How can experienced civil aviation professionals stay sharp on the job?

1 Review the basics

One of the best ways to stay sharp on the job is to review the basic principles and concepts that underpin your work. For example, if you are a pilot, you can refresh your memory on the fundamentals of aerodynamics, navigation, weather, and human factors. If you are a controller, you can revisit the rules of air traffic management, communication, and coordination. If you are a mechanic, you can reinforce your understanding of the systems and components of the aircraft you service. And if you are a manager, you can recall the standards and procedures of your organization and the industry. Reviewing the basics can help you avoid complacency, identify gaps in your knowledge, and prepare for any unexpected situations.

2 Learn something new

Another way to stay sharp on the job is to learn something new that is relevant to your role and interests. For example, if you are a pilot, you can explore new types of aircraft, routes, or operations. If you are a controller, you can learn about new technologies, tools, or methods that can improve your efficiency and safety. If you are a mechanic, you can learn about new innovations, techniques, or solutions that can enhance your quality and productivity. And if you are a manager, you can learn about new trends, challenges, or opportunities that can affect your strategy and goals. Learning something new can help you broaden your perspective, update your skills, and boost your confidence.

3 Practice regularly

A third way to stay sharp on the job is to practice your skills regularly and deliberately. For example, if you are a pilot, you can use a simulator, a flight instructor, or a peer to practice your maneuvers, procedures, and emergency scenarios. If you are a controller, you can use a trainer, a mentor, or a colleague to practice your phraseology, decision-making, and teamwork. If you are a mechanic, you can use a workshop, a supervisor, or a partner to practice your inspections, repairs, and troubleshooting. And if you are a manager, you can use a coach, a consultant, or a peer to practice your leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Practicing regularly and deliberately can help you hone your skills, correct your mistakes, and improve your performance.

4 Seek feedback

A fourth way to stay sharp on the job is to seek feedback from various sources and use it to improve your work. For example, if you are a pilot, you can seek feedback from your passengers, your crew, your airline, or your regulator. If you are a controller, you can seek feedback from your pilots, your supervisors, your colleagues, or your authority. If you are a mechanic, you can seek feedback from your customers, your managers, your co-workers, or your certifier. And if you are a manager, you can seek feedback from your staff, your customers, your peers, or your stakeholders. Seeking feedback can help you measure your performance, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and plan your actions.

5 Join a community

A fifth way to stay sharp on the job is to join a community of civil aviation professionals who share your passion and vision. For example, if you are a pilot, you can join a club, an association, or a network of pilots who fly similar or different aircraft, missions, or regions. If you are a controller, you can join a group, a union, or a forum of controllers who work in similar or different sectors, areas, or levels. If you are a mechanic, you can join a team, a guild, or a platform of mechanics who service similar or different types, models, or systems of aircraft. And if you are a manager, you can join a committee, a council, or a board of managers who lead similar or different organizations, functions, or projects. Joining a community can help you exchange ideas, experiences, and advice, learn from others, and support each other.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?