![How the CFI addresses the struggling learner separates the professional CFIs and experience builders from the time builders. [Pixabay]](https://flyingmag1.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/httpswww.flyingmag.comsitesflyingmag.comfilesimages201902flight-training-image11.jpg?width=778&height=583)
One of the more challenging aspects of being a flight instructor is that sometimes you forget what it is like to be a learner.
If it’s been a few years since you added a new certificate or rating, it can be a challenge to put yourself in the learner’s mindset—especially when working with ab initio candidates. They don’t know what they don’t know, or worse yet, they may have absorbed information from social media and Hollywood television shows and movies that is very off base.
For the most part, they trust that their instructor has their best interests in mind when they do a lesson. But sometimes the CFI can forget the learner’s viewpoint, and this can create barriers that get in the way of learning.
The best CFIs are willing to put themselves back into the learner’s seat—where are they coming from?
The I’s have It
As most airlines require their applicants to have a certain amount of flight experience, many instructor candidates go out of state for accelerated programs, often getting CFI, CFII, and MEI certificates in a short time period, then finding a job that allows them to reach the coveted 1,500-hour mark.
Keep in mind that passing a check ride does not equate to having teaching experience, so the instructor should be expecting a learning curve.
Every time an instructor adds a new certificate, it is a chance to revisit and improve instructional technique. This can make you a better pilot, because in order to teach, you must be able to learn.
To those instructor candidates, for best results, before you pack your bags, learn all you can about the aircraft you will be flying, such as the aircraft systems and multiengine aerodynamics, and then use the POH and Airman Certification Standards to create lesson plans.
Practicing Instrument skills
Far too often busy CFIs don’t have much time to keep their instrument skills proficient unless they build that time into their weekly schedule. Some flight schools encourage this by insisting their CFIs maintain currency by flying together “off peak hours” or provide a discount for aircraft or AATD rental for instrument currency.
Very often CFIs are encouraged to take care of their flight reviews in-house and keep their instrument currency and proficiency up by flying with a coworker.
Be very selective about this. When it comes to selecting the CFI you will fly with for proficiency, know the difference between “the right CFI” and the CFI “for right now.”
In short, choose your CFI carefully, just as you would in pursuit of a certificate or rating. You don’t want to waste time or money with an instructor who has trouble taking direction or communicating or doesn’t take the tasks seriously.
For example, if you are practicing instrument approaches using an AATD, they need to be able to supply direction like ATC in the real world. If they can’t do that, or they randomly program an excessive amount of failures, don’t waste your time.
If you want them to act as safety pilot but not crew during a flight in the airplane—meaning you will be doing the flying, the programming, and the radios—make that clear as well.
Also be clear on how the flight will be paid for. Is it coming out of your pocket, or are you both planning to do approaches and therefore splitting the cost? There are CFIs eager to take advantage of others. If it doesn’t feel like an even deal to you, say no thank you and move on.
Even if you already have a pocket full of certificates, and your last check ride was ages ago,
aim to get a few hours of dual every few months. You don’t have to dive in for a full-on additional ticket or rating—just get enough to keep you in touch with your inner learner.
