Pilot's tip of the week

Maintaining Proficiency

Featuring

Subscriber question:

"In your opinion, what is the minimum number of hours a private pilot should fly each year to maintain flying skills? My guess would be 25 to 50." - Jim B.

Bob:

“I can’t argue with your basic premise that there is a certain minimum number of hours we should all fly to stay current AND proficient. But given the diversity of pilot skill levels and even personalities, I would hesitate to put a number next to this question. We are all so very different!

Maintaining_Proficiency.pngAnd even more importantly, I think the quality of our flying rather than pure numbers is crucial. So many pilots get their flying chasing $200 hamburgers. How does that time compare with an hour in the pattern or practice area?

I feel strongly on the practice of personal minimums and that analysis asks YOU how many hours you need each month to stay current and proficient. Think about it. One hour a week would get us 52 hours per year. Will that get us all the review and training we really need? I doubt it.

I guess what I’m really saying is that it’s much more about quality flying than quantity flying and that’s tough to quantify. Look closely at yourself and develop a solid set of personal minimums.”

(NEW) IFR Mastery scenario #178 “Mason City Mashup” is now available. Sometimes non-towered operations feel like the Wild West. That can be tough enough on a sunny day with the flexibility of VFR. When you’re departing IFR in visual conditions, it’s even tougher. The question is: How much flexibility do you have before you’re tucked safely into ATC’s warm embrace? Watch the Intro video.

Get the Pilot’s Tip of the Week

Sign up here to receive tips like this every week along with videos, quizzes and more.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.