Definition
A learning and memory effect in which previously learned information disrupts the recall or acquisition of newer, similar information. In aviation training, it occurs when habits, procedures, or knowledge from earlier experience interfere with learning new procedures.
Plain English
When something you already know gets in the way of learning something new. Old habits keep showing up when you are trying to do things the new way.
Context Anchor
Seen in human factors and flight training discussions, especially when a pilot changes aircraft, procedures, checklists, or cockpit layouts.
Derivation
From Latin proactivus, meaning 'acting forward,' combined with 'interference.' The 'pro-' part means the older learning is acting forward in time to disturb the newer learning. Knowing this helps separate it from retroactive interference, where new learning reaches back and disturbs the old.
Why Pilots Care
When transitioning to a new aircraft, avionics suite, or set of procedures, prior habits can resurface at the wrong moment. Recognising this effect helps pilots and instructors plan extra practice and verification during transition training to overwrite the old responses.
Analogy
It is like getting a new phone and still pressing where the old phone’s buttons used to be. The old pattern is not gone, and it can get in the way of using the new one correctly.
Intuition Check
Proactive interference does not mean “taking action early.” Here, it means earlier learning interfering with later learning.
Example Sentence 1
After years of flying steam-gauge aircraft, the pilot experienced proactive interference when learning the glass cockpit, repeatedly scanning for instruments that were no longer there.
Example Sentence 2
Reviewing older checklists before new ones can reduce proactive interference during recurrent training.