Designed to bridge knowledge gaps and foster professional growth, the workshops provide practical advice and strategies from experienced aviators. This initiative aimed to ensure that pilots starting their professional journey have the tools and knowledge necessary for a healthy career in aviation.
The most recent workshop is Thursday 21st August 2025 with the topic ‘Coping with your first scare.’
This session will focus on normalising the “scare”—those moments in flight or training when your body and mind react to an unexpected or abnormal situation.
Key topics include:
- Understanding that an abnormal reaction to an abnormal situation is normal. Even small or seemingly minor events can trigger stress responses, and our reactions matter.
- Embracing and managing the scare rather than fearing it. Learn to recognise your body’s clues, use countermeasures, and interrupt intrusive thoughts to prevent cascading errors.
- Peer support and shared experience: Hear stories from fellow AFAP members, including examples that highlight how pilots return to normal processes and decision-making after a scare.
- Decision-making under stress: Recap ICAO competencies, TDODAR and techniques to bring yourself back to a functional state under high workload.
- Exploring brain-body responses, functional freeze, and ways to manage yourself physically and mentally during unexpected events.
- Connecting with networks such as AFAP Resilient Pilot, accessing mentoring, and learning practical ways to bounce back safely.
This workshop is relevant to pilots at all levels of experience and focuses on building resilience, confidence, and safety awareness. We’ll also discuss resources like the Safety Occurrence Guide and strategies for conservative decision-making to protect both you and your aircraft.
Additional Workshops in the Series
Other sessions in the ‘Leading Edge’ series earlier in 2025 included:
- Workshop 1: Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude for CPL to First 5 Years
- Workshop 2: How to Use Professional Competencies and Behaviours in GA
- Workshop 3: Coping with Your First Scare (Thursday 21st August 1900-2030 AEST)
- Workshop 4: Saying ‘No’ the right way (Last quarter of 2025)
These workshops are open to all AFAP members, not limited to members of the National Pilot Council and pilots on the cadet pathway. Each session is designed to address key career milestones and challenges, offering practical insights to help pilots navigate their early years with confidence.
The response to the workshop series is now part of the suite of services. If you have any topic ideas or would like to give back and participate, please email technical@afap.org.au