What should I look for in a flight school or instructor? It’s a question we hear often, and until recently, a hard one to answer. In many ways finding a good instructor is like finding a partner. Both are relationships built on trust, respect, and mutual appreciation. Of course, as a student you’re paying, which does complicate things.
I say until recently because we now understand the traits of great flight instruction, and who those training providers are, thanks to AOPA’s Flight Training Excellence Awards, now in its third year. In this issue we celebrate the 2014 winners, as rated by you, their students.
The awards are an occasion to highlight the great work flight schools and instructors are doing, whether as an individual instructor on a part-time basis or a large suburban flight school. We promote the winners for two reasons. One is to communicate best practices to other instructors and schools. The other is to point students to those great training providers.
When you’re in primary training, it can be hard to know the difference between a great school and one that’s just getting the job done. There are key factors that differentiate these top schools and instructors. The good ones use certain tools and methods almost universally. Those that don’t often suffer from sheer ignorance, poor management, or something else.
The poll that led to the awards asked students to rate their instructor or school on dozens of factors, each with a significant impact on student success. Most of these can be parsed down to a few key questions: Is your school or instructor committed to your success? Does your instructor come prepared to your lessons? Does he or she support you by providing resources and using a syllabus? Does your school offer airplanes that are well maintained, a simulator, and good access to instructional assets? Is management supportive and available to help? Do the instructors love what they do, and does yours make you feel welcome and part of the community?
It all seems obvious, and often it is. But that doesn’t mean it’s universal. Even the best schools and instructors can improve.
Just ask Spencer Watson. Despite being named this year’s Best Flight Instructor, Watson says he isn’t anywhere close to the instructor he wants to be, and he has lots to learn. Read his take on what makes a great instructor in “It’s Elementary,” starting on page 40.
This year’s Best Flight School, Paragon Flight in Fort Myers, Florida, is a newcomer to the awards, although it’s easy to see why they are so successful. They have an intense focus on hiring the best instructors, and, as they put it, they eat, breathe, and sleep customer service. Read their story beginning on page 43.
You’ll also find a summary of the poll results and a list of the winners in the complete awards coverage.
If aviation is to grow and prosper, a great place to start is with more talented and driven instructors such as Spencer Watson and customer-focused schools like Paragon Flight.
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