Having been involved in sailplanes, heavily, some long time ago, the League of Silent Flight (LSF) immediately comes to mind when tired skill levels are mentioned. The LSF had, and probably still does, a completely voluntary program. It relied on the pilot’s desire to improve his ability and the recognition of his peers. There were/are 5 levels that ranged from learning to land to long distance and long duration flights. The LSF concept has one drawback in today’s world of sport power flyers… it is heavily based on success in competition (rule book type events).

I personally like the idea of a set of goals, as long as they are voluntary. However many levels, with some minor form of recognition (maybe a certificate, maybe just a check sheet to be signed off, such as LSF uses), for advancing skills. This is a concept the AMA could produce recommendations for, that might be embraced by clubs and/or individuals. Give some concrete goals, and recognize the attainment of those goals. Such a program would probably accelerate learning of skill sets, and, thus, reduce risks to a more limited time frame, and, ultimately, make our fields safer. I believe that many pilots, after their initial training need some guidance (guidance, not mandates) in pursuing a better skill set. Many go to the field and do the same things over and over, rather than learning more advanced skills. Leaning to fly inverted, and rolling out, rather than looping out, is an example that is not obvious to a newbie without outside input, as an example. These goals need not involve an instructor, although it could. It just gives the new pilot the road map to a better skill set.

At the other end of the spectrum is the use of tiered licenses, or tiered insurance. This rises to the level of mandated activities and, in my opinion, should not be considered. As a matter of fact, unfortunately, the word “tiered” brings the hackles up on the necks of many because of such proposals in the past.

I guess it comes to this: I believe that if you order clubs, or individuals, to do anything, there may be resistance on principle alone, while, if you say, “here is a suggestion to advance your flying skills”, it will be viewed in a positive light. The whole thing, again, comes back to communication. Communication is THE weak suit of the AMA.