Want To Be a Real Instructor?

The first NAFI Summit brought together an expert’s round of experts in flight training to the table.

Friday, October 27, 2023 at 06:26 PM ET

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John and Martha King, founders of Kings Schools, entertained and informed their fellow instructors at the NAFI Summit in Lakeland, Florida, this week. [Julie Boatman]

Key Takeaways:

The inaugural National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) Summit successfully gathered flight instructors and aviation professionals for discussions aimed at improving flight instruction.
Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) highlighted critical concerns, including a significant drop in pilot check ride pass rates (informally 50-60%) and a perceived lack of genuine solo cross-country experience among students.
Panels on flight school operations provided insights into business best practices, such as identifying a niche, maintaining high-quality staff and equipment, and the importance of correctly classifying instructors as employees rather than contractors.
The summit also introduced new educational initiatives, including a GA Type Rating course for airline pilots, and served as a valuable high-level networking opportunity for attendees and industry leaders.

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Though it’s been around for more than 50 years, the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) hosted its first big event this week—a “summit” intended to bring together instructors from all over to discuss, educate, and debate on a range of topics near to our hearts. The tagline, “Come to NAFI Summit, go home a better instructor,” rang true following the largely informative and engaging sessions on Wednesday and Thursday in Lakeland, Florida, at the Florida Air Museum.

I know I learned a few things.