Mental practice learning techniques trialled in Elementary Flying Training.

Ascent Flight Training: delivering a modern and efficient flying training system for the UK MOD.

21 April 2022

Ascent continues to review the delivery of flying training as part of its Transformation project; and has contracted 2nABLE to deliver their System of mental practice to test new learning techniques for Elementary Flying Training (EFT) courses as it seeks to evolve the current system, and continues to put the trainee at the centre of the System.

The trial will support 5 EFT courses over a six month period, for which 2nABLE have produced a mental practice app and methodology underpinned by psychology, education and aviation expertise. Using this technique by imaging a perfect performance in your mind, you recreate the same brain functions as physically performing that event. This approach helps ingrain the connection in the brain required to remember a skill.

Feedback from both trainees and instructors has suggested that physical practice together with Mental Practice may be more effective than physical practice alone.

What people say about 2nABLE:

  • "I have achieved better learning with mental practice than I ever did on a desktop trainer."

    Trainee @ Ascent Elementary Flying Training (EFT)

  • "I find mental practice particularly helpful in learning how to monitor the environment better, how to be aware where I am, what I can see."

    Trainee @ Ascent Elementary Flying Training (EFT)

  • "I play around with many different apps. Some of them can be really clunky. This App is very smooth and user friendly.”

    Trainee @ Ascent Elementary Flying Training (EFT)

  • “Just doing the Mental Imagery Survey made me aware that there is more to Mental Practice.”

    Trainee @ Ascent Elementary Flying Training (EFT)

  • "Mental practice has boosted my memory with tons of details I have to remember.”

    Trainee @ Ascent Elementary Flying Training (EFT)

  • "I wish I had known about mental practice when I was back at uni.”

    Trainee @ Ascent Elementary Flying Training (EFT)