Definition
The specific outcomes a learner wants to achieve from flight training, expressed in their own words — for example, earning a private certificate to fly family on weekends, building hours toward an airline career, or gaining the confidence to fly cross-country alone. In instructional practice, these goals are gathered early (often through a learner questionnaire) so the instructor can tailor lessons, pacing, and emphasis to what the learner actually wants to accomplish.
Plain English
What the learner personally wants to get out of flight training, in their own words, so the instructor can shape the training around it.
Context Anchor
Seen in instructor planning, learner questionnaires, first lessons, and training discussions between a student and instructor.
Why Pilots Care
Encourages active participation and self-motivation, which improves retention and reduces the likelihood of abandoning training.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as only a casual wish list. In training, personal learning goals help guide how instruction is planned while still meeting required aviation standards.
Example Sentence 1
On the first lesson, the instructor reviewed the student's learner questionnaire and noted that her personal learning goals included flying her family to a vacation home in the mountains.
Example Sentence 2
Reviewing personal learning goals at the end of each lesson helps track improvement and adjust focus areas.