Online training
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: The Beautiful Okanagan Valley
Online training
Dear All,
I am presently doing a study of current pilot training methods. This does not include basic (ie; ab initio) at this stage, but rather conversion courses and recurrent training thereafter. Having been in the training part of aviation for many years I have some concerns for the move towards abbreviated training courses, with their (often) emphasis on minimum time and cost before thrusting the young - and not-so-young - graduates off on their own.
Of course, operators with large and / or sophisticated training organisations can provide ongoing training for their pilots, but those in small operations (ie; corporate / third level airlines) are often left to fend for themselves. Although many such pilots do a great job of enhancing, then maintaining their knowledge base, others either do not have the opportunity or inclination to do so.
I know there are many great websites out there, where free advice is generously given. However, although dispensed with the best will in the world, such information MAY be incorrect. That, of course, raises issues of liability should an accident or incident occur as a result of such incorrect information.
Although many of the training providers have online training, it is often expensive and / or remains under the control of the operator, which may prevent pilots accessing it as and when they please, and thus maintaining their knowledge and competence.
I have often turned to such sites for information though I always treat it with a certain amount of caution even when I know it is presented with the very best of intentions.
May I ask for your opinions on this subject?
Should we, as an industry / profession be pushing for more online training to maintain our knowledge of systems, WAAS, CPDLC, RNAV approaches, etc, etc, and should such training be regulated and maybe subject to scrutiny?
Any feedback would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
GW
PS: Of course, I know that the manuals are available but many are poorly-written, out-of-date, or just too heavy to lug around whereas most of us have our laptops with us most of the time.
And, computers are more fun!!!
I am presently doing a study of current pilot training methods. This does not include basic (ie; ab initio) at this stage, but rather conversion courses and recurrent training thereafter. Having been in the training part of aviation for many years I have some concerns for the move towards abbreviated training courses, with their (often) emphasis on minimum time and cost before thrusting the young - and not-so-young - graduates off on their own.
Of course, operators with large and / or sophisticated training organisations can provide ongoing training for their pilots, but those in small operations (ie; corporate / third level airlines) are often left to fend for themselves. Although many such pilots do a great job of enhancing, then maintaining their knowledge base, others either do not have the opportunity or inclination to do so.
I know there are many great websites out there, where free advice is generously given. However, although dispensed with the best will in the world, such information MAY be incorrect. That, of course, raises issues of liability should an accident or incident occur as a result of such incorrect information.
Although many of the training providers have online training, it is often expensive and / or remains under the control of the operator, which may prevent pilots accessing it as and when they please, and thus maintaining their knowledge and competence.
I have often turned to such sites for information though I always treat it with a certain amount of caution even when I know it is presented with the very best of intentions.
May I ask for your opinions on this subject?
Should we, as an industry / profession be pushing for more online training to maintain our knowledge of systems, WAAS, CPDLC, RNAV approaches, etc, etc, and should such training be regulated and maybe subject to scrutiny?
Any feedback would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
GW
PS: Of course, I know that the manuals are available but many are poorly-written, out-of-date, or just too heavy to lug around whereas most of us have our laptops with us most of the time.
And, computers are more fun!!!
