Find your fit

“There is a tendency for people to just fly with the first random CFI they get,” says Chris Moser, senior director of flight training education for the AOPA Foundation’s You Can Fly program. “You would never do that with a roofer or plumber—why your flight instructor?”

Moser, a CFI and professional educator who administers the Flight Training Experience Survey and Awards, recommends students think back to their best and worst teachers in school: Look for the good characteristics and avoid the bad ones.

“Make sure they are willing to answer even the seemingly ‘dumbest’ questions,” he says. “A good CFI will never mind you asking and will even encourage you to do so. If they make you feel like you’re dumb or not worthy, do not give them your money!” Moser also recommends looking for a syllabus or well structured plan of study so that you can prepare for lessons and know where you are in your training.

“And no showing off,” he adds. “Anything like that is typically illegal in addition to just purely unsafe and poor judgment. Your CFI should always demonstrate a safety mindset and help you feel comfortable.”

AOPA surveys flight training students for its annual Flight Training Experience Awards. The national winners of the 2021 Flight Training Experience Awards will be announced during Redbird Migration in February. You can browse previous winners at aopa.org/ftsurvey.