Originally Posted by
rickair7777
Reality...
The plane was probably fine. A prop strike on a soft object like an animal, well the animal is going to lose. If the prop was not damaged visibly then the engine was fine. If nothing was bent structurally, then it should fly fine minus the transponder.
Probably the biggest risk would be the transponder antenna cable arcing and sparking, but turning the transponder off should fix that.
Regulatory...
The airplane needed a formal Mx inspection, comply with the engine mfgs requirements for whatever they define as a prop strike. The transponder needed to be INOPed. Might have needed permission to fly in a B circle without mode C, and might have needed a ferry permit.
Whether you keep the CFI or not probably depends on his attitude about it. Most CFI's are barely more experienced than their students... he's still learning too.
'Lotta doomsday scenario replies here but this is the most logical IMO.
I have a tough time finger pointing and making a bullet point list of things you did wrong, or things "you should know" as I was not there. At the very least you learned a valuable lesson and created a personal limitation for next time. It's all about the learning process.
As for the instructor change: No one here is going to be able to adequately make that decision for you. It may be as simple as asking yourself if you feel safe with this instructor to continue your training. If you need an outside opinion, bring it to the attention of the flight school.