The flagship program

Standard training teaches the aircraft, procedures and techniques.
This covers what is missing.

Two days that change how you meet pressure. Learn to diffuse the stress reaction, tame the startle reflex and rapidly rebuild situational awareness, so your real ability shows up when it is assessed.

Why it exists

Created in 2010, the Performance Course fills the gap that traditional CRM and technical training leave open. It does not try to remove pressure. It changes your reaction to it, using a new paradigm and coaching that rapidly amplifies situational awareness.

Resolve goal conflict

Learn where the pressure actually comes from: the collision of competing obligations under time constraint. Name it and you can manage it.

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Understand the reaction

See exactly what stress and startle do to attention, memory and decision making, and why willpower alone does not fix it.

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Build practical tools

Walk away with repeatable techniques you can use in the sim, on the line, in the exam room and in life.

The core idea in one picture

Perform in the Amber Zone.

A little pressure sharpens you. Too much and performance falls away. This can often happen leading into a tough check. The aim is not to achieve zero pressure. It is to approach the amber zone while maintaining performances close to your true ability, when the stakes are highest.

This model is at the heart of the course, and the tools to stay near peak performance are what you take home.

The Performance Course curve: performance rises with pressure to an optimal point, then falls into stress-induced under-performance and anxiety. The amber zone sits just past optimal.

What you learn

The two-day arc.

The science of the moment

What happens in your body and brain when a check looms, a failure lands or an examiner is watching. We fact check consequences. Backed by research and real stories that cement the core concepts.

Building resilience to startle

Techniques to shorten the startle response and keep it from cascading into a degraded performance.

Presence of mind under load

Practical methods to hold composure and keep your full faculties available when it counts.

Regaining situational awareness

How to notice you have lost the big picture and rebuild it quickly, before small problems become large ones.

Carrying it home

Many past participants report the tools improved not only their checks, but their family life and wellbeing too.

Enrol

Dates, locations and fees.

Small groups of around 12 are potent and effective and keep the coaching personal.

New ZealandNew Zealand

A$850 per person
  • Two full days, 0830 to 1730
  • Maximum 12 participants
  • All course materials included
  • Dates on request
Ask about NZ dates

Prefer to learn online?

Private coaching is available before a specific check.

Good to know

Questions people ask.

Is this only for pilots?

No. It began in aviation and most participants are pilots, but the method works for anyone facing judgement when executing high end skills: doctors, police, surgeons, mining professionals and leaders. The examples are drawn from many fields.

I have a check ride coming up. Will this help in time?

Yes, the following day. Many participants attend specifically before a check or return to line flying. If your date is very close, ask about one-on-one coaching as well.

What do I need to bring?

Just yourself, your experience and an open mind. Part of the value is the opportunity to be honest among peers. All materials are provided, summary notes are provided after the course.

Can you run a course for my airline or organisation?

Yes. In-house courses and team programs are available. Also see CRM and Human Factors or get in touch to tailor a program.

Your ability is already there. Let's make sure it shows up.

Register your interest for the next Performance Course and secure one of twelve seats.

Register your interest