Definition
In traditional grading of learner performance, a rating indicating that the learner has not yet met the established standard for a task, maneuver, or knowledge area and therefore cannot be signed off as competent at that item.
Plain English
The learner is not yet good enough at this skill or topic to pass it. They need more instruction or practice before they can be considered ready.
Context Anchor
Used by aviation instructors when grading learner performance, recording lesson results, or deciding whether a learner is ready to move on.
Derivation
Built from the prefix 'non-' (not) and 'proficient', from Latin 'proficere' meaning 'to make progress' or 'to advance'. So 'nonproficient' literally means 'not yet advanced enough' — which fits its training use: the learner has not yet progressed to the required standard.
Why Pilots Care
Instructors use the term to flag maneuvers that require additional practice before the student can safely advance in training.
Intuition Check
Do not read nonproficient as “failed forever” or “not cut out for flying.” In instructor grading, it means “not satisfactory yet for this task.”
Example Sentence 1
After the lesson, the instructor graded the learner nonproficient on short-field landings and scheduled another session before moving on.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor recorded the maneuver as nonproficient and scheduled extra practice before allowing the student to attempt the stage check.