Definition
A learning and memory phenomenon in which newly acquired information disrupts or weakens the recall of information learned earlier. In aviation training, it occurs when later study material interferes with a student's ability to remember earlier material on the same or a similar subject.
Plain English
When something you learn later makes it harder to remember something you learned earlier.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation training and human factors discussions, especially when a pilot changes aircraft, procedures, checklist habits, or radio habits.
Derivation
From Latin retro- meaning 'backward' and actus meaning 'a doing or acting.' Retroactive literally means 'acting backward' — here, new learning reaches back and interferes with older learning.
Why Pilots Care
New maneuvers, regulations, or avionics can temporarily reduce recall of older procedures, requiring deliberate review to maintain safety and proficiency.
Analogy
It is like changing a password: after learning the new one, you may have trouble remembering the old one, even though you knew it well before.
Intuition Check
Retroactive does not mean the past was actually changed. Here it means newer learning is getting in the way of remembering or using older learning.
Example Sentence 1
After a long lesson on VOR navigation, the student found that retroactive interference had blurred his recall of the pilotage techniques he had practised the previous week.
Example Sentence 2
Instructors use spaced review sessions to reduce retroactive interference when pilots transition between aircraft models.