The Long Line of Instructors

Being part of a teaching legacy is an awesome and life-changing privilege.

Meg Godlewski

Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 09:59 PM ET

Verified

Teaching someone to fly can be a life changing experience. [iStock]

Key Takeaways:

The author, a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), finds deep personal fulfillment in teaching aviation, viewing it as a profoundly life-changing and mutually beneficial experience for both instructors and learners.
The article distinguishes between "experience-builder" CFIs, who prioritize genuine teaching, student development, and effective communication, and "time-builder" CFIs, who primarily focus on accumulating flight hours, often to the detriment of the student's learning experience.
Effective flight instruction goes beyond just reading from materials, requiring comprehensive ground lessons, engaging teaching methods, and strong communication, culminating in the uniquely glorious experience of a student's first solo flight.

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“You may not remember me…” is how the e-mails often begin. They come from people I flew with in the past who have become flight instructors. They share the news with me because I played a part in their journey. I love hearing from these folks, and I feel privileged to have played my part.

I became a CFI on July 23, 2003, at 4:48 p.m. when designated pilot examiner Bob Roetcisoender handed me my temporary certificate. I became a flight instructor because I wanted to teach aviation.