Training the Trainers (TtT) in the Commercial Twin Turbine World
Much written of late about the need for better training (IHST) but not a dicky-bird about training the trainers. I've spent much time of late considering the trajectory of this TtT situation.
30 years ago in the UK it was difficult to get to be a TRE unless you had been a QHI (military trained helicopter flying instructor). Different these days of course with the demise of the military.
We recognise that not all QHIs are brilliant and not all commercially trained FIs are duffers, far from it, there are some really good guys out there doing the industry proud. That said it is a reality that military FIs the world over generally get 2 or 3 times the training than is delivered to their commercially trained colleagues and 99% of them will immediately be employed in a continuous training role that reinforces their experience. Not only is this not the case with those obtaining the CFI or FI rating but those seeking to build hours to qualify for a position in the market are actually teaching despite their lack of 'real-world' experience.
If we are heading for a situation where the top end of the market is dominated by new twins that require simulators then the guys and gals of the future are the SFIs (sim instructors) and this sector of the instructor market arguably is the one that receives the least training and preparation for what from a technical point of view is a far more demanding job. Is this acceptable?
30 years ago when I joined the ranks of the commercial trainers having been a QHI for 5 years we could imagine that the global distribution of helicopter flight instructors was for the sake of argument made up, say, of 50% QHIs, 25% FIs, 24% TRE/TRIs and 1% SFIs.
In 10 years time this could change to 10% QHIs, 10% FIs, 10% TRI/TREs and 70% SFIs.
If the former mix produced for the sake of argument a global population competence of 95% - that is, 95% of all professional pilots were capable of passing an ICAO proficiency check applicable to their task - what would happen to competence levels if the latter situation developed?
Bear in mind that all you need (as a qualified commercial pilot) to be an SFI is 3 days in a classroom doing a 'Teaching and Learning' course, the flying part of a TRI course and a bit of time learning how to work the sim. Somebody with no previous experience of instructing could be doing your type rating 4 weeks after starting work and that situation could apply to the vast majority of instructors conducting vital TR courses in centres around the world.
Have we got our heads ....... in the sand or what?
G.