- Dec 15, 2025
- 7 min read
How to Set Smart Flight Training Goals for the New Year
Start the Year With a Clear Training Plan
The start of a new year is one of the best times to reset, refocus, and take control of your flight training. Whether you’re just beginning your aviation journey or working toward an advanced rating, setting clear and realistic goals can make the difference between steady progress and stalled momentum. At Solid Ground Aviation, we help pilots turn broad ambitions into structured, achievable training plans.
What Makes a Flight Training Goal 'SMART'?
Effective flight training goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Instead of saying “I want to fly more this year,” a SMART goal would be “I want to complete my instrument rating ground training and log 20 hours of simulator time by March.” Clear goals give both you and your instructor a roadmap to follow.
Simulator-based training is especially well suited for SMART goals because progress is easy to measure. You can track hours, procedures mastered, approaches completed, and proficiency improvements from session to session, all in a controlled environment.
Use Simulator Training to Stay Consistent
One of the biggest challenges pilots face is consistency. Weather, aircraft availability, and busy schedules can quickly derail even the best intentions. Simulator training removes many of these obstacles. With sessions available year-round, you can maintain a regular training rhythm and keep building skills even when flying isn’t possible.
Break Big Goals Into Smaller Milestones
Large goals like earning a certificate or rating can feel overwhelming if viewed all at once. Breaking them into smaller milestones, such as mastering specific maneuvers, procedures, or avionics workflows, keeps motivation high and progress visible. Simulator sessions are ideal for focusing on individual skills without the pressure of time or weather.
Make This the Year You Train Smarter
At Solid Ground Aviation, our mission is to help pilots train more efficiently and with purpose. By combining thoughtful goal setting with high-quality simulator training, you can make meaningful progress without unnecessary cost or downtime. If you’re ready to map out your flight training goals for the new year, contact us today and let’s build a plan that works for you.