Definition
A principle of skill learning which states that improvement in performance is rapid at first and then slows down as practice continues. Early practice produces large, easily noticed gains, but each additional period of practice yields a smaller increment of improvement, so the learning curve flattens over time even though the learner keeps practicing.
Plain English
When you start learning a new skill, you get better quickly. The longer you practice, the smaller each new improvement feels, even though you are still getting better.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation instruction when discussing how students develop flying skills through repeated, correct practice.
Derivation
Called a 'power law' because the relationship between practice and improvement follows a mathematical power curve — steep at the start, then leveling off. The name comes from the shape of that curve, not from any idea of physical power.
Why Pilots Care
It sets realistic expectations for how quickly flight skills develop and why continued practice still yields gains even after initial progress slows.
Analogy
Learning to drive a car feels similar. The first few lessons may bring obvious gains, while later lessons improve smaller details like smooth braking, timing, and judgment.
Grounding Statement
The main idea is that practice keeps working, but the visible improvement from each extra practice session usually gets smaller over time.
Intuition Check
This is not about engine power, electrical power, or a legal rule. Here, power law means a predictable pattern in how skill improves with practice.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor reminded the student that the power law of practice predicts a slowdown in visible progress after the first few hours of landing practice.
Example Sentence 2
Even after hundreds of hours, small refinements in crosswind technique continue according to the power law of practice.