Choosing a flight instructor
"I'm interested in getting my private pilot certificate," a new AOPA member wrote via e-mail recently. "I understand that the first thing I need to do is find a good instructor. How should I do that? What should I look for in an instructor? Is there a list of instructors somewhere that lists their qualifications?"
AOPA Aviation Technical Specialist Paul Smith responded: "There are no simple answers on how to choose a good CFI, because the definition of a good one is elusive. I would first determine his or her availability. Is this person going to be available to fly when you will? How many other students does this person have at the current time? If his or her schedule is packed, so much the better for the instructor, but you may find them to be unavailable much of the time."
Next Smith recommended talking to the prospects. "Get to know them and their personality. This part of the process is even more difficult to explain, because it comes down to whether you are comfortable with this person and confident of their ability to teach you.
"However, you should know that whether you choose a formal flight school or an independent CFI, flight instructors are in short supply right now. The airline hiring frenzy has drawn a great many into the majors. However, if you take your time and choose carefully, you should do well."
Your instructor may not be what you originally envisioned, added Smith. "Don't be put off by a flight instructor that is younger in years than you. There are many young people out there doing the job as well or better than a 20-year veteran. But I would caution you to beware of someone who is simply trying to build hours to go to the airlines."
Every person has character and performance strengths and weaknesses, and so it is with flight instructors. One way to judge the worth of an instructor is to look at opposite ends of the personality pole. Is the instructor:
- the picture of calm no matter what the circumstances, or nervous and excitable in the airplane - especially when you make a mistake?
- habitually early for lesson appointments, or chronically late?
- meticulously organized, or unprepared for the day's lesson?
- talking you through maneuvers and letting you fly, or hands on with the controls to demonstrate how a pro does it?
- researching the correct answer when not sure, or answering your questions with authority but not necessarily accurately?
- making sure each lesson includes preflight and postflight briefings, or squeezing in each flight lesson with no time for briefings?
- breaking down roadblocks in your understanding by devising creative ways to explain procedures and concepts, or rigidly adhering to boilerplate explanations of difficult concepts?
- enthusiastic about your progress and encouraging you to perform even better, or indifferent in attitude?
- using every opportunity to encourage learning, or lost in his own thoughts while waiting in line for takeoff?
- making use of canceled flight lessons because of weather by discussing training progress and reviewing trouble spots, or not interested in coming to the airport if you won't be flying?
- willing to do whatever it takes for you to achieve a high degree of understanding and skill, or impatient with your pace of learning?
It's obvious which traits are desirable in an instructor. Don't be afraid to change instructors if your instructor exhibits negative traits. It's your time and money. Your goal is to make steady progress; flight training is a partnership, and you as a partner have a responsibility, too. You need to train consistently, be on time for scheduled lessons, and come prepared.
As an AOPA member, you have access to the best resource anywhere for information and answers for pilots. AOPA provides information for its members through a vast array of communications technology. You can reach experts in all fields of aviation via AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/members/pic/), the AOPA Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA), and via e-mail ( [email protected]). Aviation technical specialists respond promptly to member requests. AOPA Online provides members with access to information and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll-free AOPA Pilot Information Center gives you direct access to specialists in every area of aviation. The center is available to members from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
AOPA Web Resources
Here you'll learn the basics of getting a pilot certificate and read personal accounts of people who have done it.
www.aopa.org/learntofly/
Starting your flight training, including six suggestions for student pilots.
www.aopa.org/learntofly/startfly/
AOPA Pilot writers describe the joys of flight and why you should join the aviation ranks.
www.aopa.org/learntofly/whyfly/
A searchable database of flight instructors who are enrolled in AOPA's Project Pilot Instructor program.
www.aopa.org/learntofly/findcfi/
General guidance intended as an aid for anyone interested in learning to fly and for selecting the training organization that will meet your specific needs.
www.aopa.org/learntofly/startfly/chooseschool.html
Flight school database from AOPA's Airport Directory.
www.aopa.org/learntofly/school/
Receive an introductory flight lesson at one of many participating Be A Pilot program flight schools. This lesson will cost you only $35.
www.beapilot.com
Related Articles
