Tips on starting first time CFI job
- Thread starter BoDEAN
- Start date
Michigan_Flyer
Well-Known Member
You got hired? Congrats! Where are you working?
I was nervous when I started too, but things have worked out great. Teaching other people to fly is a great way to polish your own skills. When a student has a question or concern that you are not sure about, just be honest with then, research it that night, and give them an answer the next day.
One word of advice, do not get complacent with any student. Always pay attention and be ready to respond during any critical phase of flight. I have a couple scary stories I could tell you.....
Being a flight instructor is fun and very educational. Now, if I can only pay the rent this month.......
I was nervous when I started too, but things have worked out great. Teaching other people to fly is a great way to polish your own skills. When a student has a question or concern that you are not sure about, just be honest with then, research it that night, and give them an answer the next day.
One word of advice, do not get complacent with any student. Always pay attention and be ready to respond during any critical phase of flight. I have a couple scary stories I could tell you.....
Being a flight instructor is fun and very educational. Now, if I can only pay the rent this month.......
I think it's natural to feel a little bit 'inadaquate' when you first start teaching - I know I did. You will be amazed at how much you will learn about flying in the first 12 months of instructing. Just remember that you are now the "expert" in the airplane and will generally know more than your student but don't ever lie to your student!! They can usually sense when you're shoveling the BS! If they ask you something and you don't know - tell them you odn't know then help them find the answer!
Respect your students - wether they are 18 or 50 years old, wether they have 0 time or or working on an advanced rating there is always something you can learn from each of them.
Be ready to change your teaching methods(once you get some established) - not everyone learns the same way or at the same rate. Don't be afraid to try something a little out of the ordinary if you think it will help your student learn(as long as it's not unsafe or illegal of course!!)
DOn't be afraid to ask for help from the more experienced instructors.
Always do what you think is best for your students and you'll be fine. It's a good time - enjoy it!
Jason
Respect your students - wether they are 18 or 50 years old, wether they have 0 time or or working on an advanced rating there is always something you can learn from each of them.
Be ready to change your teaching methods(once you get some established) - not everyone learns the same way or at the same rate. Don't be afraid to try something a little out of the ordinary if you think it will help your student learn(as long as it's not unsafe or illegal of course!!)
DOn't be afraid to ask for help from the more experienced instructors.
Always do what you think is best for your students and you'll be fine. It's a good time - enjoy it!
Jason
ScorpionStinger
Well-Known Member
IF i was in your shoes.. I'd go live with my Family..
hey .. sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.. That's what I'm going to do I'm If/ When i get to that point.
( Always prepear for the worst!! )
hey .. sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.. That's what I'm going to do I'm If/ When i get to that point.
( Always prepear for the worst!! )
[ QUOTE ]
Be ready to change your teaching methods(once you get some established) - not everyone learns the same way or at the same rate.
[/ QUOTE ]
this is really the best advice of all, at least for me. As a 8 month CFI, I can say that this might be the most challenging part of all. Case in point, yesterday I flew three flights:
1) Private Pilot who wanted to learn more abuot flying "to new airports". Older lady, knida nervous.
2) Commercial student - gotta make this guy fly like he's a pro and keep that ball in the center!!
3) Re-vitalizing a new pilot who hadnt flown since 2000 - knows lots of stuff but is rusty and in a hurry to get signed off..
all three would have suffered if I crossed my expectations..
Be ready to change your teaching methods(once you get some established) - not everyone learns the same way or at the same rate.
[/ QUOTE ]
this is really the best advice of all, at least for me. As a 8 month CFI, I can say that this might be the most challenging part of all. Case in point, yesterday I flew three flights:
1) Private Pilot who wanted to learn more abuot flying "to new airports". Older lady, knida nervous.
2) Commercial student - gotta make this guy fly like he's a pro and keep that ball in the center!!
3) Re-vitalizing a new pilot who hadnt flown since 2000 - knows lots of stuff but is rusty and in a hurry to get signed off..
all three would have suffered if I crossed my expectations..
