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answers (3)
Bill Ross's picture
Editor

The SAFE conference in ATL two months ago would seem to confirm your assertion. A local DPE stated that he flunked 11% of his applicants, they were all Part 61 and all were older students with younger instructors. OF the 5 instructors I have had the best were career CFI's even though not full time. Career instructors have experience, experience and maturity working for them and for you

The Canadians have a tiered system so that new instructors work under the supervision of more experienced instructors, it would be of interest to see their graduation, accident and retention rates.

Most importantly, you're the customer, it's your money, be informed.

iused2fly's picture
Editor

There may be a minor statistical edge to students from career instructors. But I suspect the difference isn't big enough to make such a fundamental conclusion.

After all, your instructor is tasked with getting you skilled enough to pass the oral part of your flight test and the flying itself. He cannot hold your hand for the rest o your life. It is up to pilots young and old, recently trained or grizzled veterans, to respect safety limitations and be a life-long learner of aviation technology. The Private License after all is a license to learn, the minimum training your Government will accept and grant you a license.

Your license is also a privilege, not a right, the same as your drivers license. Use it responsibly or lose it.

DGM
Surrey, BC

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