American Flyers?

Acrofox said:
Their website seems to imply that they do CFI/II addons, and other such, but not CFI initial...?

Is this the case, or is the website just poorly designed? I'm very much looking for a solid, structured, focused, rather intensive course for getting my CFI initial done done done done done done. I want to feel overprepared, too.

~Fox
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He may not do initials anymore, really a shame if true. I am not exaggerating when I said I never felt so prepared for a checkride before. The inspector didn't allow me to use any books during the oral (except once or twice when he asked me to prove my answer) and the only question he said I got wrong was actually correct, but he wouldn't let me prove it to him in the book.

However, I really studied my butt off and was up at the school 8+hrs a day whether I was flying or not, even after completion of the ground class.
 
will_fly_for_bandwith said:
This is not a secret. Its all in the PTS. If there is something in the PTS that you don't know or cant teach then you are not prepared.
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While technically true, the Initial is definitely the most subjective check ride one can take and knowing a bit about the inspector's preferences and history can make a world of difference.
 
OK, my two cents. I did the AF (SMO). Its the best thing I ever did in aviation. I went through their program 17 years after I had obtained my commercial. I think for me, because the programs was so intense and structured, it worked (for me). It also seemed to work out nicely for the 7 other guys that were in the class with me. This is the added benefit you get. There are other guys in there with you, you will prepare and teach each other lesson plans and since they are all commercial pilots, you can all critique each others strengths and weaknesses. The camaraderie and connections you make with these guys will be priceless for possible future jobs down the road. The AF program has it down, its intense but quick. Hope this helps.
 
In the world of accelerated flight training, American Flyers Flight Instructor Academy can be good program. Check to see who is teaching the class the month you take it and how long they have been in that position. Go visit your local location and take a tour. Ask lots of questions, they will give you answers. I believe it is a good framework. Get all the books and study; do all your FAA knowledge tests before you start so you can focus on making lesson plans. If your program is getting over your budget and you think you need more practice talk to the director of the AF location you are at and tell him/her your concerns early on. If you find out that the program does not work for you, then you can still go rent an airplane from your local FBO and CFI and get your weak areas to PTS at a lower cost. Most applicants have it the hardest on the ground anyway so developing good lesson plans and practice teaching is the key to success. The course can be better if you have several people in your class; 3-5 is a good number. You learn a lot from your peers and work together to achieve your goals. Really in the real world, a good CFI is always learning, you are learning from your peers you work with, and your students you teach.

As for doing the CFIs one-on-one, it can be more expensive, but you can learn a lot too. It's all about who is teaching you. Self-studying is the way to go if you're the self-motivated type then finish up with your local CFI if you decide to go that route.

The best way to become a knowledgeable instructor is to immerse yourself in the environment, watch other instructors teach, and hangout at your local flight school. But most of all stick with it, becoming a flight instructor is not easy and becoming a great flight instructor is harder yet. Don't give up, keep with it, and you will be successful.
 
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