FLIGHT TRAINING STANDARDS: RAISING THE BAR WITH MODERNIZED PILOT TRAINING

The FAA Knowledge Test: Opportunities for Improvement Presented By: Eric Crump Aviation Editor at Gleim Publications

There Should Be A Knowledge Test Division between theory and practice is helpful when learning a technical skill Testing is an effective motivational tool Testing is an effective memory tool The knowledge test should help students prepare for the oral exam

FAA Knowledge Test Objectives Prevent question/answer memorization Focus on decision-making, not just facts Move toward testing for a “best answer” Encourage higher levels of learning

Opportunities for Improvement FAA – Move past rote memorization questions – Create calculation questions that test understanding – Tests must cover relevant, pertinent subjects – Release topical test coverage to the public – Develop and release content specification outlines and/or learning outcome statements for each test – Work with industry to develop better test databases – Make better use of question pre-testing to ensure validity

Opportunities for Improvement Instructors – Start teaching ground school again – Stop telling students to memorize the questions from prep material – Use written testing regularly in your instruction

Opportunities for Improvement Students – Learn concepts, not just word association – Ask questions of your CFI and/or online resources

Opportunities for Improvement Students – Learn concepts, not just word association – Ask questions of your CFI and/or online resources

Thank You Gleim Publications P.O. Box University Station Gainesville, FL Eric Crump Aviation Editor Part 141 Chief Instructor

Tom Norton Norton Aviation

Modifying Standards to Meet Professional Pilot Training Needs R. Kurt Barnhart, Ph.D. President, University Aviation Association

Personal Qualifications CFII-MEI, Commercial SEL, MEL, SES Glider, 25+ years exp. in aviation A&P/IA Instruction experience at 4 member institutions Currently Department Head at large collegiate aviation institution (K-State)- 31 flight training aircraft (C-172, BE-33, BE-58, BE-90, ASK 21, 300CBi, ), 45 CFIs, and applied research center. Industry Experience at Rolls Royce and ATA

University Aviation Association Composed of over 500 institutional, corporate, professional, and student members. Approximately 100 collegiate aviation departments/programs are represented in the institutional category. Surveyed entire membership leading up to this conference.

Problems Identified by members with current GA Flight Training process Too much focus on unrelated tasks - both knowledge and practical tests. Too much focus on rote memorization for knowledge tests Students placed in aircraft prior to conceptual understanding of the mechanics behind flight training (hard to address through standards). Current standards require too little of applicants

Problems continued Students report passing knowledge tests with little or no conceptual understanding behind questions. Recent FAA changes to the FOI have made things worse- increased reliance on rote memory. Current standards do not focus enough on judgment/decision making which is the foundation of aviation safety.

Problems continued No significant part 61 CFI quality control (most frequent response)- renewal is virtually automatic. No requirement to periodically demonstrate practical skill proficiency (i.e. FAR 121- PC) No oral test standardization- certain maneuvers should always be demonstrated We are too afraid to let people fail Too little CFI accountability

Recommendations Require a portion of CFI test to be conducted on a simulator so maneuvers could be paused, easily repeated, and printed. Require periodic pilot and CFI oral and practical tests for part 61/91 operations ( i.e. every 2 years- standardization or compliance rides). Out of 90 day currency? must fly with CFI. Require an e-portfolio (video presentations, articles, reports, etc.) for initial CFI applicants where the examiner could observe teaching ability in advance and focus on weak areas during test.

Flip-side of recommendations: What will this do to the already beleaguered CFI ranks? What incentives could counteract this? – Pay? – Status? – Privileges (i.e. jump seat)?

FLIGHT TRAINING CURRICULA: OPPORTUNITIES TO RE-SHAPE THE DELIVERY SYSTEMTHE DELIVERY SYSTEM