Michael Wildes says having instructional knowledge is only part of the job of a flight instructor. Credit: Adobe Stock
Key Takeaways:
Flight instructors face a critical challenge in assessing students' emotional and psychological readiness for flight, highlighted by a tragic incident involving a student with unrevealed mental health concerns.
The need to evaluate student readiness extends beyond extreme cases to common issues like nervousness, immaturity, and poor judgment, requiring instructors to make difficult judgment calls about progression.
The role of flight instructors is evolving with changing demographics, requiring them to develop strong emotional intelligence alongside technical knowledge to effectively identify and manage diverse student needs and ensure safety.
“How do you manage to trust a new student?! You must be so brave!”
That’s what a family member asked me recently, and I knew what they meant. It wasn’t a speculative question. Indeed, this might be the most important question instructors have to answer each day.
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Michael Wildes holds a master’s degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, and a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Previously, he worked at the university’s flight department as a Flight Check Airman, Assistant Training Manager, and Quality Assurance Mentor. He holds MEI, CFI & CFII ratings. Follow Michael on Twitter @Captainwildes.
