Opinion Unusual Attitudes

Don’t Learn or Teach Flying the Hard Way

Instructors and examiners must ensure they protect themselves in many aspects.

Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

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An instructor and a student preflight a Cessna 152 before a lesson. [Credit: Richard Steiger]

Key Takeaways:

The aviation industry is currently experiencing significant delays and difficulties in pilot certification due to a severe shortage of Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) and complex FAA oversight.
Flight instructors must carefully understand their employment status (employee versus independent contractor) due to distinct implications for taxes, legal responsibilities, and benefits.
In today's litigious environment, it is crucial for independent flight instructors to secure appropriate insurance, such as non-owned aircraft and professional liability policies, with students also advised to consider their own coverage.

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This is not the kind of column I enjoy writing, but it’s important information, so struggle through it with me.

Life was ever so much simpler in the old days.

Martha Lunken is a lifelong pilot, former FAA inspector and defrocked pilot examiner. She flies a Cessna 180 and anything with a tailwheel, from Cubs to DC-3s.