I can't remember if this has been discussed here before or not...probably has, I just can't find it. Question is this: What is the best/most appropriate way to express thanks to your CFI after various stages of training? I'm about to solo, and I don't want to be a goofball with excessive/awkward/embarrassing thanks afterward (assuming I survive), but I also want to be sure that he knows how much I appreciate his work. Of course I'm paying a lot of money already, but my CFI doesn't end with much of it in his own pocket, I know. I once overheard one of the RJ pilots around the airport lobby asking someone if students tipped their CFIs there. Is tipping appropriate? Expected? Silly? Buy a keg? Wait until pass checkride? I'm sooooo confused. Any insights?