Do I Really Need My CFI

[cmill]

Dead horse beating is one of the few unwavering constants of JC.

For every CFI out there flying multiple approaches IFR and not cancelling while he beats up the pattern; there's a 135 freight guy flying into icing without the appropriate equipment and running his 402/Chieftain/Titan/Lance oversquare.

What if you've done both?

 

[SteveC]

I'm going to break your jaw the next time I see you.

I'mma bettin' THAT don't happen.

 

[Speed Pilot]

For professional development, get the CFI.

• Learn how to interact with lots of different personalities.
• Learn to develop the skill of mind reading and figuring out what the guy next to you is going to do next and what they are going to want so you can function more effectively as a crew.
• Learn many different ways to explain the same idea so that you can do the same thing for a new hire some day when there is some nuance of the operation or aircraft that they don't understand and no other captain has been able to explain.
• Learn how to settle differences of opinion in a cordial and civil matter while completing a flight safely.
• Learn when and how to walk away from someone you can't professionally work with.
• Learn how to be a true MONITORING pilot.
• Learn how to salvage a bad situation that you didn't get yourself into.
• Learn how to be calm and collected through multiple bad situations that make you want to cry for mommy; that you didn't get yourself into.
• Learn all kinds of useful things.

Nothing will teach you the ins and outs of your chosen trade better than trying to teach it to someone else.

I've gotten to fly with a bunch of different captains in my short 9 months at a regional. You can spot the ones that have never CFI'd very quickly. They usually SUCK at CRM and working as a crew.

 

[Stratopilot]

Yes, you need a CFI. Seriously.

 

[MikeD]

Yes, you need a CFI. Seriously.

It's a nice to have, not a need to have. At least at this point. If one doesn't want to instruct, better they don't waste their time or anyone else's; not to mention money.

 

[jtrain609]

I'mma bettin' THAT don't happen.

I figure if I get a running start...with a truck, and Mike's looking the other way, I might have a chance.

 

[MikeD]

I figure if I get a running start...with a truck, and Mike's looking the other way, I might have a chance.

I don't ever underestimate JTrain's wily and uncanny ability to pull a fast one, and I end up getting to feel what a busted jaw is like.