Training and Safety Tip: Memory aids
It was an odd wallpaper choice. Every vertical surface of the dormitory was covered with Post-it notes.
Each one filled with FAR Part 91 this, and FAR Part 91 that, system notes, V-speeds, and instructor endorsements.
Mnemonics
Mnemonics leverage the way the human mind encodes memory to increase retention and recall. There are various sorts, but three stand out in my mind. The first is the deployment of music. I bet you can still sing that A-B-C song. Somewhat related to this is the use of rhyming, and I am also sure you still know the rhythmic poem to remember how many days each month has. And lastly, although I think we have too many of these in aviation, acronyms—making a word or funky sentence out of the first letter of each item on a list—have value. A-TOMATO-FLAMES is as good a way as any to recall the equipment required for VFR flight.
Flashcards
Flashcards, either paper or digital, promote active recall in the brain—the pathway for retrieving memory. Basically, flashcard use helps seal neural pathways, which makes it easier to call up “stored” memories in the future. Additionally, seeing a term or an image, actively attempting to associate the relevant facts attached—and getting immediate feedback on “correct” associations—helps move information from short- to long-term memory. It really works.
Repeat writing
Just like the poor kid who had to write a disciplinary sentence on a chalkboard 100 times to “learn a lesson,” repeatedly writing items can embed the information into your brain. A distant cousin of this is reading out loud. To use this method, keep repeating information until you don’t have to look at your notes. One important caveat, though: This method works best if you translate the information you are trying to memorize into your own words first.
Of course, you can also just re-paper your walls in an aviation theme. Hey, it worked for my CFI candidates.
