My week at Matt Chapman's Aerobatic Training Camp was filled with learning. It was, however, more than just learning about positioning, tactics, style and how to fly figures. A key piece of learning was how to maximize the benefit you receive from any critique session, no matter the person on the ground. So here are the Five Steps to follow which will guarantee that every critique session provides you the most learning and improvement in your flying.

1. HAVE A PLAN

First, determine what you want to work on. Whether it's box positioning, a certain figure or a group of figures within a sequence, having a precise plan allows you and your critiquer to target your efforts. Going up and flying through a whole sequence nets little learning. Flying three to four linked figures within a sequence allows both you and the person on the ground to digest and focus on a manageable amount of work.

2. BRIEF THE PLAN

A plan has little value if both parties don't share it. Your plan should include certain areas that you want your critiquer to pay particular attention to. He or she should also give you hints in certain areas based on their experience. Now is the time to review all aspects of your forthcoming flight. Details of each figure, box position and timing should be discussed in detail. Don't launch without this briefing.

3. WALK THROUGH THE PLAN

This is the dress rehearsal. You should walk through everything you're planning to do. From box entry right through to the finish. You should be thinking about where you're looking at all times, the control inputs and what the picture out of the cockpit will be during every phase of each maneuver. It should be "flown" on the ground with the same energy and precision that you will employ inthe cockpit. You should have your critiquer watch you walk through the flight. Many problems can be identified on the ground before the magnetos produce a single spark. If you make a mistake on the ground, I'll guarantee you'll make the same one in the air. The walk-through is what sets the stage for the flight. Do it carefully with attention to the smallest detail.

4. FLY THE PLAN

Now that you have it all figured out, stick to the plan. If you rehearse one thing and do another, you'll get no benefit from the first three steps. Sure, if you complete your flight plan, have some remaining energy and want to try something in addition, go ahead. But inform your critiquer as to what you'regoing to do so they know what to expect. In effect, what you are doing is repeating Step One and Two on the radio, so you'll get the most out of your "extra credit" efforts. Your critiquer is completely ineffective when you're up in the sky doing figures and he or she has no idea what to expect. That approach is no better than flying in your practice area in front of the cows. Don't waste your time or your critiquer's.

5. DEBRIEF THE PLAN

Here's where you close the loop. While you'll get some comments over the radio, 75% of the detail comes once you've shut down the engine. You and your critiquer should walk though the flight and discuss at length what each of you "saw". Ask questions and ask for as much detail as possible. This is where concentrating on a limited number of tasks pays off. You'll both be able to recall and discuss at length the many nuances of what transpired. Also, you should begin to develop the plan for the next flight based on the debrief. Each flight builds on the previous one for maximum benefit.

It sounds simple and it is. Remember, four out of the five steps happen on the ground, so don't just hand your critiquer a sequence card, strap on your chute and go. Train like a champion and you'll fly like one.