Ultimate Issue: First Few Hours of Being a CFI Are the Hardest

Here are 12 suggestions to help make your journey as flight instructor a smooth one for both you and your learners.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, July 12, 2024 at 08:57 AM ET

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It’s important to know how to do a go-around. [Credit: iStock]

Key Takeaways:

New CFIs should adopt structured teaching methods, including using a syllabus, introducing FAA Airmen Certification Standards (ACS) from day one, emphasizing checklist use, and providing precise, constructive feedback.
Prioritize the learner's development by managing schedules for consistent lessons, allowing them to make safe mistakes, teaching vital decision-making skills like weather briefing, and refraining from over-controlling the aircraft.
Maintain professionalism by respecting learners' time, preparing alternative ground lessons for unforeseen flight cancellations, and actively dedicating time to preserve one's own flying proficiency and instrument currency.

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Congratulations! You earned your flight instructor rating, and now it’s your turn to teach someone else how to fly. But just because you now carry the title of CFI doesn’t mean you know all there is about teaching flying.

I am coming up on 21 years as a CFI, and there are stumbling blocks I’ve seen freshly minted CFIs trip over. Here are 12 suggestions to help make your journey as an educator a smooth one for both you and your learners: