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Quite often as pilots, we come across certain situations in which maintaining flight currency and proficiency is limited,
Such as severe weather, financial or medical certificate issues, childbirth, or anything else that prevents pilots from flying for an extended period of time.
How to stay current?
In situations like that, many concerns arise.
When will I fly again?
Will I have to do a refresher flight?
How will my performance be?
I have put together a number of tips for you that will help you get through this period in the best way you can.
1. Knowledge Test
This is the opportunity to "clear off the table";
Study for future licenses' knowledge tests, get an ICAO English Proficiency level and study for the ATP.
Accomplish any other test that will benefit you towards your goal.
2. Flight Simulator
Our brain is a muscle and needs practice to become effective.
The more the brain is trained under flying conditions, Pilot's flight performance will increase.
In a situation where flying is not possible for one reason or another, a flight simulator can be used for practice.
Use the opportunity to practice instrument approaches, emergencies, and flying under challenging weather.
3. Online Courses
Have you had a desire to deepen your knowledge at certain topics?
A good pilot is not measured only by "stick and rudder performance", but by the ability to safely fly the airplane and have a good ADM”.
Aeronautical decision-making is based on prior knowledge and experience.
This is the time to enrich your knowledge in unfamiliar subjects . Especially in instrument flights and operating advanced equipment on the plane.
I recommend checking our IFR course, A course that includes detailed and accessible explanations for IFR- Instrument flying, combined with videos, lesson summaries, and other materials, and will lead you to a high level of preparedness for the IFR rating.
4. Videos and podcasts
Use your commute time to listen to podcasts or videos.
For years I had a habit of watching at least one safety video every morning, The knowledge I gained helped me several times when I faced similar situations in flight.
My recommended podcasts:
Vasaviation, Air Safety Institute, Aviation101, Mzeroa, ERAU SpecialVFR, Captain Joe, 74 Gear.
5. Find a job in the aviation industry
You love flying, although you cannot fly at the moment.
Find an environment that promotes aviation. There are many aviation roles as:
Aircraft dispatcher
Air traffic controller
Aviation mechanic
Loadmaster
UAV operator- Drone pilot
Aviation inspector
Ground handling operator
Flight attendant
They will not only be able to keep you in an aviation environment but even increase your professional level.
6. Aviation environment
Join Facebook groups, and mailing lists from well-known aviation websites, professional support is very important these days.
Below is a list of some of my favorite sites:
Do you have any other recommendations? Please, comment below
I know this is a challenging time for you, as Leonardo da Vinci said:
"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.
May this difficult time pass, and you will sour the skies again.
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