Improving as a pilot, "A good pilot is always learning!"

Now I can't fly this Sunday because the airport operator (the military) has some operations to do, so how exactly do you maintain proficiency as a pilot?

Not to sound cliche but the old saying, "A good pilot is always learning" is absolutely, 100% true. As a certified pilot, and a pilot who is working for higher certification levels, namely the Private Pilot Licence currently, I always look for ways to improve myself and become a better pilot every day. Not every flight! But every DAY!

Every flight I aim to be a little more precise, a little safer and fly closer to perfection than the previous one, it is key here to set a high standard, with or without an instructor onboard. This is an imperative I think if you want to prosper in this demanding industry of aviation, and you must be "spring-loaded" for any eventuality.

I have trained myself for one mindset:
Anything can happen, anytime.

While in cruising flight, many pilots always talk about getting, "Fat, dumb and happy." I will replace the word "happy" to "dead." A pilot can never sit back and relax in the flight, that is my own opinion. Now I am not saying we can't enjoy ourselves while flying, as I fly for the enjoyment aspect as well as the learning aspect but I do have two exercises while in straight and level, cruising flight where nothing much happens. It will keep you in the loop of information, therefore maintaining situational awareness.

#1: What if *enter emergency situation*?
Yes, this is actually pretty fun and keeps you on your toes at all times during any phase of the flight. To be "Spring-loaded" to survive, you must mentally remember some of the principles behind any emergency.
Engine Failure - Minimise drag --> Pitch and trim for best glide speed
Aim to general area of preferred landing spot.
Engine Fire - Remove element of fuel from the triangle of fire --> Fuel shutoff valve close, throttle open wide to allow excess fuel to be burned.
Electrical Fire - Remove electrical charge, allow for breathing --> Avionics and master OFF, open cabin windows.
If emergency descent required - Maximise drag --> Gear down, flaps down, throttle idle, turn left or right more than 30 degrees, maintain a maximum allowable speed for set configuration.
This should be done constantly throughout the flight, always have a mental picture as to what you will do in case of these situations, maintain situational awareness and exercise good airmanship.

#2: FREDA
Now I know the Brits who read this blog will be saying, "This is a given! Why wouldn't anyone do this?"
Lads, you will be surprised that as far as I know, no other syllabus teaches FREDA. It's all good that Aussie trained pilots (like myself) does the ALAP (Attitude lookout attitude performance) work cycle constantly, but I still believe combining it with FREDA makes for a better option to maintain situational awareness.
FREDA stands for
Fuel - Sufficient, selector as required
Radio - Set as required
Engine - Oil temps and pressures in the green band
Direction - Correct, DI to compass synced
Altimeter - Flying at constant altitude, QNH set to local pressure setting
I personally do the FREDA check before every frequency change, or after 15 minutes of cruising flight, despite not embarking in long cross countries.

Situational awareness is a saving grace for any pilot, and is what will allow the pilot to spring into action, with no moment of panic and disbelief after an emergency situation if it were to ever arise. As pilots we always want to accept that aviation is safe, however I would like to put it this way:
You are only as safe as you make yourself.

General Aviation is already under scrutiny by the public light, and as pilots it is our responsibility to improve the safety of GA, so we can have better reputation in the future years, and attract more people to become pilots.

I am looking forward to fly again next week, and until next time...

Have fun, and fly safe!

--
Howard Lau