rickair7777

Not really the norm, but you could make it happen. If you found an instructor willing to do it, you could probably share ground training sessions, pre, and post flight briefs. If the airplane is big enough, one student could ride in back and observe while the other student trains, and then swap when it makes sense. Observing the other guy would help when it was your turn.

For this to work, you'd probably want to study together too, so you'd need someone you get along with, with similar aptitude.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wissam

3-How do determine when an instructor is great, good or mediocre?
I know the key is trying multiples, but I rather avoid jumping from school to school...

You don't want to jump around, that's expensive. You do want to interview multiple instructors before you start, that way you would have some basis for comparison before you chose. They should present themselves in a professional manner. Be wary of CFI's who try to sell you on airline industry opportunities... unless you get the rare airline pilot moonlighting as a CFI, most CFI's don't know much about airlines, and should stick to what they do know... stalls, steeps turns, etc.

The underlying challenge is that flight students typically know little about aviation, so they are easily fooled. The best recommendation comes from other students who are further along than you (or former students). A freelance instructor should provide references, and you should call them.

If you're looking at larger schools with multiple instructors, try to talk to current students away from the staff, catch them in the parking lot, etc.