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Learn to Fly: Finding the Right Instructor

The right instructor for you will take into account your capabilities and goals. Courtesy Julie Boatman
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Interview multiple Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) to find a good personal fit, prioritizing their teaching quality and professionalism over superficial factors.
  • A good CFI demonstrates professionalism through detailed preparation, using a syllabus, and conducting thorough pre-flight discussions and post-flight feedback.
  • Ensure the instructor's availability aligns with your schedule and expect to compensate them for all instruction time, including ground training, as a sign of their value and effectiveness.
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Learning to fly an airplane requires you to work one-on-one with a professional pilot called a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI)—which refers to the FAA credentials that this person must hold. You may have worked closely with an instructor when you’ve learned to drive, or SCUBA dive, or ride a horse, or any number of similar activities, so you know that choosing the right instructor is critical to your success.

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