Training and Safety Tip: The sterile study rule
The sterile cockpit rule is an identical-twin pair of regulations that mandate flight crews focus on flying tasks during critical phases of flight.
These regulations basically ban administrative tasks, casual conversation, or anything else that diverts attention from flying the airplane.
But there’s another sterile recommendation not required by any regulation that I call a sterile study zone.
Let’s face it: Pilots have a lot to learn, and much of it doesn’t happen in the airplane. There are at least 14 different books you need to master on your educational journey, and none of them are what I’d call light reading. Plus, there are all kinds of other materials and exercises that require…well…focus. And focus, my friends, is a fragile thing that can be easily broken by distractions, hence the need for a sterile study zone.
To create this area, start with location. If possible, dedicate a space you can use exclusively for study. Ideally, it should be a closed-door area so that the other humans living with you can’t shortcut through it on their way to somewhere else. It wouldn’t hurt to have one of those “on the air” lights some podcasters use when recording, just to further discourage distractions. If your space has windows, consider closing the curtains or blinds and going IFR.
Most likely, you are a digital native and a good multitasker; but aviation study isn’t really multitasking-friendly. So, if you’re using electronic devices, close the email, text messaging, and social media apps. I guarantee incoming messages will distract you and reduce the quality of your study. Silence your cellphone, or better yet, shut it off, unless you are using it to access your materials.
If outside noise is an issue, or if silence is noise to you, consider using a white noise machine or a music feed that’s not distracting. Some student pilots enjoy listening to aviation radio streams from LiveATC.net, where you can dial up approach frequencies for busy airports to immerse yourself in aviation ambiance.
Once you’ve set up your dedicated, distraction-free, sterile study zone, you’ll be cleared for the critical phase of study.
