If You Aren't Learning, You're Losing

In the world of aviation, if you’re not learning, you’re losing. Almost any skill a person can obtain requires constant practice in order to get better, and there is pretty much no limit to how good a person can get. 

Take playing a musical instrument for example. At first, it might be difficult to even get a clear note out of it, but eventually with practice you can learn to play simple songs, then complex ones, and if you keep going you might get to the point where you can improvise. Even then, there isn’t really an end point. You can almost always improve. Unless you’re Beethoven or B.B. King, there is still something you can learn. On the flip side, if you stop practicing, you’ll start to get rusty, and eventually, you can totally lose your ability to play. 

It’s very similar with aviation. In fact, it’s even more striking in the cockpit. After you pass your first checkride, you may let go of your student pilot certificate in exchange for a private pilot or other one, but you are not done being a student. In fact, it’s still only the beginning of your aviation career.

I got my sport pilot certificate around 2 years ago, and I’ve also gotten my remote pilot and AGI certifications since then. Next up is instrument flying. Though I’m qualified to teach ground school, I still feel like a newbie sometimes. I recognize that I have to continue learning in order to get better. I’m not even close to being an expert yet, and as soon as I stop learning, I start to forget what I already know.

That’s why there are things like recency requirements and flight reviews. In a field that is as high stakes as aviation, constant vigilance is required. Getting rusty is not acceptable. That’s why constant learning is required. It’s a great milestone to pass your checkride, but don’t stop there. Keep studying, keep learning, and keep growing. If you aren’t learning, you’re losing. Not losing like it’s a game, but losing your skills and knowledge. Recognize that you are always going to be a student, and practice continual learning in order to stay sharp and get better. That’s how you truly become a pilot.