Definition
A four-level rating scale used by flight instructors during postflight critique to grade a student's performance on a maneuver or lesson. 'Excellent' indicates performance well above the standard with no significant errors; 'good' indicates performance that meets the standard with only minor errors; 'fair' indicates performance below the standard with noticeable errors that the student usually recognized and attempted to correct; 'poor' indicates performance well below the standard, with errors the student did not recognize or correct. The scale is commonly used on training records, stage check forms, and progress reports.
Plain English
A simple four-step grading scale instructors use to tell a student how well they flew a maneuver, ranging from very well done (excellent) to clearly below standard (poor).
Context Anchor
Used during the discussion after a training flight, when the instructor reviews what went well and what needs more practice.
Why Pilots Care
These ratings give students clear, consistent feedback on progress so they know precisely what to practice next.
Intuition Check
Do not read these as casual compliments or insults. In this context, they are instructional rating words tied to performance against a training standard.
Example Sentence 1
After the lesson, the instructor rated the student's steep turns as 'good' and the short-field landings as 'fair,' noting more practice was needed before the next stage check.
Example Sentence 2
A poor rating on the emergency descent prompted the student to review power and configuration procedures before the next flight.