Are Flight Instructor Reforms Needed?

Both industry and the FAA recently have emphasized the importance of effective flight training to improve the fatal accident record. Flight instructors, who serve on the front lines in this effort, are the crucial human element in the flight training delivery system and the glue holding the other elements together. But questions regarding their experience, training, continuing education and professionalism raise doubts about whether the service they provide is effective, consistent, relevant and customer-friendly. After all, if they were doing their job, would the trend lines in general aviations safety record be as flat as they are?

Key Takeaways:

• The current general aviation safety record is stagnant, partly due to issues with flight instructor effectiveness, experience, and professionalism. Instructors often use the role as a temporary stepping stone for airline jobs, leading to minimal experience and motivation.
• Flight instructor training and testing, both initial and recurrent, are criticized for being largely maneuvers-based and focused on rote learning, rather than incorporating modern, effective teaching techniques such as student-centered or scenario-based learning and risk management.
• To improve flight instructor quality and ultimately aviation safety, the article suggests implementing a new, more basic professional accreditation program for entry-level instructors, emphasizing practical teaching skills, along with reforms to FAA training standards and oversight.

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