Return-to-Flying Proficiency Lesson Plan

Special Cases • Tailored Recurrent Training

The Return-to-Flying Proficiency Lesson Plan helps pilots safely resume flying after an extended absence through a tailored knowledge, risk-management, and flight-training program.

Return-to-Flying Proficiency Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Experience and Goals Interview:
    0:30
    Ground Refresher:
    1:30
    Flight Training:
    2:00
    Debrief and Proficiency Plan:
    0:30
    Planned Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Ask the pilot which has changed more during the absence: regulations, technology, the aircraft, the operating environment, or the pilot.

  • Motivator:

    • A structured return prevents old habits and incomplete memories from becoming the foundation for new flying.

  • Objective:

    • Restore the knowledge, judgment, procedural discipline, and flight proficiency needed for the pilot’s planned operations.

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Return-to-Flying Proficiency Lesson Plan

Materials

Return-to-Flying Proficiency Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Assessment:

    • Review time away, prior experience, certificate and medical status, intended missions, aircraft, technology, and personal concerns.
    • Separate legal currency requirements from actual proficiency needs.

  • Training:

    • Refresh regulations, airspace, weather, performance, systems, navigation, communications, risk management, and local procedures.
    • Progress from basic aircraft control and pattern work to navigation, abnormal procedures, emergencies, and representative scenarios.
    • Integrate avionics and automation deliberately rather than allowing them to mask weak fundamentals.

  • Postflight:

    • Document training, determine whether any separate flight review or endorsement is completed, and create a staged return-to-flying plan.
Return-to-Flying Proficiency Lesson Plan

Student Actions

  • Disclose experience, limitations, and goals accurately.
  • Complete assigned ground preparation and flight planning.
  • Demonstrate safe performance before expanding operating privileges or personal minimums.
Return-to-Flying Proficiency Lesson Plan

Completion Standards

  • The pilot demonstrates safe knowledge, judgment, and flight proficiency for the agreed scope of operation.
  • Regulatory currency and endorsement requirements are separately verified and documented.
  • The pilot leaves with conservative personal minimums and a continuing proficiency plan.
Return-to-Flying Proficiency Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Returning deliberately builds durable confidence based on current proficiency rather than past experience alone.

  • Closure:

    • Review limitations, next flights, instructor follow-up, and measurable proficiency goals.