Embry-Riddle Proficiency Study Sites Landing Ability Most Compromised

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s new research shows the Covid-19 pandemic had an alarming impact on pilot proficiency, specifically on a pilot’s skill at landing.

The highest reduction in global flight operations during the pandemic occurred in May 2020, when services reduced 70.6% compared to the level of service one year prior. In the United States alone, that translated to a total of 532,834 fewer flights than in May 2019.

“What surprised me was the level of skills deterioration over such a short duration,” said the study’s principal investigator, adjunct professor Dr. Rajee Olaganathan, citing a 50% increase in pilot errors following the pandemic-related shutdown of summer 2020. “Skill knowledge is acquired slowly through related experience and practice. When flying hours are reduced, it will have an effect on the pilots' skills.”

Assisting in the research was alumnus Roli Angelo H. Amihan (’21), a former master of Aeronautical Science student and military serviceman. Olaganathan published her findings in the Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances earlier this year, and one of the main problem areas identified in the study was a pilot’s skill at landing. In one such case, 97 people died in a Pakistan Airlines crash deemed to be caused by “human error.”

“The current Covid-19 scenario made it difficult for pilots to achieve federal requirements,” Olaganathan said. “It also placed a burden on pilots to maintain their currency and proficiency, due to lack of access to aircraft following industry-wide furloughs and layoffs. Because of that, the number of safety incidents related to pilot proficiency increased tremendously during this pandemic period.”

In order to maintain safety certifications, pilots are required to perform at least three takeoffs and landings per 90-day period, but due to shutdowns, that was impossible for many. This has led to some airlines practicing work-sharing: a schedule in which flights are assigned evenly among all on-staff pilots to ensure equal practice opportunities.

“Challenges will no doubt emerge as the airline industry readies for takeoff again,” Olaganathan said — but the key, to her, is proactivity. “Airlines have to develop training programs, webinars for pilots re-entering services ranging from theory refreshers to multiple simulator sessions, as well as supervised in-flight checks, depending on the length of absence.”

Governing bodies like the FAA, she added, could also approve virtual proficiency standards — for example, line checks conducted in simulators rather than physical aircraft — to offer pilots an alternative method to stay up to date on various certifications, in spite of travel restrictions, cost or any other physical restraint.

“Pilots also need to make an honest assessment of their skills and confidence upon returning to work,” she said. “They may need to turn down offers like shorter landing approaches from air traffic control, if they do not feel ready.”