The Syllabus and How to Study
At the beginning of your training, as well as a couple key point during your training, you will be exposed to what is known as "the fire hose" effect. It likens the amount of knowledge you must learn and retain to drinking directly from a fire hose. There will be a large volume coming at you but how much can you retain? This situation can be overwhelming and frustrating if you don't know what and how to study.
To understand how to best study and retain the extreme amount information coming your way, you must first understand the way the syllabus was created to teach you the information. The Joint Primary Pilot Training Syllabus (JPPTS) works through the use of various educational resources executed in a given flow to bring knowledge and skill-sets up to a required level. Common terms and the flow of learning is as follows:
Computer Aided Instruction (CAI). These are basically classes on the computer. They ARE NOT a substitute for reading the books and materials; instead, the computer based lessons are there to expand on what you have read. You should read all book sections (NATOPS, FTI, etc) on the given subject prior to accomplishing the respective CAI lesson. You will complete these CAI modules in the computer lab. This step gives you the basic information/understanding of the subject/skill at hand.
MIL Lectures. These sessions are the traditional classroom instruction. After accomplishing the CAI for a subject, the next step is to attend a class with an academic instructor who will go through the material. Hopefully, the instructor will expand further on the subject material and answer any questions you may have. This should finalize knowing or understanding the book knowledge and begin the connection to its application or use. During system academics, you should always bring to class:
To understand how to best study and retain the extreme amount information coming your way, you must first understand the way the syllabus was created to teach you the information. The Joint Primary Pilot Training Syllabus (JPPTS) works through the use of various educational resources executed in a given flow to bring knowledge and skill-sets up to a required level. Common terms and the flow of learning is as follows:
Computer Aided Instruction (CAI). These are basically classes on the computer. They ARE NOT a substitute for reading the books and materials; instead, the computer based lessons are there to expand on what you have read. You should read all book sections (NATOPS, FTI, etc) on the given subject prior to accomplishing the respective CAI lesson. You will complete these CAI modules in the computer lab. This step gives you the basic information/understanding of the subject/skill at hand.
MIL Lectures. These sessions are the traditional classroom instruction. After accomplishing the CAI for a subject, the next step is to attend a class with an academic instructor who will go through the material. Hopefully, the instructor will expand further on the subject material and answer any questions you may have. This should finalize knowing or understanding the book knowledge and begin the connection to its application or use. During system academics, you should always bring to class:
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NATOPS – Aircraft flight manual
Pocket Checklist (PCL) – Pilot’s Abbreviated Flightcrew Checklist Quadfold – Checklist you will fly with that is a small version of PCL normal operations Checklist Study Guide – Multi-page handout that has the checklist broken down into each step (what you call, what you do, what you look for, and how you answer). It also includes radio calls you will make during ground operations. Inflight Guide – Checklist-sized handout with colored pages. This contains various elements of the Fixed-Wing Operating Procedures (FWOP) to include Frequency Grid, MOA operations, Course Rules, OLF information, etc. |
Not all instructors will reference these materials while teaching but most will. These will help in the process of connecting what you have learned to how it applies.
Simulators. The Unit Training Device (UTD) and Operational Flight Trainer (OFT) are used extensively in your training. In the current JPPTS, students are exposed to everything in the simulators before proceeding to the aircraft. Simulators are where application of knowledge/procedures will be demonstrated and corrected for all primary skills (checklists, maneuvers, emergency procedures, instruments, etc.). You should be “chair flying”/practicing your skills as well as reviewing your previously learned knowledge prior to the simulator. Do not come to the simulator event with little preparation thinking you’ll just “pick it up” during the event. This is where the practice occurs and further instruction and corrections can be made prior to the aircraft. There is a fine line between learning a maneuver (knowledge of the procedures to execute the maneuver) and learning how to do a maneuver (application of those procedures to form a skill).
Various simulator devices include:
Simulators. The Unit Training Device (UTD) and Operational Flight Trainer (OFT) are used extensively in your training. In the current JPPTS, students are exposed to everything in the simulators before proceeding to the aircraft. Simulators are where application of knowledge/procedures will be demonstrated and corrected for all primary skills (checklists, maneuvers, emergency procedures, instruments, etc.). You should be “chair flying”/practicing your skills as well as reviewing your previously learned knowledge prior to the simulator. Do not come to the simulator event with little preparation thinking you’ll just “pick it up” during the event. This is where the practice occurs and further instruction and corrections can be made prior to the aircraft. There is a fine line between learning a maneuver (knowledge of the procedures to execute the maneuver) and learning how to do a maneuver (application of those procedures to form a skill).
Various simulator devices include:
OFT – Fully functional aircraft cockpit with wrap-around visual screens.
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UTD – Fully functional aircraft cockpit without any surrounding visuals.
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Static Simulator – Trainer with correct cockpit switch configuration but no flight functionality. Mainly used to practice checklists procedures.
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FMS Trainer – Touch-screen computer with layout of all cockpit displays. All displays are fully functional and the trainer uses the same software as the aircraft. Mainly used to become familiar with FMS pages and data entry.
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Electronic Briefing Guide – Electronic documents created to focus you in and simplify each event. These documents spell out: the planned profile for each event, what the discuss items are with hyperlinks to the information, and any special syllabus requirements (SSR). It is a more detailed way of taking the syllabus, which gives a very broad application of each training area, and specify what you need to know/do per each event.
Aircraft/Flight Line. The final point and emphasis of the training. All that you have learned to this point is to now be applied in flight. You will continue to apply, practice, and perfect the maneuvers/skills you learn.
Conclusion. So…….back to studying. Remember to take breaks often in your studies. Too much work can cause diminishing returns and burn-out thus lowering your motivation and success. Take brakes, eat, exercise....try to keep your life somewhat normal and on a schedule. Additionally, try to study with someone else or in a small group. The synergistic affects are a bonus and you always have others to call your bluff when you don't know something. Further, they may have a piece of information you need but didn't realize. As those who have come before you know, nobody makes it thru primary alone!
Here is a framework to follow:
1. Read the material in the various books.
2. Do the CAI lessons to help amplify what you've read.
3. Go to the MIL lecture to ensure a solid understanding of the material (if applicable).
4. At some point you will test to verify your ability to comprehend and retain the information.
5. Chair-fly/practice skill sets, procedures, or maneuvers.
6. Accomplish simulator events to practice, receive instruction, and begin gaining proficiency at skill sets.
7. Accomplish aircraft events to further practice and demonstrate proficiency at skill sets.
Aircraft/Flight Line. The final point and emphasis of the training. All that you have learned to this point is to now be applied in flight. You will continue to apply, practice, and perfect the maneuvers/skills you learn.
Conclusion. So…….back to studying. Remember to take breaks often in your studies. Too much work can cause diminishing returns and burn-out thus lowering your motivation and success. Take brakes, eat, exercise....try to keep your life somewhat normal and on a schedule. Additionally, try to study with someone else or in a small group. The synergistic affects are a bonus and you always have others to call your bluff when you don't know something. Further, they may have a piece of information you need but didn't realize. As those who have come before you know, nobody makes it thru primary alone!
Here is a framework to follow:
1. Read the material in the various books.
2. Do the CAI lessons to help amplify what you've read.
3. Go to the MIL lecture to ensure a solid understanding of the material (if applicable).
4. At some point you will test to verify your ability to comprehend and retain the information.
5. Chair-fly/practice skill sets, procedures, or maneuvers.
6. Accomplish simulator events to practice, receive instruction, and begin gaining proficiency at skill sets.
7. Accomplish aircraft events to further practice and demonstrate proficiency at skill sets.