Flight Training Is a Business

Flight instructors need to get paid like any other professional.

Tuesday, September 06, 2022 at 11:11 AM ET

Verified

Be prepared to pay for flight instruction. While important to their future career, accumulating hours doesn't pay a flight instructor's rent. [Photo: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

CFIs are highly trained aviation professionals who deserve fair compensation for their expertise and time, as flight instruction is often their primary income source, despite typically receiving only a small fraction of what students pay.
Student reliability is crucial; no-shows and late cancellations directly impact a CFI's livelihood, often leading instructors to decline scheduling habitually unreliable students.
Flight instruction is a professional business service, and students should treat their CFIs with respect for their time and value, including prompt payment and consideration for their professional boundaries.

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“My buddy said he would be my instructor for free.” This phrase is the aviation version of “I’ll call you.”

A CFI who hears this knows the instructional relationship is over—and you might be surprised to learn what a relief it can be. Often when someone seeks free instruction, it is because the mindset of the customer is that the explanations on the ground and the demonstrations in the air are not worth much, and since the CFI is logging hours, that is enough pay. In short, the learner does not see their instructor as a professional. This lack of respect can make it difficult to teach that person.