Want To Be a Real Instructor?

The first NAFI Summit brought together an expert’s round of experts in flight training to the table.

Friday, October 27, 2023 at 06:26 PM ET

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John and Martha King, founders of Kings Schools, entertained and informed their fellow instructors at the NAFI Summit in Lakeland, Florida, this week. [Julie Boatman]

Key Takeaways:

The inaugural NAFI Summit gathered approximately 200 flight instructors and industry leaders to discuss, educate, and debate topics aimed at elevating flight instruction in the U.S.
A key concern raised by Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) was a dramatic drop in check ride pass rates (to 50-60 percent), attributed partly to a lack of genuine solo cross-country experience, especially in Part 141 programs.
Discussions on flight school as a business emphasized the importance of identifying a niche, maintaining high-quality employees and equipment, and properly classifying instructors as W-2 employees rather than 1099 contractors.
The summit also introduced new initiatives, such as a GA Type Rating course designed for airline or military pilots transitioning to general aviation, and provided extensive high-level networking opportunities to foster industry collaboration.

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Though it’s been around for more than 50 years, the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) hosted its first big event this week—a “summit” intended to bring together instructors from all over to discuss, educate, and debate on a range of topics near to our hearts. The tagline, “Come to NAFI Summit, go home a better instructor,” rang true following the largely informative and engaging sessions on Wednesday and Thursday in Lakeland, Florida, at the Florida Air Museum.

I know I learned a few things.