Definition
A structured review conducted after a training flight in which the instructor evaluates the student's performance, identifies strengths and weaknesses, and discusses what was learned, what needs improvement, and how to improve it. The critique forms part of the postflight evaluation and is intended to reinforce correct performance and correct errors while the flight is still fresh in the student's mind.
Plain English
A talk between the instructor and student right after a training flight, going over what went well, what didn't, and what to work on next time.
Context Anchor
Used in flight training after the aircraft is parked and secured, during the review of a lesson, maneuver, scenario, or overall flight performance.
Derivation
‘Post-’ comes from Latin meaning ‘after,’ and ‘critique’ comes from Greek ‘kritikos,’ meaning ‘able to judge or discern.’ A postflight critique is therefore a discerning review conducted after the flight.
Why Pilots Care
Helps turn each flight into a clear learning opportunity, reducing repeated mistakes and building safer habits faster.
Intuition Check
Do not read critique as meaning “being criticized.” In this context, it means a focused review meant to improve learning and performance.
Example Sentence 1
During the postflight critique, the instructor pointed out that the student's traffic pattern was well-flown but the radio calls needed more standard phrasing.
Example Sentence 2
The student took notes during the postflight critique so they could practice the suggested corrections on the next lesson.