The unsung heroes of aviation are special to us all. The immediate image that comes to my mind are the military pilots who have served our country in the past, and, of course, those who continue to keep peace around the world. We also think of those aviation pioneers who created the many "firsts" — the Wright brothers, Lindbergh, Cessna, Beech, Piper, Armstrong, and Yeager, to name just a few.
However, the unsung heroes I'd like to recognize are today's active flight instructors. No matter what your certificate or rating level, one thing is for certain: At least every two years you fly with a certificated flight instructor (CFI). From airline captain to student pilot, we all are required to seek the services of a CFI on a periodic basis. And if you are in primary training or trying to obtain a higher rating, you meet up with one of these heroes much more often. Yet the average CFI is unrecognized for the high level of training required to do a job with a low hourly wage and long hours.
From a recent AOPA Air Safety Foundation survey we found that CFIs fall into three distinct categories: those who like to instruct, those building hours to fly for an airline, and those who find instructing useful in maintaining proficiency. Our survey found that 65 percent of CFIs instruct on a part- time or occasional basis. Only 14.2 percent are full-time instructors. The average number of students instructed in a year is two, and the average time spent giving flight instruction is 133 hours per year. The average reported income from instruction of those surveyed is $3,312 a year.
One thing is certain. Most CFIs really like what they do. More than 55 percent have been instructing for 10 or more years. Even with the limited earning potential, being a CFI is important to them. Ninety-two percent say that it is important for them to keep their certificate current. Earning extra income is way down on the list of reasons for becoming a CFI.
Last year AOPA spent considerable time analyzing the plight of today's flight instructor. We found that more than two thirds of all CFIs were already members of the association. The active CFI was also found to be critical to AOPA's Project Pilot program. We found that students stayed with the rigors of primary training if they had a flight instructor with an upbeat attitude and enthusiasm for conveying information. In addition, CFIs told us loud and clear that they were well trained in right- seat instruction but lacked the knowledge of how to attract and keep students. Critical, therefore, to building the pilot population are not only programs like AOPA's Project Pilot or EAA's Young Eagles, but also recognition of and assistance to the flight instructor community.
Last year, without much fanfare, AOPA's Project Pilot Instructor program became a reality. Our first goal was to identify and serve the active flight instructors among our membership. We defined "active" just as the survey dictated — as CFIs with at least two students annually. AOPA-member CFIs qualify by submitting at least two student names and are immediately registered free of charge in the program.
Special pins, decals, instrument covers, and a personalized recognition certificate suitable for framing are contained in the kit sent to participants. In addition, the flight instructor receives the Instructor Report, a bimonthly newsletter written especially for CFIs, and unlimited use of the toll-free AOPA Instructor Hotline, which is staffed by association CFIs who provide answers to aviation questions. For those who wish to pursue an airline career, enrollment in the program qualifies for a 25-percent discount on all AIR Inc. products and services, including career seminars, job fairs, resume and cover letter services, and more.
The students registered by the instructor are rewarded also. Each receives a free videotape from the "Proficient Flying" series by noted author, airline captain, and Pilot columnist Barry Schiff.
Like the participants in the airline frequent flyer programs, instructors earn points in the PilotsPlus Rewards program with varying award levels. Each submission of a new student earns points for the CFI. Points can be redeemed for an official Project Pilot Instructor cap, the full set of Barry Schiff "Proficient Flying" videos, and other premiums. Our latest addition to PilotsPlus Rewards is a practical, embossed leather GPS In-Flight Reference Guide notebook containing quick and easy reference guides prepared by AOPA ASF on each of the three approach-certified GPS receivers. And Ralph Hood, our national CFI marketing mentor, has just completed a fantastic videotape titled "How to Attract and Maintain Students," which soon will be available to all registered CFIs. Ralph also is available to answer questions on AOPA Online.
In less than a year, AOPA Project Pilot Instructor has grown to serve almost 5,000 active AOPA-member CFIs. As the program continues to build we'll be using the full resources of both AOPA and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation to better the environment for flight instructors. On the regulatory side, AOPA's Government and Technical Affairs Division is working hard to lessen the abuse of the infamous "Part 609" checkride, which is ordered when the FAA questions a pilot's abilities and can end a CFI's career. AOPA Certified Services is working on products designed particularly for CFIs, including liability insurance protection — an issue which instructors cite as one of their main concerns. AOPA Legislative Action is researching the current liability laws covering instruction, to determine whether changes might be possible.
If general aviation is to grow, we will require a dedicated corps of flight instructors who can look at this as a true profession. AOPA's new program hopes to promote this concept and provide useful information, tools, and recognition along the way. If, like me, you are not a CFI, then the next time you see your favorite flight instructor during your next lesson, recurrent training, or at the airport coffee shop, invite him or her to register for our Project Pilot Instructor program. It's a way to acknowledge the tremendous contribution that these people make to aviation as unsung heroes.
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