Originally Posted by
rickair7777
Yes this did cross all of our minds. I was specifically assigned to fly with a new FO back at the regionals because management wanted a second opinion, post IOE, on the guy. He had been a 20-year ASEL CFI and after a divorce decided to run away and join the airlines. He struggled significantly but had a good attitude so I (barely) recommended they retain him. No idea what happened in the long run. Career stagnation or complacency can indicate potential difficulty succeeding with the next step. Either because the stagnation was caused by training struggles up to that point and fear of greater challenges, or complacency which could mean difficulty shifting gears back to student after so long.
I'm less concerned about the OP, given his penchant for learning new things and the martial arts background.
Thank you for the vote of confidence. For all my years of teaching, I have constantly pushed boundaries. I attest that to my martial arts background as I have taught 3 1/2-year-olds all the way up to the grey beards. Beginners beyond black belts. I am an aggressive learner who hungers for more on a normal basis. At my Flight school I am the teachers teacher and people gravitate to me for more knowledge. Even from my mentors, I inspire them to try new things. I’m not your typical CFI. I have aspirations of becoming a check, airman one of these days as I do love to educate. I am certain when I start my training I will excel. When I went for my multi this past fall, I studied the airplane and multi engine concepts well before sitting in front of my instructor for the first time. I wanted to be prepared before they even started teaching. When I took my check ride. I was told I should’ve taken the MEI ride as I knew the information cold.
When I got my interview, I nailed every question. I was very well prepared.Now, it was my first and only interview since I was a “career changer “I had to go to the review board. A week later I received my CJO.. I have some close connections from captains inside the regional airline of my choice. They provided me with the 900 page operations and systems manual. along with the Honeywell manual and performance manuals I have been studying that material diligently so I will be prepared to know the material cold by the time class starts. So as you see, I am not waiting for it to come to me. Regardless of where I choose to go. I will immerse myself in the material to be at my best.