The right fit

With pent-up demand and limited flight instruction during the COVID-19 years, CFIs are now finding their services in high demand. And like anything else, limited supply and high demand tend to increase the overall cost. Add that to the higher cost of fuel, maintenance, and other related expenses, and it’s no wonder the cost of earning your wings has risen to the flight levels. This is even more reason to choose your CFI wisely as you find the right school and the best instructor for your training.

The CFI profession is generally considered a steppingstone to perceived bigger and better things, where many budding CFIs aspire to work at a Part 121 carrier. This was the case in decades past, and based on anecdotal evidence, it is even more so in today’s frenzy of pilot shortages and airline hirings.

So, finding an instructor who is content and stable in that role becomes the first order of business when choosing your CFI. And while you may think you’d have a better chance of finding a Honus Wagner baseball card at a garage sale than a career-minded CFI, you may be surprised. Industry experts say there are many CFIs that are content and happy remaining in the teacher role and turning out safe, competent, and well-trained pilots.

And while finding that CFI “lifer” might seem like the holy grail, consider that short-timers might have better teaching abilities than the CFI who doesn’t plan to go anywhere anytime soon. In fact, some lifelong instructors could be Einsteins in their field but are not particularly good at the teaching part of their job. That goes for flight instructors as well. So, don’t limit your selection to only career CFIs.

But what type of instructor makes a great teacher? A lead flight instructor from a regional training facility said he believes that someone confident but not cocky, diligent, and with a level of commitment to the task at hand, taking their job seriously, makes for a great instructor. And, if they have prior teaching experience in any field, that translates well to the role of a CFI.

While we have all probably experienced one-off examples of poor instruction, most flight instructors, whether career-minded or those building time for the airlines, are generally providing quality instruction that translates to producing safe, competent pilots traversing our airspace.

How can you ensure you receive the best instruction and become a safe pilot? Choose your flight instructor wisely. Whether you are getting ready to start your primary training or are looking to upgrade your certificate, you should begin by researching the different types of flight schools with the available instruction.

If your current employment or other obligations require you to take your instruction part-time, look at your local flight schools. Visit the school. Ask around the airport to see if anyone knows the school firsthand. And while social media can have its downfalls, it can also be a good source of information, especially in some specialized aviation groups. Don’t be shy. Also, be sure to include universities with aviation programs in your area where they piggyback with local flight schools.

Once you have narrowed your choice of flight schools to two or three, it’s time to visit those schools and chat with the instructors face-to-face. Everyone’s personality is different, and we all have our quirks. An in-person conversation lets you see how well you might get along.

Also, a quick conversation with your prospective instructor can give you a general assessment of the school and the instructors. Don’t hesitate to ask tough questions about the school and the instructor. Have there been any incidents or accidents? How long has the school been in business? What kind of experience does your potential instructor have with the type of instruction you are looking for?

Finally, look at the aircraft. Are they clean? Do they seem like they are being maintained? Do they have A&P mechanics on staff, or do they subcontract their maintenance to a nearby shop? All this information can help you make an informed decision.

Take an intro flight once your school and potential instructor are narrowed down. Getting in the confines of the airplane and seeing firsthand how the two of you interact will be a good foreshadowing of how your flight training will go with your selected instructor. Remember this is not a marriage. This is Tinder for flight instruction. Once you have started your flight training in earnest, if you do not like how your instruction is progressing, swipe left. Talk to the school’s chief flight instructor or management and request a different instructor. The thing to remember is that you are the customer. You are entitled to be treated with respect and receive the best instruction tailored to you.

However, you must be mindful of your obligations as a student. First and foremost, if you are scheduled for an appointment and something arises where you will be late or need to cancel, give as much notice as possible. Your instructor likely is not getting paid sitting on the ground (unless it’s ground instruction). So, maximizing their time in the air is critical for them. Courteous behavior on both sides is conducive to good learning. Mutual respect goes a long way in a training environment. Also, don’t bring your work with you. Leave your distractions back at the office and give your undivided attention to your instructor and the lesson plan.

While you will likely be paying more than $7 per hour for instruction, your success in obtaining your desired ratings as affordably and safely as possible will depend on your choices when selecting your flight school and instructor. Choose wisely and enjoy the journey. It will be money well spent.

Sam Winer is a commercial helicopter and fixed-wing pilot and former owner of a helicopter flight school.