One of the first things I tell people going through pilot training is that you are going to have to be self directed at points. You are going to have to want it, put the time in, and make the effort. No-one is going to spoon feed this to you and drag you through it. There will be times that you are going to have to just buckle down and study. Part of the success in those efforts is figuring out “how” you study.

Many people have never really had to do that before. You will with pilot training, especially if you expect to transition through it expeditiously.

Some people can learn from just reading a book, another person will just find themselves face down asleep in that same book if they try it. Videos work for some people, others need an in person lecture. Most people actually learn best if they combine methods of presenting and studying material. It makes them engage more, and more engagement means a more effective memory generation process.

Effective pilot training requires a deep understanding of the diverse learning styles that individuals possess. Recognizing your own learning style can help you optimize your study habits and enhance your understanding of the complex material required for becoming a proficient pilot.  Generally different types of learners can tailor their study methods to match a particular learning style, ensuring a more efficient and successful pilot training experience.

Learning styles are commonly broken down into those who are visual learners, auditory learners, reading/writing learners, and kinesthetic learners.

Visual learners absorb information best through images, diagrams, charts, and other visual aids. They have a strong spatial understanding and often remember information by visualizing it. Use of charts and diagrams can help them study flight systems, charts and airspace, or weather patterns for example. A good practice is to make extensive use of diagrams, flowcharts, and infographics. Visual representations frequently can simplify complex concepts and make them easier to recall. Good tools for them include flashcards and visual aids, flight simulation software, and visual study guides.

Auditory learners prefer to hear information to process and understand it. They benefit from listening to lectures, discussions, and audio recordings. Some good tools for them include audio recordings, group discussions and study groups, verbal explanations, and podcasts and audiobooks.

Reading/Writing learners prefer to learn through written words. They excel in traditional study methods such as reading textbooks, taking notes, and writing essays. Highlighted tools for them might include comprehensive note taking, writing summaries of material covered, reading aviation literature, and going through practice exams and quizzes.

Kinesthetic learners learn best through hands-on experiences and physical activities. They often struggle with traditional study methods that rely heavily on passive learning. This can be challenging in flight training environments where some “ground training” is needed before heading to the airplane for the experiential and application learning efforts. These students many times find themselves excelling at practical hands-on flight skills, but having a harder time with the more traditional study materials. Ways to improve learning for kinesthetic learners includes incorporating hands-on practice, interactive learning tools, model building or interpretation, and movement based study techniques. An example of this could be instead of studying an engine system in a book, going out to the maintenance shop and spending some time with the mechanic on the actual aircraft and learning components in a hands-on manner.

While individuals may have a dominant learning style, it’s important to recognize that combining multiple methods can enhance overall learning. Integrating various approaches allows for a more comprehensive understanding and better retention of information.

Build a plan to do this.

Develop a personalized study plan that incorporates techniques suited to your learning style. Allocate time for each type of learning activity and stick to a consistent schedule.

Regularly seek feedback from instructors and peers. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and adjust your study methods accordingly.

Be open to trying new study techniques and adapting your methods as needed. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you.

Take advantage of the resources available to you, such as flight simulators, study guides, audio-visual materials, and online forums. Combining these resources can enhance your learning experience.

Understanding your learning style is crucial for optimizing your study habits and achieving success in pilot training. By tailoring your study methods to match your preferred way of learning, you can enhance comprehension, retention, and overall performance. Whether you are a visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic learner, incorporating these strategies into your training routine will help you improve and refine your study techniques.