Definition
An instructional method in which a computer program delivers, guides, or supports a student's learning of aviation subject matter. The program presents information, asks questions, provides feedback, and tracks progress, allowing the student to work through material at their own pace. CAL is used as a supplement to instructor-led training, not a replacement for it.
Plain English
Learning aviation topics by working through a computer program that teaches you, asks questions, and shows you how you're doing.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation instructor training when discussing different ways to teach ground lessons, practice skills, or review course material.
Why Pilots Care
CAL lets a student review material as many times as needed without slowing the class down, and it gives instructors a record of what the student has covered. Knowing how to use it well stretches training time and budget.
Intuition Check
CAL does not mean the computer replaces the instructor. It means the computer assists the learning process; the instructor is still responsible for guiding and evaluating the training.
Example Sentence 1
The flight school uses CAL modules to cover airspace and weather theory before students meet with their instructor for a ground lesson.
Example Sentence 2
A student pilot worked through the weather-theory CAL lesson at home and arrived at the airport already understanding the main concepts.