Instructor report: Growing as a CFI

In fact, I’d argue that between commercial and CFI, the learning curve goes from a ginger cruise climb in a 172 to something that more resembles a SpaceX launch. Strap in: It’s a fun ride.

After a few trips around the pattern myself, I’d like to share a few things I believe make a passionate, dedicated, and professional CFI. They are traits I try to model, and pass on to others.

The golden rule

Flying airplanes can be broken down into simple steps that almost anyone can understand. What’s not so simple? Every student is special. They have a background of life experience that affords them both positive and negative traits in the cockpit.

As an instructor, it’s paramount to treat students as you would want to be treated. You know, the Golden Rule your mom taught you?

If you can perceive a student as a fellow human being with goals, dreams, triumphs, shortcomings, and potential, then you can guide them—not just teach them—on their unique path. They’re not just another number in your logbook. Constantly evaluate how you can better serve the student.

Improvement versus perfection

Mark Twain is credited with having said, “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.”

Many people view instructors as a form of deity: all-knowing, all-powerful masters of the sky. While instructors may know a great deal, that knowledge means little if it doesn’t get transferred to the student in a meaningful way. An instructor should not only continue to grow in knowledge, but also find better and more effective ways to teach students.

By keeping an open mind and being receptive to growth, you’ll learn countless tools and tips from fellow instructors as you continuously try to find more effective methods. To improve and build this toolbox, simply add one tool at a time. Then, you can grab that special tool when you need it, for that particular student. You see how that works?

Your own ‘Truman Show’

Do you recall The Truman Show with Jim Carrey? In the film, he’s the unwitting star in a reality show that revolves around his entire life. Every single move he makes is monitored, watched, celebrated, or mourned.

Would it make you tense up a bit if I told you students do the same of their instructor? They watch your every move. They copy and paste your attitudes, procedures, approach, and knowledge. Even more important is the safety “blueprint” that you have as an aviator—yup, they copy that as well. If you profess to be a purveyor of safety, don’t buzz a house, press on into deteriorating weather, or succumb to any of the hazardous attitudes. Rather, your students will be known as a “checklist doer,” “safety guru,” or “by-the-booker” because that’s who you are.

Your students are watching you closely, Truman, and they’ll pick up on much more of what you do than say.

Be a spark plug

We pilots go to great lengths to get our fuel/air ratio just right. We have leaning routines, rich or lean of peak procedures, density altitude leaning, and more. A student pilot is much the same—they’re primed and ready, they’ve got the dream and ambition, and all they need is a little nudge. That mixture is useless without a spark.

As an instructor, you will often be that “spark” for a student. You are a conduit of what they dream is possible, to making progress and achieving meaningful steps toward a new certificate or rating.

Can you do the work for them? Absolutely not. But assuming they already have their “mixture” right—i.e., they have the time and money to pursue the dream, show a good work ethic, and are taking the necessary steps toward their goal—you can help them light the fire and keep it lit.

You may light that initial fire during a discovery flight, when so much is on the line. Knowing little, the student can see through your eyes that it is possible, that they are capable, and this is a dream worth pursuing.

That’s only the initial spark, though. What about the repetitive, continuous, reciprocating spark that is so critical to keeping an engine running? To creating real, sustained power?

Students, even those working on advanced ratings, are inherently self defeating. It’s an unfortunate reality of being human. Instructors need to recognize the plateaus, counterproductive self talk, and nonverbal body language or behaviors that can be a sign of that fire fizzling out.

Perhaps the student is pushing too hard, or needs to look at things from a different angle, or simply needs to remember why they love flying. What does an instructor do? Spark!

Need I mention that the spark is also timed for the right moment? Miss the moment, and it’s meaningless. Knowing when to offer a spark is just as important as the how

There you have it. You’re a spark plug. You take that mixture (the prepared, motivated student), and you make magic of it (a spark, and power).

As an aside, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Be honest in all aspects. Debrief with integrity and clarity. Give praise where appropriate, encouragement when needed, and surgical criticism to support continuous growth.

With great power comes great responsibilityAs an instructor you have a tall order of responsibility on your plate when it comes to the success of a student. This success isn’t just measured in a certificate earned, but also in a career of safety. Furthermore, CFIs pass on an unmistakable commitment to growth that is becoming of true aviators.

The calling to shape, nurture, and direct would-be aviators is nothing short of special. The calling of a CFI is an admirable and remarkable one. Embrace the journey, enjoy every minute, and you’ll never regret seeing the joy on someone’s face when a dream comes true. FT

Chris Palmer is a flight instructor, educator, and flight school owner. He resides in Homer, Alaska.@ angleofattack