One's capabilities are also a factor in his or her competency to safely operate an aircraft. A pilot's capability is not restricted to physical limitations only, but it is subject to his or her training. A pilot may or may not be restricted to perform certain duties based on certification or competency only. It is obvious that a pilot may not operate an aircraft which he or she is not licensed to operate, but it is not so clear to some airman when it comes to his or hers individual limitations. While exceptional technological progress took place in aviation, a deterioration in pilot competency occurred in the last 30 years.
Many airmen limit their studies merely to satisfy the requirements for obtaining a certificate.
An increased number of flight instructors teach their students only flight maneuvers that they may encounter during a flight test. At the same time aviators accept flight operations which they are not capable of performing. This is an educational problem. Unless something is done, we will see an increased in Pilot Error type of accidents. Airmanship is the core of the airman's professionalism.