DEFINING AIRMANSHIP
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DEFINING AIRMANSHIP
Airmanship . . . can it be accurately defined? The editorial in the latest issue of Australian Pilot, (AUG-SEPT 2014), the magazine of the AOPA, thinks not. It does maintain however, that airmanship is based on integrity, and that "integrity is borne of human experience". Obviously perplexed, the editor then proceeds to contradict herself. She tells us that "a basic sense of integrity". . . "has nothing to do with experience".
At this point, some might sigh "hopeless case" and return to their fretwork. Not me . . . as the masochist in me loves nothing better than a good banging of the bumpy old brainbox against the cell wall. Unlike many an essay - not padded - yet.
Our editorial scribe says too, that despite always being intrigued by the subject, she finds that five years on from finishing her CPL studies, she still cannot define airmanship, or explain the reasons for, in effect, one pilot being a nong and another being considerate and aware. She then strikes out at a curious tangent and informs her reader that while airmanship cannot be described by "a set of symptoms or criteria", it nevertheless has nothing to do with "how good your short-field landing or how well you know your POH".
Lest it be thought that this is a bitter and twisted attack upon another pilot's credibility, let me say that the piece in question is bright, topical and spirited, especially on the subject of pizzas. Indeed it is one that would never provoke from me a gratuitous snub or an irrelevant quote.
So instead, consider this one from Groucho Marks -
"Some might say he looks like an idiot. Some might say he sounds like an idiot. But don't let that fool you. This man IS an idiot."
just an afterthought . . . elsewhere, on another thread going at the moment, there is a tribute to the late Mac Job, a man who knew, right down the tiniest part of his being, what good airmanship entailed. "Through his articles and books, he was able to impart so much knowledge, education and wisdom to so many throughout the industry".
CATACHRESIS
Catachresis is Greek word meaning abuse of the language.
No need to spell it out. Just look to swimmer, James "The Missile" Magnussen. On the psychological benefits of competing in
Australia last year, the freestyle champion said: "It keeps me honest, it keeps me swimming fast on home soil."
Sir Thomas Mitchell, an early surveyor-general of NSW, explored the outback extensively. He returned home to Sydney on one occasion, claiming that he had been into country "where the hand of man has never set foot."
so the moral is . . . watch your language. . . . . whether you are defining 'airmanship', or something easy, such as 'woman'.
At this point, some might sigh "hopeless case" and return to their fretwork. Not me . . . as the masochist in me loves nothing better than a good banging of the bumpy old brainbox against the cell wall. Unlike many an essay - not padded - yet.
Our editorial scribe says too, that despite always being intrigued by the subject, she finds that five years on from finishing her CPL studies, she still cannot define airmanship, or explain the reasons for, in effect, one pilot being a nong and another being considerate and aware. She then strikes out at a curious tangent and informs her reader that while airmanship cannot be described by "a set of symptoms or criteria", it nevertheless has nothing to do with "how good your short-field landing or how well you know your POH".
Lest it be thought that this is a bitter and twisted attack upon another pilot's credibility, let me say that the piece in question is bright, topical and spirited, especially on the subject of pizzas. Indeed it is one that would never provoke from me a gratuitous snub or an irrelevant quote.
So instead, consider this one from Groucho Marks -
"Some might say he looks like an idiot. Some might say he sounds like an idiot. But don't let that fool you. This man IS an idiot."
just an afterthought . . . elsewhere, on another thread going at the moment, there is a tribute to the late Mac Job, a man who knew, right down the tiniest part of his being, what good airmanship entailed. "Through his articles and books, he was able to impart so much knowledge, education and wisdom to so many throughout the industry".
CATACHRESIS
Catachresis is Greek word meaning abuse of the language.
No need to spell it out. Just look to swimmer, James "The Missile" Magnussen. On the psychological benefits of competing in
Australia last year, the freestyle champion said: "It keeps me honest, it keeps me swimming fast on home soil."
Sir Thomas Mitchell, an early surveyor-general of NSW, explored the outback extensively. He returned home to Sydney on one occasion, claiming that he had been into country "where the hand of man has never set foot."
so the moral is . . . watch your language. . . . . whether you are defining 'airmanship', or something easy, such as 'woman'.
Last edited by Fantome; 9th Aug 2014 at 00:49.
Ah the old Airmanship question pops up once again:-)
Books have been written on this subject, many an ale has been consumed talking about Airmanship or lack thereof but in simple terms it's like seamanship, same thing, knowledge, application, cunning, courtesy & above all respect to other users:-)
Wmk2
Books have been written on this subject, many an ale has been consumed talking about Airmanship or lack thereof but in simple terms it's like seamanship, same thing, knowledge, application, cunning, courtesy & above all respect to other users:-)
Wmk2
I think you will find airmanship is about exercising good judgement. That demands an appreciation of your own skills as well as the capabilities of the aircraft and the conditions of flight in future.
AIrmanship can thus be exercised by any pilot whatever their level of experience.....and unfortunately vice versa.
AIrmanship can thus be exercised by any pilot whatever their level of experience.....and unfortunately vice versa.
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Airmanship
When I learnt to fly, airmanship was at the top and bottom of the briefing board, and covered such things as keeping a good lookout, clearing turns, engine handling, listen out before transmitting, treating other pilots/aircraft as you would like to be treated etc. It also covered other things such as inserting control locks, chocking, dressing props, checking behind before a run-up, and leaving the aircraft as you would like to find it (which back then included empty the ashtrays!). One could make a list of many such items, but I guess it all boils done to treating others with respect including your aircraft, and how you would like to be treated yourself. I don't believe there is as much emphasis on basic airmanship these days, which seems to be part of the culture now(??)
If you want a good read on how it has been Redefined then I can only suggest that you get a hold of Tony Kerns book "Redefining Airmanship". Valuable stuff from private to ATPL level.
... has nothing to do with "how good your short-field landing or how well you know your POH"
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AIRMANSHIP
CASA Definition
The consistent use of sound judgement and well-*‐developed flight skills to
achieve flight objectives.
History
No longer merely “common sense” nor an undefined skill that is passively infused through exposure leading to a “mystical state of heightened knowledge/awareness”.
Airmanship is now trained (and assessed)! It is an active pursuit through training and study (professionalism and accountability) in which we constantly develop our knowledge base, seek out information before/during/after flight and process that information in order to make sound decisions.
A Modern Day Definition
Therefore, modern day AIRMANSHIP is about professionalism (pursuit of knowledge/information) and flight discipline (Application of Rules/Maintenance of Standards) and accountability (play your role in safety).
CASA Definition
The consistent use of sound judgement and well-*‐developed flight skills to
achieve flight objectives.
History
No longer merely “common sense” nor an undefined skill that is passively infused through exposure leading to a “mystical state of heightened knowledge/awareness”.
Airmanship is now trained (and assessed)! It is an active pursuit through training and study (professionalism and accountability) in which we constantly develop our knowledge base, seek out information before/during/after flight and process that information in order to make sound decisions.
A Modern Day Definition
Therefore, modern day AIRMANSHIP is about professionalism (pursuit of knowledge/information) and flight discipline (Application of Rules/Maintenance of Standards) and accountability (play your role in safety).
'aris' you can't have yr cake & eat it to, pick one either a good pilot or a good person, never the two shall be in the same cockpit:-)
I've seen pilots whom knew the books back to front yet couldn't make a sound CMD decisions if their lives depended on it, that lacking Airmanship.
Wmk2
I've seen pilots whom knew the books back to front yet couldn't make a sound CMD decisions if their lives depended on it, that lacking Airmanship.
Wmk2
"The safe and efficient operation of the aircraft both in the air and on the ground,"
The new huggy-fluffy definition is a load of verbose huggy-fluffy garbage.
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The RAAF definition is clear, concise and accurate, as military statements tend to be.
Kern's definition, adopted by civvie street, gives a broader hint IMO of how one might achieve good airmanship, if one is faced with a wide range of instructors of varying competence and expertise. As civvie street tends to be.
Let's not get overcome with rivalry; we all know who offers the best training (and, conversely, who faces the biggest challenge in actually inculcating airmanship.)
Kern's definition, adopted by civvie street, gives a broader hint IMO of how one might achieve good airmanship, if one is faced with a wide range of instructors of varying competence and expertise. As civvie street tends to be.
Let's not get overcome with rivalry; we all know who offers the best training (and, conversely, who faces the biggest challenge in actually inculcating airmanship.)
"Airmanship" - I always found that word used at Aeroclubs by Instructors trying to demonize students. I've rarely heard it in airlines - criticisms are much more specific and therefore easier to correct. Airmanship is so generic and illusive. Yes, I've read Kern's book - I found it draining. Nobody is perfect but it's not rocket science....
Last edited by kellykelpie; 11th Aug 2014 at 06:02. Reason: There's no such thing as Rocket Surgery ;)
That Airmanship needs definition, beyond the succinct RAAF one, indicates to me that our society has changed a lot since I learned to fly. Not so many years ago airmanship was what one did, it was just what was right. For a student pilot with no flying experience this was pretty simple. The new pilot would learn from her instructors and absorb the good examples set by those around him and airmanship born.
Things are different now days because for many student pilots with no flying experience, the notion of doing something because it is "just what is right" (that is the foundation of Airmanship) is kinda strange. The notion of what is right is relative: (it might be right for one, but not the other) so the the term Airmanship needs to de defined, or redefined.
Will Airmanship improve with experience? Not if the foundations are missing.
I also found Tony Kern's book draining, but useful too, in small doses.
Things are different now days because for many student pilots with no flying experience, the notion of doing something because it is "just what is right" (that is the foundation of Airmanship) is kinda strange. The notion of what is right is relative: (it might be right for one, but not the other) so the the term Airmanship needs to de defined, or redefined.
Will Airmanship improve with experience? Not if the foundations are missing.
I also found Tony Kern's book draining, but useful too, in small doses.
Last edited by pithblot; 12th Aug 2014 at 08:49. Reason: Exchanged the word relevant, for relative
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When I learnt to fly, airmanship was at the top and bottom of the briefing board, and covered such things as keeping a good lookout, clearing turns, engine handling, listen out before transmitting, treating other pilots/aircraft as you would like to be treated etc. It also covered other things such as inserting control locks, chocking, dressing props, checking behind before a run-up, and leaving the aircraft as you would like to find it (which back then included empty the ashtrays!).
(which back then included empty the ashtrays!).
