CFI Concerns
08-27-2013 | 04:13 PM
#1
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CFI Concerns
So I just recently began working as a CFI after many years of working towards it and I have come the the realization that I feel like I have no idea what I am doing! I have my first student tomorrow and I feel like I don't know where to start and how to make it the most beneficial to him.
Is it common to feel completely inadequate when beginning as a CFI?
Is it common to feel completely inadequate when beginning as a CFI?
08-27-2013 | 05:31 PM
#2
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From: Engines Turn or People Swim
Yes, that feeling is normal.
Is this the first lesson of a syllabus, or is it more of a disco flight?
If it's the former, presumably a disco flight has already occurred. Sit down with the student and explain how the flight will conducted, including safety items like seatbelts and control hand-off. Then conduct the flight with the student in tow explaining everything you do. Have him manipulate the controls per the syllabus when you think it's safe to do safe...the student's own level of confidence comes into play here, so discuss that too before you go.
If it's a disco, basically the same but ask the student where he wants to go (if there's any choice) and what his comfort level would be as far as manipulating controls. Tailor the flight to the student.
Is this the first lesson of a syllabus, or is it more of a disco flight?
If it's the former, presumably a disco flight has already occurred. Sit down with the student and explain how the flight will conducted, including safety items like seatbelts and control hand-off. Then conduct the flight with the student in tow explaining everything you do. Have him manipulate the controls per the syllabus when you think it's safe to do safe...the student's own level of confidence comes into play here, so discuss that too before you go.
If it's a disco, basically the same but ask the student where he wants to go (if there's any choice) and what his comfort level would be as far as manipulating controls. Tailor the flight to the student.
08-27-2013 | 05:38 PM
#3
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From: JAFO- First Observer
Relax, you are completely normal! That is exactly how we all felt as a beginner CFI's. Your REAL learning is about to begin. Don't worry, you have already proven you have the knowledge and basic skills. Trust your instinct, use your lesson plans & syllabus and you will be just fine. Get to know your student! The sooner you figure out the best way to impart knowledge (lectures don't work for everyone), the better things will go. Everyone learns differently! Remember the FOI stuff? Apply it as necessary. Most importantly- BE YOURSELF, and set a good example.
You will never forget the moment when your first student SOLO's on your watch! It is the most satisfying experience you will ever have in your career!!
You will never forget the moment when your first student SOLO's on your watch! It is the most satisfying experience you will ever have in your career!!
08-27-2013 | 05:39 PM
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Spend some time the night before with the lesson plan you'll be using in one hand & your bag of brains/books in the other. Once you're comfortable with the material just try to relax. You'll be learning more than you can imagine over the next few hundred hours & the anxiety you're feeling is normal and useful.
Sounds like you're motivated ("...to make it the most beneficial to him.") so the hard part is over. Start at the beginning and it'll all come together. Your time instructing will be what you make of it & will range from miserable and monotonous to exciting and rewarding. It'll go by fast so take a moment to enjoy it every once in a while.
Sounds like you're motivated ("...to make it the most beneficial to him.") so the hard part is over. Start at the beginning and it'll all come together. Your time instructing will be what you make of it & will range from miserable and monotonous to exciting and rewarding. It'll go by fast so take a moment to enjoy it every once in a while.
08-27-2013 | 06:30 PM
#6
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From: Toilet warmer.
So I just recently began working as a CFI after many years of working towards it and I have come the the realization that I feel like I have no idea what I am doing! I have my first student tomorrow and I feel like I don't know where to start and how to make it the most beneficial to him.
Is it common to feel completely inadequate when beginning as a CFI?
Is it common to feel completely inadequate when beginning as a CFI?
The hard parts, the lesson plans, have already been done for you. All you have to do is apply them. Familiarize yourself well with each lesson before your students see you. When you see for yourself how easy the application is, you will be relieved. I sure was.
Last edited by Hawker Driver; 08-27-2013 at 06:53 PM.
08-27-2013 | 06:38 PM
#7
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From: Volleyball Player
Otherwise, make sure to provide good structure for everything taught. No "well just do it more" or "it's that way because", always provide specifics, references, amounts, etc. We rely on CFIs to have good knowledge and provide good instruction to students. Don't be afraid to cut things up into little parts. Every student is different.
08-30-2013 | 11:58 AM
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Thanks for everyone's words of wisdom, it has helped put me a little at ease. The flight in question ended up being a rental checkout with a student whom had done none of the required paperwork the night before, so I ended up working with him on some of the ground information. I have been having a little luck with some Disco flights and I am getting a little more comfortable with what I am doing but I know there is still a lot for me to learn. Thanks again for everyone's help!
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