mtsu_av8er
Well-Known Member
What's going on, fellow JC'ers!
Just thought I'd take a minute to update everyone, since I've been a little bit scarce here for the last little bit.
I've been flying quite a bit. I could be flying more, but considering the state of the industry, I could be flying alot less. One thing is certain - if I wanted to fly more than I am, I certainly could. I'm actually turning away students. I've counted the number of sure students I've given to other CFIs in the last month, and it's 7. These are 7 students that are actively flying right now, and I've turned them away. For all the CFI's that say there are no students, again - hush.
Since I've been in "management", I've taken on alot of new responsibilities. I do alot of supervision, returning phone calls, and a bit too much communicating with the local FSDO. No biggie, but it does take up several hours of the day. No complaints here, though. It's nice to know that if you bust your butt, shut the heck up and work hard, somebody will recognize it. I don't have extra responsibilities because I can't handler it, but because of work ethic. For that, I am proud.
I'm pushing students through. I've been averaging about a checkride per month, depending on what's going on. Looks like I'll have three in May, so I'll take that. A private, and instrument and a commercial. Don't think I'll have any problem with my CFI renewal. I've also been getting a nice bit of outside flying. Alot of 206 time, and even managed 4 hours of Seneca time this last month!
I've also been learning quite a bit myself. The biggest lesson I've learned (and that's I'm relearning on a daily basis) is that I know so little compared to what I could know. With every flight, I become a little bit sharper in my own skills. I also become just a little bit more humble. With every bit of cockiness comes the understanding that it only takes a little bad luck, a moment of stupidity, or a combination of both, to force me into the local Captain D's. As Ike said, I could be frying fish by Thursday.
These students - man, they are the only reason we're here. Take care of them. It's all about the students. They're not only the people that we're teaching, they're the people that keep food on our tables. As such, they deserve more than just a quick shove out the door for the next guy. The bonds and the friendships that you form with some of these people are incredible. One of my students has become one of my dearest friends. As one of my buddies said, "We're not only giving flight lessons . . .we're giving life lessons". They're giving us the same things.
We have to become humble. Respect and appreciate the student that comes day after day because he can't quite master the art of flaring the airplane just right during the landing, but is determined to push on. Appreciate the determination of the instrument student that is completely lost when it comes to holding patter entries, but refuses to head back to the airport until she gets it right. Recognize the resolve of the student that geets sick with each and every flight lesson, but will not quit until you do.
Refuse to give up on a student. Even after that student has already quit.
If I never have another aviation job, I'm thankful that I've had the opportunity to teach some of the most wonderful folks in the world. Even the "worst" student is awesome, for they have attempted something that few others could even imagine. Give credit where credit is due.
Anyway, enough of my rhetoric . . .there's enough of that on the internet!
I'm having a ball, gang! I'm busier than I should be, I can't return every phone call and email, and I turn students away because I am so busy. I wouldn't have it any other way. If you're one of the ones that I've missed, the next round is on me. And, if you're ever in the area, tune into 122.7 and listen for N5286L . . . chances are it's me! Let me know who you are and I'll clear the morning's schedule. Let's hang out!!!
Just thought I'd take a minute to update everyone, since I've been a little bit scarce here for the last little bit.
I've been flying quite a bit. I could be flying more, but considering the state of the industry, I could be flying alot less. One thing is certain - if I wanted to fly more than I am, I certainly could. I'm actually turning away students. I've counted the number of sure students I've given to other CFIs in the last month, and it's 7. These are 7 students that are actively flying right now, and I've turned them away. For all the CFI's that say there are no students, again - hush.
Since I've been in "management", I've taken on alot of new responsibilities. I do alot of supervision, returning phone calls, and a bit too much communicating with the local FSDO. No biggie, but it does take up several hours of the day. No complaints here, though. It's nice to know that if you bust your butt, shut the heck up and work hard, somebody will recognize it. I don't have extra responsibilities because I can't handler it, but because of work ethic. For that, I am proud.
I'm pushing students through. I've been averaging about a checkride per month, depending on what's going on. Looks like I'll have three in May, so I'll take that. A private, and instrument and a commercial. Don't think I'll have any problem with my CFI renewal. I've also been getting a nice bit of outside flying. Alot of 206 time, and even managed 4 hours of Seneca time this last month!
I've also been learning quite a bit myself. The biggest lesson I've learned (and that's I'm relearning on a daily basis) is that I know so little compared to what I could know. With every flight, I become a little bit sharper in my own skills. I also become just a little bit more humble. With every bit of cockiness comes the understanding that it only takes a little bad luck, a moment of stupidity, or a combination of both, to force me into the local Captain D's. As Ike said, I could be frying fish by Thursday.
These students - man, they are the only reason we're here. Take care of them. It's all about the students. They're not only the people that we're teaching, they're the people that keep food on our tables. As such, they deserve more than just a quick shove out the door for the next guy. The bonds and the friendships that you form with some of these people are incredible. One of my students has become one of my dearest friends. As one of my buddies said, "We're not only giving flight lessons . . .we're giving life lessons". They're giving us the same things.
We have to become humble. Respect and appreciate the student that comes day after day because he can't quite master the art of flaring the airplane just right during the landing, but is determined to push on. Appreciate the determination of the instrument student that is completely lost when it comes to holding patter entries, but refuses to head back to the airport until she gets it right. Recognize the resolve of the student that geets sick with each and every flight lesson, but will not quit until you do.
Refuse to give up on a student. Even after that student has already quit.
If I never have another aviation job, I'm thankful that I've had the opportunity to teach some of the most wonderful folks in the world. Even the "worst" student is awesome, for they have attempted something that few others could even imagine. Give credit where credit is due.
Anyway, enough of my rhetoric . . .there's enough of that on the internet!
I'm having a ball, gang! I'm busier than I should be, I can't return every phone call and email, and I turn students away because I am so busy. I wouldn't have it any other way. If you're one of the ones that I've missed, the next round is on me. And, if you're ever in the area, tune into 122.7 and listen for N5286L . . . chances are it's me! Let me know who you are and I'll clear the morning's schedule. Let's hang out!!!
