Getting Back in the Left Seat: Regaining Proficiency After Time Away from Flying

Life happens. Whether it’s work, family, health, or just how priorities shift over time, it’s not uncommon for pilots to take an extended break from flying. But as any good aviator knows, proficiency is perishable—and getting back in the air safely requires more than just a current medical and a fresh logbook endorsement.

This isn’t meant to be a comprehensive checklist or one-size-fits-all solution. Think of it as a low-level outline—a practical starting point to help you build your own path back to safe and confident flying. Your plan might look different depending on your experience, your aircraft, and your flying goals, and that’s exactly how it should be.

If you've been out of the cockpit for a few months or more, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you shake off the rust and get airborne again with clarity and confidence.

1. Start with Groundwork: Refresh Your Knowledge

Before ever touching the yoke, brush up on the essentials:

• Review the FAR/AIM, especially parts related to currency, airspace, and VFR/IFR regulations.

• Revisit checklists, POH, and systems knowledge for the aircraft you fly—particularly if you haven’t flown it in a while.

• Use free tools like the FAASafety.gov courses, AOPA Air Safety Institute webinars, or subscription-based platforms like Sporty’s or King Schools to sharpen your theory.

2. Preflight Your Mind: Mental Rehearsal & Chair Flying

Visualization is a powerful tool:

• Mentally walk through normal procedures: startup, taxi, takeoff, cruise, landing.

• Do a few dry runs (chair flying) with a printed checklist in hand—verbalizing each step as you “fly” the pattern or an IFR approach.

• Practice radio calls aloud—especially helpful if you feel rusty on coms.

3. Fly with a CFI: Knock Off the Rust with a Pro

Even if you’re technically current, it’s smart to schedule a few hours with a flight instructor:

• Focus on basic attitude flying, slow flight, stalls, pattern work, and emergency procedures.

• If you're IFR rated, include approaches, holding patterns, and missed approach procedures.

• Ask for a scenario-based session—simulate realistic situations, like returning to your home airport in marginal weather or a diversion due to NOTAMs.

This isn't a checkride—it’s a confidence booster with a safety net.

4. Ease Back into Real-World Flying

Once you’ve flown with an instructor:

• Start with short, familiar flights in good weather.

• Choose quiet airports initially—reduce workload so you can focus on technique.

• Avoid launching into high-demand environments (Class B airspace, night IFR, mountain flying, etc.) until you’ve fully warmed up.

5. Self-Review After Each Flight

Debrief yourself:

• What went well?

• Where did you feel behind or overloaded?

• What would you do differently next time?

Consider jotting down a few notes in your logbook or keeping a proficiency journal to track progress.

6. Maintain Proficiency with a Realistic Plan

The best way to avoid a future layoff is to make flying a sustainable habit:

• Set realistic goals—even a flight once or twice a month can keep your skills sharp.

• Join a flying club, plan trips with pilot friends, or mix in flight sim time when weather or time constraints get in the way.

Final Thoughts

There’s no shame in stepping away from flying—but the return requires a deliberate, safety-minded approach. The goal isn’t just to be legal—it’s to be confident and proficient. With the right mindset and a smart plan, you’ll be back in command and loving every minute of it.

Blue skies and smooth landings!