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:

Implement structured learning by using a syllabus and introducing FAA Airmen Certification Standards (ACS) from the first lesson to provide clear goals and a logical progression.
Emphasize critical safety practices, including consistent checklist use, thorough weather briefing, and aircraft performance calculations to foster sound decision-making.
Adopt effective teaching methods by allowing learners ample control time, providing precise feedback, and permitting them to make mistakes safely as part of the learning process.
Maintain professional conduct by managing your schedule for the learner's benefit, embracing ground school instruction, and dedicating time to protect and enhance your own flying proficiency and 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: