What Does It Take to be a Pilot/Mechanic

While each organization will have a slightly different take on things, most would agree that if you want to be successful in mission aviation, there are a core set of skills and
attributes that a pilot should have before heading to the field. We call them KSA's - Knowledge, Skills and Attributes.
Following is a list of 41 KSA's that missions are generally looking for in an applicant. This is a list that was compiled by JAARS Aviation Training but is very compatible to other
IAMA Member Organizations.
KNOWLEDGE:
14 CFR Part 91: Knowledge, Application and Compliance
Aircraft POH: (Including but not limited to)
Aircraft: Systems, Limitations and Performance
Weight & Balance
Normal Procedures
Emergency Procedures
Aerodynamic Theory: (Including but not limited to)
Lift vs. Drag
Types of Drag
Center of Pressure
Vx vs. Vy
Flight on the back side of the power required curve (area of reverse command)
Stalls
Flap Theory
Trim Tabs
Commercial PTS Special Emphasis Areas: Page 7, FAA-S-8081-12C
Airspace
Weather Reports, Notams, TFRs
Radio Communications
Navigation: Theory & Application
SKILLS: (Aircraft handling)
1. Normal Procedures: Preflight, Loading, Performance, Weight and Balance, Pre Start, Start, Post Start, Run-up, Taxi, Pre Takeoff, Pattern Departure, Level Off,
Cruise, Approach to the Airfield, Pattern Entry, and use of the Radio.
2. Emergency Procedures: Done in accordance with Checklist and expanded procedures found in aircraft POH. Being aware of where the aircraft can be landed in
the event of an engine failure or other emergency situation. Awareness of engine failure options during takeoff and initial climb.
3. Use of Checklists: Were checklists used? How was the flip tab checklist used? Used in accordance with the checklist use explanation in the POH, or used as a
do list?
4. Basic Configurations: Knowledge and application of basic operational configurations. Transitioning from configuration to configuration.
5. Positive Pitch and Power Control: Pro-active in pitching to the airspeed and powering to the altitude during airwork. Working the pitch and power together.
6. Tolerances: (A/S, ALT, Hdg.) Tolerances as spelled out in the Flight Lesson Plan, for Orientation, or as found in the Performance Standards Section of the TE
handbook, for TEs.
7. Takeoff and Climb Procedures: As per the POH and/or the Flight Sheet parameters
8. Approach Procedures: (Pattern and Final Approach) As per the POH and/or the Flight Sheet parameters
9. Landing Procedures: As per the POH and/or the Flight Sheet parameters. Transition to touchdown, use of pitch and power. Landing in a (the) predetermined
Touch Down Zone
10. Agreement of Indicators: Pitch, Power Rate of Descent, Picture. Pro-active in pitching to the airspeed and powering to the altitude during the pattern and
approach.
11. Scan inside/outside: VFR Scan. Methodical eye movement in search of information The degree of consistent and appropriate scan which actively and
continuously seeks to confirm and update critical information needed to operate the aircraft, including monitoring of engine gauges.
12. Orientation/Navigation: The ability to maintain conscious awareness of geographic position and the ability to hold headings and altitudes and note times and
distances and relate charts information to observed features. Chart use and plan for locating ones position.
13. Smoothness: The degree of even control and power changes made in a timely manner at appropriate rates and quantities. It may also be used to reflect the
general flow and manner of flight actions.
14. Coordination: The degree to which the trainee applies correct and timely flight control inputs which result in the coordinated and optimum flight performance of
the aircraft.
ATTRIBUTES

1. JUDGMENT: Appropriately compares and evaluates courses of action.
Attribute Summary: The person with good judgment is able to accurately evaluate a situation or course of action to ascertain the associated risks and benefits. Aspects of
good judgment include pragmatism, prioritization, conservatism, and consistency.
1. 2. DISCIPLINE: The degree of quality self management and self direction which results in good returns for the effort and produces highly predicable and
consistent outcomes.
- PROFESSIONAL: Is thorough, responsible, reliable, and conscientious; maintains high standards.
- SELF-CONTROLLED: Exercises restraint over one's actions and desires. Adheres to standards, procedures and regulations.
- INTEGRITY: Does what is right even when alone.
Attribute Summary: The person with integrity does what is right no matter what.
3. FUNCTIONS WITHIN LIMITATIONS: Recognizes personal and organizational limitations, establishes appropriate margins, and consistently functions within
those margins.
Attribute Summary: People should have boundaries, know what those boundaries are, and respect them. They should have the ability to say no to
any violation of their boundaries. Pilots should have boundaries on how much they work in general and have limits on non-aviation duties.
- SAFETY CONSCIOUS: Places a high value on safety.
Attribute Summary: The pilot who places a high value on safety looks out for personal and team safety, is very safety conscious, and is not cavalier
about safety.
- CONSERVATIVE: Exercises moderation and/or caution when making decisions.
Attribute Summary: A pilot who is inherently conservative when making decisions; not a risk-taker. They halt the present course of action when faced
with unacceptable risk. They are conservative both in life and in flying.
4. HAZARDOUS ATTITUDES: Does not exhibit attitudes that lead to dangerous behavior.
Attribute Summary: Pilots should not have any of the following attitudes: get-there-itis (pressing), anti-authority, machismo, invulnerability,
impulsiveness, resignation, complacency, air show syndrome, emotional jet lag, excessive professional deference, or passenger/copilot syndrome. They
should not exhibit rogue behavior. (See: Kern, Redefining Airmanship, pages 90-96.)
5. TEACHABLE: Is willing to be taught
Attribute Summary: A teachable person is willing and open to being taught. They are not a know-it-all, nor do they have a fixed mindset about how to
do things. They do not get defensive when being instructed, and they change their ways in response to instruction.
6. APTITUDE FOR LEARNING: Has the ability to learn new skills and information.
Attribute Summary: Capable of being educated Willingness to truly listen and learn as evidenced by modified behavior in areas being addressed by
the instruction. This is fairly close on the heels of rate of progress. It is the index of change which results from specific instruction and coaching. (This is
not simply how amiable or willing to listen the pilot is.)
7. ADAPTABLE: Is able to change activities in response to changing circumstances.
Attribute Summary: An adaptable person has the willingness and ability to make continual changes in their daily aviation activities and schedules.
- INTEGRATION: Appropriately integrates and applies knowledge, skills, and experience. (Commonly referred to as adaptability when applying past
aeronautical experience to a new situation)
Attribute Summary: The ability to appropriately synthesize and utilize knowledge, skills, and experience when making decisions, solving problems,
making plans, and operating the aircraft.
8. RATE OF PROGRESS: Progression from simple to a more complex form.
Attribute Summary: The rate at which training outcomes and consistent performance demonstrate development of the needed technical knowledge,
skills and attitudes.
9. SITUATIONAL AWARENESS: Accurately perceives what is going on with oneself, the aircraft, and the environment, in the short-term past, the present, and
in the near future.
10. PLANNING: Makes and adapts plans (including for contingencies).
Attribute Summary: Pilots should have plans, be able to make plans, and be able to plan on the run. They should be able to skillfully handle changes
in plans and make plans for what if.
- DIVISION OF ATTENTION: The degree of ability to prioritize attention and activities appropriate to the phase of flight and to multi-task without
becoming overly focused on any one of the factors needing attention at the same time.
- TASK MANAGEMENT: Prioritizes and accomplishes multiple tasks in a timely manner. (This is commonly-referred to as multi-tasking.)
Attribute Summary: Pilots should have the ability to do the right things, the right way, while many things are happening at once.
11. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: Uses resources effectively to accomplish tasks.
Attribute Summary: Resource management entails using information, equipment, materials, time, fuel, and people in appropriate, deliberate, and skillful
ways to accomplish tasks.
12. RISK MANAGEMENT: Appropriately recognizes, evaluates, and mitigates risk.
13. STRESS MANAGEMENT (PERFORMANCE UNDER PRESSURE): Carries out activities appropriately when under pressure or stress.
Attribute Summary: The ability to do the right things the right way when under the constraints of time, lack of resources, or policies. Pressure may also
come from expectations or demands placed on the pilot.
In the immediate sense it is the ability to continue to function when the workload becomes and remains higher that normal for a protracted portion of the
flight. Please note, however, the trainees general ability to maintain personal priorities, anticipate high activity loads, exercise proper relaxation, and to
effectively recognize and relieve stress.
14. AERONAUTICAL DECISION MAKING (ADM): Makes correct decisions in an appropriate manner and in a timely fashion.
Attribute Summary: Pilots should have the ability to make good, conservative, and timely decisions. They should be able to gather information for use
in decision-making, and have a sound process for making decisions. Pilots should have experience in making aviation-related decisions and must be
able to make decisions alone and when under pressure.
15. PIC MENTALITY: Is in command of all the aspects of flight
Attribute Summary: A PIC mentality entails having the ability to accomplish the mission, being in full control of the aircraft, and being confident in ones
abilities regardless of who is in the other front seat. This mindset also includes taking responsibility and exhibiting leadership.
16. ATTITUDE: Toward the TE, in-flight tasks, the aircraft, him/herself, the evaluator
Attitude is a very broad term. Taking into account the stress of the TE process, what is the applicants attitude toward each of the items mentioned above?
What good qualities are observed? What drives or motivates this person? Does the applicant excuse below standard performance or blame the poor
performance on externals, stating that they are out of his or her control?
- INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: Relates to all people appropriately.
Attribute Summary: The person with good people skills is caring, compatible, considerate, and sensitive. They take time for people and they listen to
people. Pilots should have pleasant personalities. They should also have the ability to work with, and relate to, the widest spectrum of people. Good
people skills are considered very important as pilots are involved in ministry, work with nationals, and are managers.
- INQUISITIVE: Has a desire to learn
Attribute Summary: A person who has a desire to learn seeks knowledge beyond that required; they realize they havent arrived. A learner is
inquisitive about the subject matter, seeks to have their knowledge evaluated, is detail-oriented, and responds well to new things.
- INITIATIVE: Looks for what needs to be done and does it.
Attribute Summary: Pilots should be self-motivated to address tasks and correct problems within appropriate parameters.
17. SELF ASSESSMENT: Assesses one's own skills and performance accurately.
Attribute Summary: Does the pilots own evaluation of their performance match reality? Do they recognize their own strengths / weaknesses?
18. SELF-CONFIDENCE: Has the appropriate level of confidence in ones knowledge and - abilities (their competence)
Attribute Summary: Confident people are sure of themselves; they know that they know what theyre doing. They are not over-confident, but rather,
their confidence and competence are well-matched. The pilots confidence helps passengers to be comfortable.
19. CONSISTENCY: Are procedures and modes of operation correct and consistent from operation to operation?

ADDITIONAL ATTRIBUTES
COMMUNICATION: Receives and conveys information well.
Attribute Summary: Pilots should have the ability to communicate well with other people. This includes communicating appropriately as well as in a
timely and forthright manner. They get issues into the open and are able to carry on a conversation. Is a good listener
VERSATILITY: Can successfully perform a variety of tasks.
Attribute Summary: A person with versatility has the ability to do different tasks within the technical, non-technical, and personal arenas. How broad is
their skill set?
PERSEVERANCE: Continues on in the face of difficulty. Is resilient
Attribute Summary: Pilots should be persevering and stick with difficult situations. They should also be resilient. That is, able to bounce back from
mistakes and continue the task.
MOTIVATION: Is motivated by spiritual rather than worldly or fleshly reasons
Attribute Summary: The prospective pilot should be motivated to fly based on their relationship with Christ, a commitment to missions and especially to
Bible translation. Their motivation should not stem from ego, selfishness, or the pursuit of adventure. An innate love of aviation could be considered a
spiritual reason as its a part of our God-given design.
SERVICE: Desires to serve rather than be served
Attribute Summary: A person with an attitude of service recognizes their role on the field is not about them, but about others. An unhealthy desire to
serve could reflect a lack of boundaries.
WORK ETHIC: Is inclined towards work; is not reluctant to work
Attribute Summary: Pilots and mechanics should be willing to work hard, enjoy work, and be willing to get dirty and sweaty. They should know their
limits and when to say enough.
POSITIVE ATTITUDE: Has a positive attitude as their normal disposition
Attribute Summary: Pilots should have a positive attitude in general and not be complainers or have critical spirits. They should tend toward the bright
side of life.
TEAM PLAYER: Is able to function as part of a team
Attribute Summary: Team players have the desire to cooperate with others. They need to understand team dynamics and how their actions affect
others. They should be interdependent on the team.
CONFORMITY: Has a willingness to conform to prevailing standards or customs
Attribute Summary: A person who is willing to conform is willing to accept new / different ways of accomplishing tasks. They do not have to have it
their way, nor are they set in their ways. They change their ways when asked.
HUMILITY: Is modest and unassuming in attitude and behavior
Attribute Summary: People who regard themselves as less important than others.
o Not arrogant but:

Modest
o Placing a moderate estimate on one's abilities or worth.
o Having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance, etc.; free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions.

Unassuming
o Exhibiting no pretensions, boastfulness, or ostentation; modest.
o Not assuming; not bold or forward; not arrogant or presuming; humble; modest; retiring; as, an unassuming youth; unassuming manners.
PHYSICAL CONDITION: Sufficient physical strength, stamina and dexterity for the position sought
MATURITY: Emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually able to conduct oneself appropriately

source:
http://www.iamanet.org/content/article/24420/What%20Does%20It%20Take%20to%20be%20a%20Pil
ot/Mechanic

Attributes of a good pilot
A good pilot uses good judgement to avoid situations that require the use of superior piloting skills.
How sincere are you about being a better pilot?
The following are some attributes that make a better pilot:
1. Do not be a drunk.
2. Be responsible, reliable, & dependable.
3. Have self-control.
4. Work at being healthy.
5. Be disciplined (physically & mentally).
6. Have common sense (6th sense).
7. Be cooperative.
8. Dont crash.
9. Command respect from peers mentored.
10. Be decisive.
11. Have good eye sight.
12. Be situationally aware.
13. Be able to read well.
14. Have good kidney control.
15. Do not wear sunglasses to be cool.
16. Be sober.
17. Have integrity.
18. Be realistic.
19. Be trusting, but verify.
20. Be practical.
21. Be presentable.
22. Be respectful.
23. Not easily shaken (calm, cool, collected).
24. Good communicator & listener.
25. Be moral.
26. Increase knowledge.
27. Recognize, evaluate, & calculate risk.
28. Be focused.
29. Analyze.
30. Command.
31. Be informed.
32. Be a diviator.
33. Self-evaluate.
34. Be trained.
35. Continue learning.
36. Manage (CRM).
37. Coordination.
38. Like hotels, rental cars, and fast food.
39. Have patience.
40. Increase mechancial aptitude.
41. Be considerate of others.
42. Be confident based on knowledge and be humble and willing to learn what you do not know.
43. Maintain a good attitude.
44. Develop good decisions based on positive outcome.
45. Plan, prepare, and be unassuming.
46. Consider family.
47. Be good to aircraft mechanics.
48. Complete paperwork.
49. Adhere to pilot and aircraft limitations.
50. Think passenger perceptions.

source: http://flightservicemanagement.com/2013/07/attributes-of-a-good-pilot/