What A CFI Wants You To Know

Every CFI has experienced a ‘teachable moment’ when one of their clients makes a poor decision. [Credit: Pixabay]

Student Pilots Learning From Mistakes Is Part of Process

Flight instructors can leverage those errors for effective training and improved airmanship.

Being ready for your first solo takes a lot more than you might think. [Credit: Shutterstock]

There’s a Responsibility That Comes With Solo Flight

Student pilots must resist the temptation to cut corners on procedures.

Pilot Training With a Passenger: What You Need to Know

Bringing a back-seat observer along on a dual instructional lesson can enhance the experience.

As the government shutdown continues, student pilots ask questions and think about still getting their certificates. [Shutterstock]

Government Shutdown and Aviation: What Pilots Need to Know

Will it affect training check rides, air traffic control, and certifications?

When you acquire pilot certificates and ratings rapidly, you may be ready for the next check ride while flying on a temporary certificate. But is that legal? [Credit: iStock]

Pilots Must Get Back in Air After Scare

When an instructional flight goes sideways, there are lessons to be learned about managing the aftermath and the psychology of returning to the cockpit.

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

What to Expect Your First Five Hours as a Student Pilot

Here are some tips for managing expectations when you begin flight training.

How the CFI addresses the struggling learner separates the professional CFIs and experience builders from the time builders. [Pixabay]

Even Instructors Must Stay in the Learner’s Seat

Experienced CFIs also benefit from ongoing improvement and proficiency flights.

Pilots who learn tests by rote may get a pocketful of certificates but often don't acquire the skills, judgement, and confidence they need to build experience. [Adobe Stock]

Perils of Flying by Rote: Why Judgment Trumps Memorization

Even experienced pilots can fall into the trap of habitual repetitive actions in the cockpit.

Thunderstorm visible from a cockpit [Getty Images]

More Than a Job: Flight Instruction Carries Great Responsibility

Importance of modeling good behavior and being responsible for every pilot trained can’t be understated.

A first flight can turn into pilot training.

How to Avoid Flight School Frustrations and Common Pitfalls

Sometimes a CFI needs to put themself in the learner’s position.