Types of Flight Instructors
Flight Instructors teach students how to fly by demonstrating
and explaining, on the ground and in the air, basic principles
of flight, aerial navigation, communications procedures, weather
factors, and Federal Aviation Regulations all pilots must
adhere too. They also prepare their students for various exams
to help them earn their pilot certificate(s) and rating(s).
There
are three types of flight instructors:
1.
Certified
Flight Instructors (CFI)– teach students seeking
a Recreational, Private, or Commercial Pilot Certificate.
2.
Certified
Flight Instrument Instructors (CFII) – teach students
seeking an Instrument Rating.
3.
Multi-Engine
Instructors (MEI)– teach students seeking a Multi-Engine
Rating.
The Role of a flight instructor and student
Role of a flight instructor
The role of a flight instructor is to teach you the aeronautical
knowledge and piloting skills required to help you obtain
your [private, commercial, instrument, multi-engine, and/or
flight instructor certificate/ratings] pilot certificate or
rating. In this role, the flight instructor assumes total
responsibility for training you to meet the standards required
for certification outlined in the Practical Test Standards
(PTS) (link).
The relationship between you and the instructor
is critical for safety and your flight training experiences.
The quality of instruction, and the knowledge and flying
skills acquired from your flight instructors will affect
your entire flying career, whether you plan to fly for pleasure,
business, or as a career. The key to quality training is
developing a good learning relationship with your instructor.
Your flight instructor should be interested in you succeeding,
passing your tests, and earning your pilot certificate or
rating.
Learning to fly should be an exciting and
enjoyable experience. All flight instructors have different
teaching methods and techniques, and not all personalities
are the same. Flight instructors are typically characterized
as either a good or bad instructor by students and their
colleagues. There are many ways to describe a good and bad
instructor, but remember that you can always learn something
from your experiences, whether good or bad.
Below
are general characterizations of good and bad flight
instructors:
•
Good
Instructors
Good instructors are typically characterized as knowledgeable,
calm, and comfortable to fly with in the airplane. He
or she should also be patient, organized, professional,
and follow a training syllabus. A training syllabus
consists of lesson plans presented in a logical manner
to achieve desired goals. If your instructor does not
have a syllabus, you should find another instructor.
Your instructor should also answer your questions in
a timely manner and give honest, objective assessments
of your progress.
•
Bad
Instructors
Bad instructors are typically characterized as having
bad attitudes, impatient, “yellers,” and
uncomfortable to fly with in the airplane. Some instructors
have also been characterized as dangerous to fly with
in the airplane. Many students that encountered bad
experiences with bad instructors have or almost given
up on learning how to fly, and this is why it is important
that you find a good instructor that you feel comfortable
with in the airplane and training environment. If you
ever feel uncomfortable with your instructor due to
various reasons, change instructors immediately. Sometimes
the personalities between instructors and students clash,
which creates a tense learning environment. In any case,
if you are uncomfortable, tense or belittled during
any lesson, you will not learn anything, which converts
into wasted money and time.
Please
Note: Don’t confuse a good instructor
that takes flying serious, makes you work hard, and who
wants you to succeed by being particular about certain subjects,
skills and/or standards as being a bad instructor. You must
understand that becoming a pilot takes on a huge responsibility,
and your role as a student is very important.
Role of a Student
Your responsibilities as a student consist of studying,
being prepared, asking questions, and giving 110% towards
each lesson. You should always be prepared for each lesson.
Your flight instructor should provide you with a training
syllabus outlining the lesson plans for that particular
pilot certificate or rating. Always review your lesson plans
before each lesson, so you will know what to expect during
your ground and flight lessons, and how to perform any new
maneuvers. After reviewing each lesson plan and studying
any supplemental materials, you should make a list of questions
that you might have regarding the subject or maneuvers,
and bring them with you to your next lesson to discuss them
with your flight instructor.
Before,
during and after each lesson, if you have any questions
– ask your flight instructor to clarify any misunderstanding
you may have. If you don’t ask questions and continue
to make the same mistakes, you’re wasting a lot of
money and time. Your flight instructor expects you to ask
questions so ask them.
