Definition
The initial training a person receives when entering a new aviation role or organization, covering the rules, procedures, equipment, and standards they must know before performing duties on their own.
Plain English
The starter training that brings a new pilot, crew member, or employee up to speed on how things are done, what the rules are, and what is expected of them before they begin operating in the role.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA training material when describing the first, introductory part of a pilot training program.
Derivation
From Latin 'in' (into) plus 'doctrina' (teaching). Originally meant being taught or instructed in a body of knowledge. In aviation it keeps that older, neutral sense -- being formally taught the doctrine, rules, and procedures of a specific role or operator. It does not carry the negative meaning the word sometimes has in everyday speech.
Why Pilots Care
Gives new pilots the essential familiarity with procedures and safety expectations before they begin actual flight operations, lowering the chance of confusion or errors.
Intuition Check
Do not read indoctrination here as propaganda or forced belief. In this aviation context, it means basic introductory instruction before more detailed training begins.
Example Sentence 1
Before flying any trips, the new first officer completed two weeks of indoctrination training covering company procedures, manuals, and policies.
Example Sentence 2
The chief instructor uses indoctrination training to explain how the school maintains compliance with FAA regulations.