Michael Wildes says having instructional knowledge is only part of the job of a flight instructor. Credit: Adobe Stock
Key Takeaways:
Flight instructors face a critical challenge in assessing student readiness and mental well-being, underscored by a tragic accident linked to a student's undisclosed mental health concerns.
Beyond extreme cases, instructors must develop the ability to identify various "no-go" scenarios, including transient emotional states, cognitive challenges, and issues with judgment or emotional maturity.
The changing demographics of flight instructors, with a rise in both young and older CFIs, present new challenges in effectively assessing student character and emotional readiness due to potential gaps in life experience or understanding.
The article concludes that for instructors to effectively meet these evolving demands, they must prioritize developing emotional intelligence alongside their technical flight knowledge.
“How do you manage to trust a new student?! You must be so brave!”
That’s what a family member asked me recently, and I knew what they meant. It wasn’t a speculative question. Indeed, this might be the most important question instructors have to answer each day.
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Michael Wildes holds a master’s degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, and a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Previously, he worked at the university’s flight department as a Flight Check Airman, Assistant Training Manager, and Quality Assurance Mentor. He holds MEI, CFI & CFII ratings. Follow Michael on Twitter @Captainwildes.
