“My buddy said he would be my instructor for free.” This phrase is the aviation version of “I’ll call you.”
A CFI who hears this knows the instructional relationship is over—and you might be surprised to learn what a relief it can be. Often when someone seeks free instruction, it is because the mindset of the customer is that the explanations on the ground and the demonstrations in the air are not worth much, and since the CFI is logging hours, that is enough pay. In short, the learner does not see their instructor as a professional. This lack of respect can make it difficult to teach that person.
