To be or not to be a CFI

[spiderweb]

I keep waffling about what to do next. I know that I defnitly want to do some more training, probably starting next spring. Between now and then, though, the only thing I am going to do is get a checkout in CFI's new C182 or C206 (when he gets it) and do instrument refresher training with the same CFI.

As you know, I've considered gettng the multi add-on. There are problems with this, though. Most of the flight schools around here only have 4-seat multis. My CFI has access to those two six-seaters I spoke of in an earlier post, but I now learn I would have to join their club, and the cost of entry is just too much. It would seem the only way I could get in to a twin would be with three or four partners, and some heavy wife-convincing.

The other thought was to go for the CFI. I realized that this isn't so far away as I originally might have though. First, I would need the commercial certificate (and the third class medical is fine for me). I have all of the required hours except night, and I could get those quickly enough. Perhaps I could obtain that certificate in 20 hours or so, and the written exam.

The only thing left after that would be the studying and flying for the CFI written and practical exam. That's right--I don't need the FO because I am a fulltime college professor. (I'm actually 1.2-time, but that's another post.) CFIs say that that certificate is about the teaching, not so much the flying, despite the fact that one has to perform to commercial standards. Well, I teach classes and lessons every day and have a lot of experience with teaching, in general.

What I want to know is this: is this a worthwhile thing to do? Is the certificate worth all of the paperwork, and much more so, the responsibility that comes with it? I am so busy, I probably could only teach once or twice a week, and that would be all the flying I do, but that would be more than now, and I'd get paid. Is this side benefit of keeping active worthwhile? Are there any niches that "part-time" CFIs can carve for themselves. For example, since I wouldn't be flying so much for the money (IOW, not depending on the flying to put bread on the table), could I "specialize" in BFRs or something?

What do you think?

 

[poadeleted20]

All I can say, Ben, is that if you're going to be a CFI, you're going to have to relax a lot. Otherwise, you are going to drive your students bonkers with your compulsive need to analyze everything to death before you do anything. And the reason I know this is that it's a problem I have myself. The biggest problem I had starting out instructing was learning that it doesn't have to be perfect to be "good enough."

 

[spiderweb]

All I can say, Ben, is that if you're going to be a CFI, you're going to have to relax a lot. Otherwise, you are going to drive your students bonkers with your compulsive need to analyze everything to death before you do anything. And the reason I know this is that it's a problem I have myself. The biggest problem I had starting out instructing was learning that it doesn't have to be perfect to be "good enough."

The funny thing is that I am compulsive with my own skills, but I never demand that from my students. I guess what I'm saying is that I agree with you, and I've already learned not to drive my cello and music theory students students bonkers, and I guess I need to remember to be cool with any flying students I would get.

 

[Henning]

I keep waffling about what to do next. Thought was to go for the CFI.
What I want to know is this: is this a worthwhile thing to do? Is the certificate worth all of the paperwork, and much more so, the responsibility that comes with it? I am so busy, I probably could only teach once or twice a week, and that would be all the flying I do, but that would be more than now, and I'd get paid. Is this side benefit of keeping active worthwhile? Are there any niches that "part-time" CFIs can carve for themselves. For example, since I wouldn't be flying so much for the money (IOW, not depending on the flying to put bread on the table), could I "specialize" in BFRs or something?

What do you think?

"Why?" That's one question to answer, the other is "What do you bring to the table?" Why would your students benefit from having you as an instructor. What skills and insights do you have that make you a better deal than if they go to the CFI you use?

 

[Richard]

All I can say, Ben, is that if you're going to be a CFI, you're going to have to relax a lot. Otherwise, you are going to drive your students bonkers with your compulsive need to analyze everything to death before you do anything. And the reason I know this is that it's a problem I have myself. The biggest problem I had starting out instructing was learning that it doesn't have to be perfect to be "good enough."

Ben's oringinal post in this thread rings so true to me. But your insight is so remarkable. I recognize that I would have to subdue myself from this 'overthinking' of which you speak. I don't think I should start to teach before I make the 'correction'. It is like unlearning a lifetime of attitude.

 

[spiderweb]

"Why?" That's one question to answer, the other is "What do you bring to the table?" Why would your students benefit from having you as an instructor. What skills and insights do you have that make you a better deal than if they go to the CFI you use?

What I bring to the table: 20 years of teaching experience.

Why students would benefit from having me as an instructor: I would be teaching for the love of teaching; not to earn the lousy pay of a CFI, nor to "step up" to the airlines.

What skills and insights I have that make you a better deal than if they go to the CFI you use: I can't compare to my CFI. He is a 25,000 hour pilot who has taught for 30 years.

 

[gismo]

Ben, I'm sure you could be a good CFI, but I wonder if you really have the time to do it. Don't forget that a student needs to schedule 3-4 times per week minimum to make good progress and skipping a couple weeks now and then when you're out of town would probably cause some setback. Also, you say this would be all the flying you'd be doing (for lack of available time I assume) and I think you'd be a better pilot and instructor if you were doing some flying in addition to instructing. For one thing, your instrument skills will deteriorate rather quickly, and anything your not teaching will get rusty as well.

WRT the club with the twins, how pricey is a membership there? Twins aren't cheap to own and operate, but I'd expect that a good club would be the least expensive opportunity to gain access to one.

 

[spiderweb]

Ben, I'm sure you could be a good CFI, but I wonder if you really have the time to do it. Don't forget that a student needs to schedule 3-4 times per week minimum to make good progress and skipping a couple weeks now and then when you're out of town would probably cause some setback. Also, you say this would be all the flying you'd be doing (for lack of available time I assume) and I think you'd be a better pilot and instructor if you were doing some flying in addition to instructing. For one thing, your instrument skills will deteriorate rather quickly, and anything your not teaching will get rusty as well.

WRT the club with the twins, how pricey is a membership there? Twins aren't cheap to own and operate, but I'd expect that a good club would be the least expensive opportunity to gain access to one.

Good points, all.

The memberships are like crazy around here. Also, the twins I am talking about are based at BWI where gas is $4.50. Sigh. . . . I guess just getting checked out in the C206, or getting rechecked out n the C182 will be it.

 

[Henning]

What I bring to the table: 20 years of teaching experience.

Why students would benefit from having me as an instructor: I would be teaching for the love of teaching; not to earn the lousy pay of a CFI, nor to "step up" to the airlines.

What skills and insights I have that make you a better deal than if they go to the CFI you use: I can't compare to my CFI. He is a 25,000 hour pilot who has taught for 30 years.

Still didn't answer the primary question, Why do you want to do it?

 

[Dave Siciliano]

Ben:

I was on the CFI track at one time as much for the extra knowledge as anything. A goal!

Over time, I realized my time would be a real issue. There are times my business just says 'stop whatever else your'e doing and pay attention'. Most of the CFIs I know, love to teach and have a job with a good deal of flexibility.

If time is an issue, focus your attention on other things: getting better at instrument approaches; knowing the GPS cold, learning more about aircraft systems and doing some repairs. Another way is to join a group like EAA that does frequent flyin ins. This way, your energy is focused, but if you need to focus on the job, you can always just skip something.

I've had several folks ask why I didn't get my CFI; that I'd be a excellent instructor. Maybe later, when my trust fund is a little larger.

Best,

Dave

 

[spiderweb]

Still didn't answer the primary question, Why do you want to do it?

Oh, right. Well, I love flying and I love teaching. I thought maybe being "BFR guy" would be fun.

Thanks for that personal viewpont. After this and other posts, I can see that I might not be the ideal choice for primary CFI. I can just see the students wanting to prepare for their checkrides and wanting lessons every day, and me not being able to accomodate.

But I really love teaching. Maybe I could be "BFR guy" (or even "IPC guy" in the distant future). That way, I could reserve a couple of days.

Also, being a private teacher and college prof does give me some flexibility. IOW, I am busy, but flexible.

Ben:

I was on the CFI track at one time as much for the extra knowledge as anything. A goal!

Over time, I realized my time would be a real issue. There are times my business just says 'stop whatever else your'e doing and pay attention'. Most of the CFIs I know, love to teach and have a job with a good deal of flexibility.

If time is an issue, focus your attention on other things: getting better at instrument approaches; knowing the GPS cold, learning more about aircraft systems and doing some repairs. Another way is to join a group like EAA that does frequent flyin ins. This way, your energy is focused, but if you need to focus on the job, you can always just skip something.

I've had several folks ask why I didn't get my CFI; that I'd be a excellent instructor. Maybe later, when my trust fund is a little larger.

Best,

Dave

Another question would be this: What is involved with getting the CFI? What I am after here isn't so much the CFR answer as the practical answer. For example, how much time did you enjoy learning to fly right seat, studying for the exam, reading, etc?

 

[gismo]

Another question would be this: What is involved with getting the CFI? What I am after here isn't so much the CFR answer as the practical answer. For example, how much time did you enjoy learning to fly right seat, studying for the exam, reading, etc?

I haven't done it yet either, but WRT the practical test I'd figure about half again as much as the commercial. And from what I've heard, the initial CFI checkride takes a whole day with many hours spent on the oral. And if you plan to use two different aircraft (complex & non-complex) you'd better be prepared to perform any task in either plane.

You should also be aware that it takes some effort just to maintain your CFI privileges. You have to send up a certain number of candidates for (successful?) checkrides, or attend a 2-3 day refesher course, or retake the checkride every two years. Definitely more than a BFR.

 

[Dave Krall CFII]

Sure you love it and that's good. Getting paid well for doing it I dare say won't make you love it any less ? For a rare and highly skilled activity such as CFIing you should charge as much as possible right from the beginning unless you want to do some charity. To routinely charge less is not only an insult to attaining an expensive and unforgiving acomplishment but that is also where CFIs, like many other unorganized professions, shoot themselves in the foot financially, both because they "love flying" and because they simply want to accquire hours quickly for some reason.

Time is time and student/CFI aptitude is another thing entirely. I've had primary students pass well with their phase checks and DE on one lesson per week with additional misses for WX and whatever. Others take 2-3 times as long, even with lessons 3x/week and with whatever CFI/CFIs they may choose.

CFIing tailored exactly to YOUR particular part time requirements and schedule will attract at least a few flight students that have similar or dovetailing requirements, providing a nice win/win scenario. Then among other CFI flight opportunities, there's the INTRO flights, BFRs, and student starters that quit when they run out of money or realize it's too demanding for them.

In the meantime, I'd certainly be doing all my flying from the right seat for awhile towards that end, just while you decide...

 

[kath]

Ben, we are so much in the same boat!

I'm having vague thoughts about eventually doing the CFI thing too. Also a full-time professor, and so not worried so much about the teaching aspect so much as questions like "when would I find the time?" and "what kind of students would be a good match for me?" and "Am I ready for that kind of responsibility?" I'm guessing we're both the kind of people who get really motivated and excited by the hopeful yet nervous looks on students' faces. B)

Soon after I learned to sail, I became a sailing instructor. I only taught one or two classes a week as a volunteer (everyone else in the club taught four or five), while I was busy being a grad student, but it gave me immense joy for years. The teaching got me out on the water when I might have chosen to stay in my office.

--Kath

 

[spiderweb]

Sure you love it and that's good. Getting paid well for doing it I dare say won't make you love it any less ? For a rare and highly skilled activity such as CFIing you should charge as much as possible right from the beginning unless you want to do some charity. To routinely charge less is not only an insult to attaining an expensive and unforgiving acomplishment but that is also where CFIs, like many other unorganized professions, shoot themselves in the foot financially, both because they "love flying" and because they simply want to accquire hours quickly for some reason.

Time is time and student/CFI aptitude is another thing entirely. I've had primary students pass well with their phase checks and DE on one lesson per week with additional misses for WX and whatever. Others take 2-3 times as long, even with lessons 3x/week and with whatever CFI/CFIs they may choose.

CFIing tailored exactly to YOUR particular part time requirements and schedule will attract at least a few flight students that have similar or dovetailing requirements, providing a nice win/win scenario. Then among other CFI flight opportunities, there's the INTRO flights, BFRs, and student starters that quit when they run out of money or realize it's too demanding for them.

In the meantime, I'd certainly be doing all my flying from the right seat for awhile towards that end, just while you decide...

Thank you so much for this detailed advice. That alone merits making this thread a sticky!

Ben, we are so much in the same boat!

I'm having vague thoughts about eventually doing the CFI thing too. Also a full-time professor, and so not worried so much about the teaching aspect so much as questions like "when would I find the time?" and "what kind of students would be a good match for me?" and "Am I ready for that kind of responsibility?" I'm guessing we're both the kind of people who get really motivated and excited by the hopeful yet nervous looks on students' faces. B)

Soon after I learned to sail, I became a sailing instructor. I only taught one or two classes a week as a volunteer (everyone else in the club taught four or five), while I was busy being a grad student, but it gave me immense joy for years. The teaching got me out on the water when I might have chosen to stay in my office.

--Kath

This is cool. We'll have to keep each other updated.

I'm still throwing around the question: what does a 600-hour CFI (what I'd be) have to offer? I believe that my years of teaching make up for my relative inexperience with flying.

 

[Dave Theisen]

Ben,

I teach part-time and am lucky to be affiliated with a great flight school that allows me to set my own schedule. I have a "real job", so I only teach evenings and weekends. You know what, a lot of people taking flying lessons have the same time constraints, so I have never had a problem getting it to work out with my students. After I give an intro ride and they decide to take further lessons, I discuss when and how often they will be able to fly. If our schedules match, great. If not, I have no problem setting them up with one of our other instructors.

As an additional benefit that you have to offer students they might not get elsewhere. What is one of the biggest complaints that we have all heard about flight training? "I went through X number of instructors getting my license." Just the fact that you are doing it because you enjoy it and won't be running off to the regionals before they complete their training, has value to the student.

I think you would be great as a CFI. Go for it.

 

[jesse]

I'm still throwing around the question: what does a 600-hour CFI (what I'd be) have to offer? I believe that my years of teaching make up for my relative inexperience with flying.

I personally prefer low time CFIs. My CFI had I think 300 or 400 hours when I started lessons with him. I had my private in about 7 months, By then he had 1200 hours.

I like a low time CFI because it wasn't that long ago that they were in your spot, they did their checkride the year before...instead of 20 years before.

I've had major personality conflicts with any high time instructor, infact I avoid them. IME they seem to not be open to new ideas, as they know EVERYTHING since they've been flying for so long. The only tihng I can do is do it their way until they get out of the right seat. Not saying everyone is like this. But I've flown with 5 CFIs, two low time..three high time. I feel that I got the best training for my money from the low time and if they didn't know an answer they would find it for me.. The high time ones, I did not connect with at all. You wouldn't ever find me paying more then $30 a hour for a CFI though.. I don't feel the quality of training is really that much better.

Perhaps this is due to my age and I connect better with CFI's that couldn't be my grandpa.

Another thing I've found to get better training is to mention that you are planning on being a professional pilot. The training changes from there on out, they don't accept "good enough". I made the mistake of telling my examiner this, he was quite a bit more harsh on my checkride after he asked that question.

 

[EdFred]

Perhaps this is due to my age and I connect better with CFI's that couldn't be my grandpa.

Bingo. The paragraph preceeding that statement sounds just like all of us when we were 18.

"I know everything, if you're over 30 you've forgotten all that I know right now!!"

 

[Dave Krall CFII]

Bingo. The paragraph preceeding that statement sounds just like all of us when we were 18.

"I know everything, if you're over 30 you've forgotten all that I know right now!!"

Hire teenagers NOW.
Why wait utill they're older when you'll have to train them !

 

[jesse]

Bingo. The paragraph preceeding that statement sounds just like all of us when we were 18.

"I know everything, if you're over 30 you've forgotten all that I know right now!!"

Hmm.. Don't think I said that. I said that they were never open to new ideas or the fact that there is more then one way to do the same thing. I didn't say this has much to do with age, but with higher time instructors. I also said I'm sure not every one of them is this way.

For example if one of my original instructors told me to do something one way, But It worked better for me to do it another. They'd be open to that.

Get in a plane with the other three instructors I had and it was their way, or no way. On everything. No two pilots fly the same.

 

[EdFred]

Hmm.. Don't think I said that. I said that they were never open to new ideas or the fact that there is more then one way to do the same thing. I didn't say this has much to do with age, but with higher time instructors. I also said I'm sure not every one of them is this way.

For example if one of my original instructors told me to do something one way, But It worked better for me to do it another. They'd be open to that.

Get in a plane with the other three instructors I had and it was their way, or no way. On everything. No two pilots fly the same.

That's the way it comes across, or else I wouldn't have come to that conclusion. The issue is with doing it a certain way is that it becomes applicable to other situations where 'your way' may not be. So now you have to do 'it' 3 different ways in 3 different situations.

I'm not a CFI, but I have taught martial arts, and there is generally a reason we teach that you HAVE to do it a certain way. Because 'your way' isn't easily adaptable to similar situations. I am certain that goes for flying as well.

 

[jesse]

That's the way it comes across, or else I wouldn't have come to that conclusion. The issue is with doing it a certain way is that it becomes applicable to other situations where 'your way' may not be. So now you have to do 'it' 3 different ways in 3 different situations.

I'm not a CFI, but I have taught martial arts, and there is generally a reason we teach that you HAVE to do it a certain way. Because 'your way' isn't easily adaptable to similar situations. I am certain that goes for flying as well.

Sure if every pilot and CFI were to fly the same way. That'd be perfect.

Every CFI is different.

Some accept there is other ways over their way.

Some don't.


I do enjoy how people love to pull the "I know everything" quote out of my posts even though I don't remotely even suggest that. I am extremely open to differnet ways to do things, and like to take it all in.

If I am flying with a different pilot? What do I do? .. I watch them, I want to learn how they do things. I want to improve.

Hire teenagers NOW.
Why wait utill they're older when you'll have to train them !

Good deal. I'm willing to relocate provided that a house is purchased for me.


My resume is at:

http://www.jesseangell.com/resume.html

 

[Dave Krall CFII]

Sure if every pilot and CFI were to fly the same way. That'd be perfect.

Every CFI is different.

Some accept there is other ways over their way.

Some don't.


I do enjoy how people love to pull the "I know everything" quote out of my posts even though I don't remotely even suggest that. I am extremely open to differnet ways to do things, and like to take it all in.

If I am flying with a different pilot? What do I do? .. I watch them, I want to learn how they do things. I want to improve.


Good deal. I'm willing to relocate provided that a house is purchased for me.


My resume is at:

http://www.jesseangell.com/resume.html

Just joking... #;>)
...like you were with the VFR in IFR conditions a while back.

Nice resume, generally concise and to the point but, I must admit I don't know which is your job title, or your curriculum vitae. Sorry.

 

[jesse]

Nice resume, generally concise and to the point but, I must admit I don't know which is your job title, or your curriculum vitae. Sorry.

hahahaha...good stuff.

 

[gismo]

I'm not a CFI, but I have taught martial arts, and there is generally a reason we teach that you HAVE to do it a certain way. Because 'your way' isn't easily adaptable to similar situations. I am certain that goes for flying as well.

Sometimes things are taught a certain way simply because it's easier to teach /learn them that way. That doesn't necessarily mean that this way is the optimal way to actually do things (doesn't mean it's not either).

 

[AirBaker]

Looking back, the same reasons I liked my CFI for my private wouldn't have worked for my Instrument.

My 1st CFI was roughly my age, had a 'believable' number of hours, and was pretty laid back. When I was ready for my instrument rating, I wanted experience and discipline.

I'm sure they're just fine swapped around, but it worked out well for me.

I'm toying with the commercial/CFI ratings myself.

 

[spiderweb]

Ben,

I teach part-time and am lucky to be affiliated with a great flight school that allows me to set my own schedule. I have a "real job", so I only teach evenings and weekends. You know what, a lot of people taking flying lessons have the same time constraints, so I have never had a problem getting it to work out with my students. After I give an intro ride and they decide to take further lessons, I discuss when and how often they will be able to fly. If our schedules match, great. If not, I have no problem setting them up with one of our other instructors.

As an additional benefit that you have to offer students they might not get elsewhere. What is one of the biggest complaints that we have all heard about flight training? "I went through X number of instructors getting my license." Just the fact that you are doing it because you enjoy it and won't be running off to the regionals before they complete their training, has value to the student.

I think you would be great as a CFI. Go for it.

Thanks, Dave!

For example if one of my original instructors told me to do something one way, But It worked better for me to do it another. They'd be open to that.

Get in a plane with the other three instructors I had and it was their way, or no way. On everything. No two pilots fly the same.

I can see the possibility for problems, but I think that a long-time, experienced CFI is usually a good choice. I have now flown with about nine CFIs, in addition to my primary, highly-experienced CFI. All of the other CFIs were used exclusively for checkout purposes, with the exception of two lessons with two CFIs getting the hi-perf signoff. They were all younger than me, and I ain't your grandpa. (I'm 37.)

Most of those CFIs were good, a couple were a bit blase, but none compared to my CFI. For what I needed to do, they were fine. IOW, I just wanted to be able to rent this school's C172 and I don't need any earth-shattering insights into flying this simple bird, especially when I have maybe 250 hours in Skyhawks, many with MY CFI. But when you really want to learn something, there simply is no substitue for experience.

After having taught cello for 20 years I know that students "like" to make a certain set of mistakes. Those mistakes come with slight variations, but 95% of the time, you will still see the same old errors. Likewise, I've tried and discarded many methods of teaching certain concepts or skills, and I've added only the best to my toolbox. I take them out as needed, on a case-by-case basis, to help my students improve as efficiently as possible. Five percent of the time, they don't work. For that 5%, I draw on my knowledge and try to be as flexible as possible. I get paid more to teach cello than a recent New England Conservatory graduate, because I am not going to waste time.

This is why I like high-time, serious CFIs. Do you think this is one of the first times they've seen someone fly the wrong entry to a hold? Do they know how to solve that problem? Is this only the first time they've had to help a student recover from a bounce? Are they checking out a student in a Skylane when they themselves only have 10 hours in the same aircraft? More seriously, what real-world experience do they have with emergencies? (Ask me about my REAL AI failure in IMC with my CFI at my side.)

I could go on and on. . . .

 

[jdwatson]

Ben,
I've chosen to shy away from CFI-dom. My reasons are the last time I turned a great hobby into a part-time teaching job, I grew to hate the hobby. Imagine waking up on a gorgeous Saturday morning and find yourself dreading going to fly. The drain of the scheduling, overhead & oversight of the school, insurance, liability and so on killed the joy. I like flying too much to risk that again.

 

[AirBaker]

Ben,
I've chosen to shy away from CFI-dom. My reasons are the last time I turned a great hobby into a part-time teaching job, I grew to hate the hobby. Imagine waking up on a gorgeous Saturday morning and find yourself dreading going to fly. The drain of the scheduling, overhead & oversight of the school, insurance, liability and so on killed the joy. I like flying too much to risk that again.

It is possible to not enjoy flying? Bah. Impossible...

 

[spiderweb]

Ben,
I've chosen to shy away from CFI-dom. My reasons are the last time I turned a great hobby into a part-time teaching job, I grew to hate the hobby. Imagine waking up on a gorgeous Saturday morning and find yourself dreading going to fly. The drain of the scheduling, overhead & oversight of the school, insurance, liability and so on killed the joy. I like flying too much to risk that again.

Well, I wouldn't be doing too much of it. But I see your point.

 

[n20junkie]

Ben,
I've chosen to shy away from CFI-dom. My reasons are the last time I turned a great hobby into a part-time teaching job, I grew to hate the hobby. Imagine waking up on a gorgeous Saturday morning and find yourself dreading going to fly. The drain of the scheduling, overhead & oversight of the school, insurance, liability and so on killed the joy. I like flying too much to risk that again.

I've said that before, about racing cars, but now when faced with the CFI thing i feel myself in the same position, the one day i am forced to do what i love, it will kill all that is special, looks like i'm time building on my own for now.

 

[spiderweb]

But I love playing cello, and I haven't killed that love by teaching it and music classes all day.

 

[jdwatson]

But I love playing cello, and I haven't killed that love by teaching it and music classes all day.

I think you will make a great CFI, CFI-I and MEI !

 

[spiderweb]

I think you will make a great CFI, CFI-I and MEI !

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

 

[Richard]

Ben,
I've chosen to shy away from CFI-dom. My reasons are the last time I turned a great hobby into a part-time teaching job, I grew to hate the hobby. Imagine waking up on a gorgeous Saturday morning and find yourself dreading going to fly. The drain of the scheduling, overhead & oversight of the school, insurance, liability and so on killed the joy. I like flying too much to risk that again.

That is a great point. I've kept fine woodworking as a hobby. I enjoy it and make some money from it but it really is a passion with function.

My S-I-L owned a business and pleaded with me to consign a few pieces. I finally caved but we ended that agreement fairly quick. Suffice to say that there were problems. The pieces sold very well but there were too many demands and differences of opinions on how to market and such things.

While I have considered this happening due to becoming a CFI I don't think it possible to significantly diminish my joy of flying. But how the heck do I know, I've not done it and the CFIs I have talked to about this are all too vague on the subject or outright dismissive. But there are benefits to being a CFI; you will become a better pilot, have access to different types of a/c, you'll meet many more interesting people, and you'll have another perfectly good reason for hanging out at the airport.

I need to get my butt in gear.

 

[spiderweb]

But there are benefits to being a CFI; you will become a better pilot, have access to different types of a/c, you'll meet many more interesting people, and you'll have another perfectly good reason for hanging out at the airport.

I like that.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

I've had major personality conflicts with any high time instructor, infact I avoid them. IME they seem to not be open to new ideas, as they know EVERYTHING since they've been flying for so long.

Jesse,

Try this - Next time you go with a high-time CFI and they want you to do something "their" way, ask *why*. That is the most important thing. If you do something without knowing why you do it that way, you do not understand what you are doing. (This is a generic "you," not you personally.)

I have an instructor who isn't really high-time, but he got a lot of hours in on his own before he started instructing. I guess I'd call him "experienced" despite not being high time. There are a lot of things that I question him on (I must be a real pain in the @$$) but after he answers the "why" question I have a much greater understanding. And once in a very rare while I'll tell him "why" I think my way is better (after hearing the reasons for his way, of course) and after a discussion of both of our reasons, sometimes my way turns out to work better for me. Since he knows why I'm doing things that way, it's not a problem. It also helps us both learn.

 

[AirBaker]

...another perfectly good reason for hanging out at the airport.

My thoughts exactly.

I need to get my butt in gear.

Me too.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

Thanks for that personal viewpont. After this and other posts, I can see that I might not be the ideal choice for primary CFI. I can just see the students wanting to prepare for their checkrides and wanting lessons every day, and me not being able to accomodate.

Also, being a private teacher and college prof does give me some flexibility. IOW, I am busy, but flexible.

Ben,

You strike me as the type of person who'd make a great CFI. Even a primary CFI, for the right person. (Is Mark Kolber on this board? He's the model I'm thinking of.)

As for what a 600-hour CFI has to offer... Wow, you're up to 600 already!?!? You're flying a lot more than me! Anyway - Your teaching ability, your attitude towards flying, your enthusiasm. I'll bet your 25,000-hour instructor was just as good at 2,000 hours as he is now.


I teach people to drive big rigs. Each student is very different, and requires me (the instructor) to adapt my teaching to their learning style. I'm still learning how to teach, honestly! But, I think what I'm learning about teaching now will apply well to becoming a CFI later. You've already got that, and you love flying. So, Go for it!

 

[spiderweb]

Ben,

You strike me as the type of person who'd make a great CFI. Even a primary CFI, for the right person. (Is Mark Kolber on this board? He's the model I'm thinking of.)

As for what a 600-hour CFI has to offer... Wow, you're up to 600 already!?!? You're flying a lot more than me! Anyway - Your teaching ability, your attitude towards flying, your enthusiasm. I'll bet your 25,000-hour instructor was just as good at 2,000 hours as he is now.

Oh, I'm only up to 400 hours. I was just guessing that I'd be at about 600 by the time I got my CFI.

I teach people to drive big rigs. Each student is very different, and requires me (the instructor) to adapt my teaching to their learning style. I'm still learning how to teach, honestly! But, I think what I'm learning about teaching now will apply well to becoming a CFI later. You've already got that, and you love flying. So, Go for it!

I think I might just do that!