School for CFI Initial

[Don Jones]

I am interested in finding a school to do the training for my CFI. I have the writtens out of the way, but training on the local level around here drags on
forever and there are no complex a/c to rent. They call New Mexico the land of "manana", but in this case its "we will start soon" I want to go somewhere and get it done. Recommendations anyone? So far every school I have talked to only does the initial CFI in a multi-engine aircraft. Probably makes more sense to do it that way for some, just not for me.

Don

 

[Dave Krall CFII]

I am interested in finding a school to do the training for my CFI. I have the writtens out of the way, but training on the local level around here drags on
forever and there are no complex a/c to rent. They call New Mexico the land of "manana", but in this case its "we will start soon" I want to go somewhere and get it done. Recommendations anyone? So far every school I have talked to only does the initial CFI in a multi-engine aircraft. Probably makes more sense to do it that way for some, just not for me.

Don

If you've got all your lesson plans written up and stuff like that copied for review by your CFI and the DE, it's doeable (SEL) at BFI.

If you're a good communicator and already know your stuff, it can be done in a few hours of flying dual, and then of course your flight check and oral with the FAA. If you're not a good communicator, or don't have all the obvious prep & materials done, it could take a good bit longer, no matter where you go.

 

[Richard]

If you've got all your lesson plans written up and stuff like that copied for review by your CFI and the DE, it's doeable (SEL) at BFI.

If the applicant is that prepared, the CFI is just along for the ride since the applicant really doesn't need much instruction. Would you say that is a fair assumption?

If you're a good communicator and already know your stuff, it can be done in a few hours of flying dual, and then of course your flight check and oral with the FAA. If you're not a good communicator, or don't have all the obvious prep & materials done, it could take a good bit longer, no matter where you go.

I don't see the issue as how prepared the applicant is (that is a huge factor but in choosing a school is it the most germaine?) but that the school would afford the opportunity to fine tune, inspire confidence, and make corrections for the applicant.

Speaking for myself, I would want to ident my problem areas ASAP something which I wouldn't do studying before hand but something the school could provide. A sounding board, as it were.

Shebles in Henderson, NV has gotten good marks for turrning out CFIs quickly.

 

[Dave Krall CFII]

If the applicant is that prepared, the CFI is just along for the ride since the applicant really doesn't need much instruction. Would you say that is a fair assumption?

You are correct Sir, and if an applicant is interested in a quick certificate, that's where they should be.

I don't see the issue as how prepared the applicant is (that is a huge factor but in choosing a school is it the most germaine?) but that the school would afford the opportunity to fine tune, inspire confidence, and make corrections for the applicant.

Speaking for myself, I would want to ident my problem areas ASAP something which I wouldn't do studying before hand but something the school could provide. A sounding board, as it were.

Shebles in Henderson, NV has gotten good marks for turrning out CFIs quickly.

Generally correct again but, getting into the realm of "fine tuning" can be done until the cows come home including prior to, during the aquisition of, and after any flying certificate is obtained. A pilot that's already flying up to commercial standards, with the Fundamentals of Instructing and FIA written tests already well passed and with any deficiencies shown in those tests self-corrected, shouldn't need any more than a few hours of flight and ground fine tuning to be ready for the DE's assessment.

It's fine for an initial CFI candidate to either want or need more lengthy individual attention, but there goes the low budget and after all, for the most part it's academic.

Shebles is indeed an excellent place for accelerated training for those that think they can handle the pace. I don't know if they do CFI initials.

 

[poadeleted20]

If there's a college anywhere nearby that has basic teacher ed courses, take one or two of them before you start your formal CFI training. The biggest weakness in most CFI's (and most CFI training programs) is the lack of development of real teaching skills. If you can teach, you can teach anything you know how to do, but if you can't teach, you'll never be a good flight instructor no matter how skilled a pilot you are. And it's the teaching end of the game that is most often the reason for the nearly 70% failure rate on initial CFI practical tests these days.

 

[Ed Guthrie]

Call these folks (MN Aviation, Albert Lea, MN):

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/roedder_gmbh/mike1.htm

They'll get you finished in one very long and very intense week. The school is very honest about their pricing and their course completion guarantee (if you need more CFI attention it is free). There are very cheap hotels in town (last time I was there it was ~$40/night at the Days Inn) and also very cheap restaurants. Not exactly local for you but Albert Lea is just south of Minneapolis so airline flights are available. Come with the writtens completed and MN Aviation will take care of the rest. They give you plenty of "teaching" practice time, coaching, etc.

 

[Don Jones]

Call these folks (MN Aviation, Albert Lea, MN):

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/roedder_gmbh/mike1.htm

They'll get you finished in one very long and very intense week. The school is very honest about their pricing and their course completion guarantee (if you need more CFI attention it is free). There are very cheap hotels in town (last time I was there it was ~$40/night at the Days Inn) and also very cheap restaurants. Not exactly local for you but Albert Lea is just south of Minneapolis so airline flights are available. Come with the writtens completed and MN Aviation will take care of the rest. They give you plenty of "teaching" practice time, coaching, etc.

Sounds like just what I am looking for Ed, thanks for the info. I will call them
tomorrow and see what they have to say. I will let ya know what I decide
about them.

Thanks to everyone for their input. It is much appreciated.
Don

 

[jesse]

Sounds like just what I am looking for Ed, thanks for the info. I will call them
tomorrow and see what they have to say. I will let ya know what I decide
about them.

Thanks to everyone for their input. It is much appreciated.
Don

If you decide to do it, PM me, I'm about a 10 minute hop from Albert Lea.

 

[Don Jones]

To update the website Ed posted, here is their new one
if anyone is interested:

http://www.mnaviation.info/instructor.htm

Here is the info I got from Mike Nevins at MNAviation about their course. They claim a 90% first time pass rate.
Don

P/S: If I decide to go I will yell at you Jesse.

The CFI course is 7 days long. We assume you have the writtens completed when you arrive. The first three days of the course is lecture covering all information you need to know. The rest of the course is review, flying and study. The end is with a senior instructor giving a mock oral and flight, review as necessary. The DPE's will be scheduled during your training. They charge $300.

Flight Instructor Initial

Instructor fee $1899

Single engine 1380

Checkride $300

Total $3579