Unraveling the Distinctions between Coaching and Instructing
by Makayla N. Still
The International Aerobatic Club (IAC) is a thriving community saturated with passionate aviators, where pilots from around the world come together to showcase their aerobatic ingenuity and push the boundaries of precision flying.
Within the IAC membership, there are two vital roles that play a significant part in honing the skills of pilots: coaching and instructing. While these terms may sound synonymous, they encompass distinct approaches that contribute uniquely to an aerobatic pilot's journey.
The Focus: Skill Enhancement vs. Knowledge Transfer
One of the primary distinctions between coaching and instructing lies in their core objectives. Coaching fundamentally focuses on skill enhancement and development. Coaches work closely with pilots to refine their techniques, improve precision, and reinforce overall performance in aerobatic maneuvers. Coaches analyze flight footage, provide personalized assessments, and tailor training programs to address specific strengths and weaknesses, overall building the confidence needed to go further.
Coaching in the IAC is both a challenging and rewarding endeavor, helping pilots of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, develop their ability and passion for the sport. Coaches are committed to providing support and motivation for their students when they are facing setbacks and other challenges. IAC members who operate as coaches help their fellow IAC pilots seek a variety of resources and training programs, including workshops, clinics, and seminars that can play a crucial role in understanding aerodynamics, principles, the safety of aerobatics, goal setting, and video analysis for identifying areas for improvement while continuously celebrating progress.
Flight instructors within the IAC membership transfer their knowledge as a critical aspect of their CFI role. Key principles for effective knowledge transfer include communication, using proper language, and communicating complex aviation concepts. Establishing learning objectives—what to expect and achieve during each lesson—using visual aids such as diagrams, charts, model airplanes, and multimedia presentations. Flight instructors encourage questions during your open learning environment by addressing each question thoroughly, demonstrating flights, emphasizing real-life scenarios relevant to what the student is learning, and most importantly, having the ability to be patient and supportive.
Approach: Collaborative Guidance vs. Directive Teaching
The IAC is an organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of aerobatic flight and competition. Its primary purpose is to foster safety, skillful aerobatic flying, and camaraderie among aerobatic enthusiasts. For those who are seeking resources for a personal coach or instructor you can visit the IAC Aerobatic Flight School website https://www.iac.org/aerobatic-flight-schools Coaching adopts a collaborative and interactive approach.
Coaches work closely with pilots, building relationships based on mutual trust and respect. Contrary to the popular belief that pressure is fundamental for peak performance, high stress and pressure on an individual can in fact make them less efficient for the task at hand. Mental fitness corresponds with productivity, collaboration, and job satisfaction.
Need support for clarifying goals? IAC members who have experience at coaching can assist in skill development, identifying obstacles, building confidence, and enhancing self-awareness. Your coach must be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations of competition and follow the latest developments in flight maneuvers and safety procedures.
Alternatively, flight instructors must also be able to impart their knowledge and expertise to their students effectively. They guide aspiring pilots on a journey that goes beyond the traditional rules of flying, teaching loops, rolls, spins, and other jaw-dropping maneuvers with grace and finesse. Witnessing a trainee perform a flawless loop or execute a perfectly coordinated spin is incredibly rewarding.
While coaching is typically observed from the ground, flight instructors get to experience the thrill of aerobatics firsthand. They meticulously prepare their students, emphasizing the importance of aircraft pre-flight checks, emergency procedures, and maintaining situational awareness at all times. Teaching aerobatic maneuvers adds an extra layer of complexity to the task. In addition to managing the flight's technical aspects, the instructor must be a clear and patient communicator, guiding the student step-by-step through each maneuver whenever necessary and ensuring the student's comprehension of the task at hand. While they are significantly closer to the student to properly observe that all the checklists have been run and guide the student through each maneuver, they also need to pay attention to
- Altitude: Ensuring that the student is maintaining the preferred flight levels and does not lose too much altitude when practicing any given maneuver.
- Air traffic: Having an open ear for both your students’ needs and communication with air traffic control, monitoring radio frequencies, and continuously scanning airspace to avoid any potential conflicts in which the instructor must make quick counteractions for any deviations that may occur.
- Monitoring the g-meter: Since the aircraft is subject to rapid changes in speed and direction, the flight instructor must be attentive to the G-Meter readings, safeguarding the impacts that the g-forces will have on both the aircraft and the pilot's performance during a maneuver.
Refining the Skill: Precision vs. Accuracy
When we hear the terms precision and accuracy, we tend to believe that these words can be used interchangeably in any given argument, but they are in fact not as similar as you would think. These terms heavily rely on the application in which they are used. Let's use a dart board as an example to differentiate these two terms. Think of throwing a dart at a bullseye; the goal is to be both accurate and precise, but in this case, if you are to throw your dart and hit the bullseye each time, you are accurate. If you are throwing your dart and you’re not hitting the bullseye but each throw lands approximately in the same spot or in a tight cluster as the previous one, you are being precise.
Now, how does this apply to aviation? While instructing lays the groundwork by imparting essential knowledge and procedures, coaching takes the pilot’s abilities to new heights by providing personalized guidance, support, and refinement. Coaching and instructing both play important roles in shaping skilled aerobatic pilots. These two approaches complement each other harmoniously.
Coaches primarily focus on the precision of the maneuvers and the pilot’s ability to perform to the same standards and guidelines each time. Coaches work on the ground, meticulously analyzing each movement, positioning, and timing, striving for adequacy in every maneuver. They help pilots fine-tune their routines, ensuring they are both technically accurate and visually impressive.
Instruction, however, focuses on the accuracy of each movement, minimizing the chances for error. In aerobatics, it is important to understand the exact entry and exit points of each maneuver, hitting each mark as intended within the sequence while maintaining the desired altitude and airspeed to set up for the next figure.
Training Future Generations
The aviation industry, like many other fields, faces the challenge of an age gap between experienced coaches and the younger generation of instructors. Many seasoned coaches within the IAC membership have accumulated vast knowledge and skills throughout their careers. They have perfected their craft over the years, mastering aerobatic maneuvers, understanding aircraft performance, and becoming authorities in safety practices. However, as these coaches approach retirement or gradually reduce their involvement in the IAC, there is a pressing need to transfer their wealth of knowledge to the upcoming generation. These coaches bring a unique blend of technical proficiency and academic skills to the table, making them valuable assets in bridging the gap within the IAC.
One aspect where the young generation of aviators can contribute is by embracing and integrating modern technology into aerobatic training. Coaches, while experienced in traditional aerobatic techniques, can benefit from the insights of tech-savvy students who are well-versed in the latest advancements in aviation technology, simulation tools, and data analysis. The integration of technology into training programs can enhance learning outcomes, facilitate data-driven progress assessments, and improve safety standards in aerobatics. This collaboration between coaches and youthful instructors highlights the importance of mutual learning and cooperation in shaping the future.
Coach Michael Lents:
Michael Lents stands out as a true maverick, with unparalleled skill and unwavering determination. Michael has etched his name into aviation history as a prominent figure and coach within the IAC membership. Through his passion for flight, he has inspired and guided numerous aviators, nurturing their skills and aspirations. He is also a professor at the University of North Dakota. As a coach, Michael emphasizes the importance of adhering to competition criteria, discipline, accuracy, and safety.
His coaching philosophy revolves around a deep understanding of aerodynamic principles, situational awareness, and continuous practice. In an Interview with APOA, Michael stated, "A demanding sport like aerobatics makes you more prepared and better as a pilot because you’re always thinking about what’s coming up next. It really drives home airmanship and the professional piloting skills necessary." His commitment to coaching and mentorship has contributed to the growth of aviation, leaving an indelible mark on the next generation of pilots and encouraging them to embrace the wonder of flight and pursue their dreams.
Instructor Ryan Tierney:
Ryan Tierney, once captain of the Metropolitan State University (MSU) aerobatic team, demonstrated his ability to be a leader and flight instructor at a local flight school in Colorado through his consistency and passion for not only the sport but also his passion for motivating his team during their aerobatic training. Throughout his career, many of Ryan's peers would describe him as resilient, disciplined, and trusting. Ryan worked hard to lead by example with a deep understanding that an effective team is built on communication and encouragement.
In 2022, Ryan placed 2nd for the Sportsman Individual Collegiate Award. When asked about his decision-making during his aerobatic performances, Ryan stated, “Before every aerobatic flight, whether it be for a contest or practice, I spend a lot of time walking my sequence. It is on the ground where I am able to visualize the entire flight, where I need to be looking, and where the judges will be sitting. It is the ability to take in information and act accordingly.”
Ryan’s ability to guide his team successfully during the 2022 aerobatic season has resulted in an opportunity back in his hometown of Plymouth, Massachusetts, where he will fly alongside National Aerobatic Champion and coach Michael Goulian. One piece of advice that Ryan has implemented in his aviation career and gives to those around him is to “…stop and smell the roses.” Ryan stated that, “This doesn’t just apply to flying; often times people get so caught up with working towards their passions that they forget to actually enjoy them. Take some time to stop and enjoy the view.”
In conclusion, while both coaches and flight instructors play crucial roles within the IAC membership, there are distinct differences in their responsibilities and focus areas.
Coaches are specialized mentors who provide guidance and support to aerobatic pilots, honing their skills and enhancing their performance in competitive aerobatics. They focus on refining maneuvers, developing personalized training plans, and helping pilots achieve their full potential in aerobatic flying.
IAC members who are flight instructors primarily concentrate on imparting structured aerobatic training to aspiring pilots. Equipped with knowledge of aerobatic techniques and safety protocols, instructors instill fundamental aerobatic skills in their students, preparing them for safe and proficient aerobatic flight.
The relationship between coaches and flight instructors is dynamic and symbiotic. Coaches provide a wealth of knowledge drawn from years of experience, while the young aviators bring enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and a hunger for learning.
Looking to fly aerobatics? Don’t forget to check out the list of flight schools for a location near you.
Bio
Makayla Still - Student Pilot
Aviation enthusiast and freelance writer
Regularly attending airshow events, charities, competitions, and practices. Observing the beauty and innovation of aviation up close
Collaborates closely with pilots and aviation publications to create engaging articles, essays, blog content, and storytelling
