An Early Love of Aviation Leads to a Love of Instructing

Niki Gaskins didn’t think she had it in her to be a CFI. She took the plunge, and found her calling.

Friday, January 28, 2022 at 09:36 AM ET

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Niki Gaskins, (front row left) says she thought being a CFI would be daunting, but she fell in love with it. [Courtesy: Niki Gaskins]

Key Takeaways:

Niki Gaskins, inspired by her pilot father, initially doubted her ability to teach but ultimately became a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) through her college program and "fell in love with teaching."
She finds the most challenging aspect of being a CFI is adapting to each student's unique learning style, while the greatest reward comes from seeing students achieve milestones and grow in confidence.
Gaskins has experienced close calls during her 16 years as an instructor, including students losing control during first solo takeoffs and a serious incident involving almost landing a multi-engine plane without the gear down.
Unlike many CFIs who use the role as a stepping stone, Gaskins is dedicated to training new private pilots, emphasizing their crucial role in the aviation industry and her passion for helping others achieve their dreams.

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For most children, sitting in a car seat means endless hours watching the landscapes and buildings outside of the car window. For Niki Gaskins, when her dad put her car seat in the back of an airplane, it allowed her to see the world from above the terrain.

Years later, her father encouraged Niki and her brothers to share his love of aviation by offering them the opportunity to learn how to fly, and Niki quickly jumped at the chance. After graduating from high school, she found herself at the local airport beginning her flight instruction.