FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)The Learning ProcessMedium
After an instructor points out that a student's consistently high approach speeds are causing long landings, the student insists, 'My approach speeds are fine—that's just how this airplane lands.' This response is best classified as which defense mechanism?
- ACompensation
- BRepression
- CDenial
- DProjection
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Denial
Denial is a defense mechanism in which a person refuses to accept or acknowledge an unpleasant reality, such as a documented performance problem. The student's flat refusal to accept clear evidence of high approach speeds, instead attributing the issue to the aircraft, is a classic example of denial.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Compensation involves excelling in another area to offset a weakness, not denying the weakness itself.
- B. Repression involves unconsciously blocking a distressing memory, not rejecting present feedback.
- D. Projection would involve blaming another person for one's own faults, not denying a fact.
Denial (Defense Mechanism)
An unconscious refusal to accept or acknowledge an unpleasant reality or fact, often used to avoid anxiety.
- One of several defense mechanisms discussed in the Aviation Instructor's Handbook
- Involves rejecting factual evidence rather than confronting it
- Can prevent a student from correcting real performance problems
Memory trick: Denial = covering your eyes and saying 'it's not happening'