A pilot plans the flight and flies the plan. There is a reason: The Code of Federal Regulations Sec. 91.103 clearly states that the pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. Smart pilots always receive a Standard Briefing from a certified source to receive weather information, Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). The pilot always need to do research on departure/arrival procedures, noise abatement, known Air Traffic delays, condition of the field, runway lengths, etc. Why? The pilot is the authority on the operation of that flight, and solely responsible for the outcome, and will be held accountable for knowing all information. Pilots who violate this sacred duty end up on the news!
Have well have you planned your lesson for the day? Are you aware of all the factors that could prevent a “safe outcome” to the learning environment? Teachers in Pacific Northwest schools are required to perform two safety drills per month: one for the fire marshal and one for the insurance company. So when it looks like a dry spell may be coming (Californians beware: It rains all the time!), I try and feel out our Assistant Principal to see when those drills are coming. What can be worse than planning a test or an awesome collaborative hands-on activity, only to be stifled by an evacuation drill.
Pilots use checkpoints, planned before the flight, every 5-10 minutes to make sure they are on target. What are your checkpoints during your class period? What is the alternative plan if things don’t check out? If I’m consistently behind schedule on meeting my check points in flight, it means I have miscalculated the wind direction and strength. I quickly need to recalculate to make sure I have enough fuel to make it to my destination. I might even need to find an airport to refuel and make a new plan.
This is the case in the classroom as well. Even with proper planning, students can be as unpredictable as the weather. If the lesson is not going well, the timing is off, or studetns are confused, they may checkout and find new ways to amuse themselves. Every teacher knows how quickly problems can arise. Sometimes it’s best to reevaluate, change course or land a failing lesson and regroup.
To be a Pilot in the Classroom mean to be prepared.