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Young pilots nowadays often think of experience solely in terms of total hours; more flight time equals more experience, and more experience equals better pilot.
Equally important however, is diversity of experience. Not only should beginner pilots pursue more total experience, they should gain it by seeking various situations and different scenarios to build a greater base. Take two flight instructors with equal flight time as an example. While on paper they may seem equally experienced, the one who has flown a wider variety of aircraft types, in multiple parts of the country, or taught various courses of training, will have more experience than the other who has flown familiar missions in familiar environments. Even if the second pilot has more total time, the first will be more experienced.
Of course, seeking new experiences can take effort. When used effectively, social media can be a tremendous resource to find unique opportunities. Also, attending meetings, such as EAA chapter events, can be a great way to meet face-to-face with pilots and build connections that can offer the diversity of experiences you should look for.
This same concept holds for pilots at any stage. Student pilots often find that flying a couple of lessons with a different instructor can help them overcome a plateau or master a new subject. New private pilots can try flying to new (bigger and busier) airports or getting an instrument rating to add new skills. Commercial pilots who fly a wider variety of aircraft, complete long cross countries, or even devote time in high-performance planes can be more competitive in future employment situations.
In any case, a wider range of experiences gives pilots broader skills and a knowledge base that makes them abler, safer, and overall better pilots. Many pilots even book discovery flights in new cities while on vacations, for example. It can be difficult, of course, to find things so profoundly new they reinvent your flying completely, but often, doing small things like pattern work at the airport you visit just a little less, can provide learning moments you might not otherwise get. If grand new adventures aren’t feasible, don’t throw in the towel; even diversifying on a smaller scale can go a long way.
This isn’t to say that people who do similar things over time aren’t experienced; on the contrary, these pilots become experts in what they do and become especially skilled in that field. That expertise can be quite useful and can make pilots valuable at what they do. Without the ability to fly in unique situations, there are other ways to grow experience and knowledge. Outside of the aircraft, there is a lot of learning to do on the ground, during a commute, or while relaxing. There are a number of books, magazines, and other publications—from the FAA and private authors—that can help pilots grow their knowledge base. Many choose to listen to podcasts during downtime to get a range of information passively while doing household chores, commuting, or even heading to the airport.
In one way or another, there are plenty of ways to gain more advanced experience as a pilot. No matter the stage you’re in, seeking more varied experiences is a critical part of expanding skills and maintaining proficiency. And in the process of building said varied experience, total time will increase and reflect the change in skill.
