Plain English Meaning

Qualified means you are allowed to do it on paper. Proficient means you can actually do it well in practice. A learner needs both before being signed off.

Full Definition

A two-part standard applied to a learner's readiness to perform a task or operation. 'Qualified' means the learner has met the formal requirements -- training, knowledge, and certification standards -- to be authorized to perform the task. 'Proficient' means the learner can actually perform the task to the required standard, consistently and safely, in real conditions. Both must be true before a learner is judged ready; meeting one without the other is insufficient.

Context Anchor

Used in instructor decision-making when deciding whether a student or pilot is ready for a , signoff, , or added responsibility.