student pilot can successfully complete all required training and pass their examinations, they are not considered a fully certified pilot. Instead, they are referred to as a student pilot and must have a certified flight instructor (CFI) present for any aircraft operation.
The process of becoming a certified pilot involves extensive knowledge and skills. Besides manipulating the controls, a pilot must demonstrate the ability to read and use aeronautical charts, understand basic aerodynamics, perform multiple maneuvers within specified limits, interpret weather reports, and conduct proper flight planning. Each of these elements is crucial and must be mastered before a student is deemed ready for their check ride.
The Check Ride: A Rigorous Assessment
The check ride, also known as a proficiency check or flight evaluation, is a comprehensive examination administered by an examiner or a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified flight instructor (CFI). The rider tests the student's knowledge, skills, and ability to operate the aircraft safely under various conditions.
Oral Exam: The oral exam is a critical component where the examiner can ask any question related to the student's training. Students who cannot answer these questions satisfactorily risk failing their check ride. The basis of the exam is the knowledge and skills they have learned during their training period.
Maneuver Performance: The physical aspects of the check ride involve performing multiple maneuvers. In the event of bad weather, there is some leniency, but the student should demonstrate proper judgment to postpone a flight if conditions are unfavorable. If a student fails to perform the required maneuvers within the specified limits, their check ride will be failed.
Failed Retakes: Students who do not pass their check ride the first time have the opportunity to retake it multiple times. The examiner will issue a notice of failure, detailing areas that need improvement. In subsequent attempts, the examiner may choose to review only the items that were previously failed or may opt to review the entire check ride for a more holistic assessment.
Reevaluation of the Instructor: If a student fails their check ride multiple times, the instructor is also subject to evaluation. A high number of student failures can lead to the instructor being asked to retake their own certification check. This ensures that instructors maintain the appropriate level of competence to mentor their students effectively.
Discontinuation of Check Ride
A student can request to discontinue their check ride at any point. In this case, a notice of discontinuance is issued, detailing the incomplete items. When the student returns to complete the check ride, the examiner has the discretion to ask to see the entire check ride or just the items that were not completed initially.
Upon failing an item during the check ride, the examiner should inform the student immediately. The student can then choose to continue or terminate the check ride. In the event of a failure, the student should return to their instructor for additional training, aiming to pass the check ride on the next attempt.
Summary: Becoming a pilot is a rigorous and demanding process that involves extensive training and repeated assessments. While not every student who starts training will complete it, the safety of passengers and the stability of the aircraft mandate that those who do graduate are thoroughly prepared and qualified.