Originally Posted by
salhnl
I have no doubt these smaller operations teach you so much about the job responsibilities and how to handle so many situations and unpredictable things. A really hands on experience. One thing that has come up, if pilots are pursuing the majors, it’s my understanding the majors want to see the CFI experience since the CA is that mentor to the FO. The CFI naturally molds you to that teaching experience. In an ideal situation it be great to have both I would think?
Being a CFI is a tremendous responsibility. After having a few close calls (think collisions) inflight, I think I am slowly realizing what else this might mean. Pilots that suddenly show up in a uncontrolled traffic pattern without making a radio call 10 miles out, probably had never been taught differently by their CFI. E.g. twice in the last three month at different fields, I was practicing right seat, short field landings making announcements via radio, cw, dw, base, on short final, suddenly out of the blue, a pilot announced he was on a half mile final ILS approach, heading directly toward me from the opposite end of the runway. I ask him his intentions and got no response. Maneuvering at low altitudes (in a landing configuration) to get away from a approaching aircraft is no fun!
Again, it comes back to the CFI's responsibility to be a good example and to NOT produce pilots that are a threat to Safety. I am sure the ATC staff would agree.
CFI, responsibility.....
Ding ding ding.. I think I see the light!
The color of the pilots hair has no impact in good decision making, black, gray, blonde, red, white...
Unfortunately, I was not able to see the difference till I met a great CFIl....