I got hired today by a school in south FL. Its been a long and painfull journey but it happened. I got my first job. What advice do you experienced CFI's have for a new guy?

Thanks

Roselio

 

Don't let them kill you

 

The best advice that I can give is remember- your job is all about the student. Too many CFI's couldn't give a darn about their students (instead they only care about building hours and moving on). CFI's that keep their student's interests at the forefront will never have an empty schedule. In addition, they're the ones that are most likely to build good networks and professional relationships that will carry them into the future.

Focus on your students and enjoy the ride! You'll quickly find that despite all you think you know about aviation, you've barely scratched the tip of the iceberg!

 

Don't tell them 'this is the first time I've done this' or "Your my first student". It'll kill your credibility. Imagine a doctor doing the same...

If they ask you how long you've been instructing, answer with, "I've been an instructor for XXX days/months/years (However long it's been singe you did your CFI checkride)"

 

Let them make mistakes. They'll learn from them. Don't step in every single time or they'll never progress. Second, poor pilot hit an important point.

 

Do you think it would be more credible to say I've been an instructor for 14 days? Just curious cause that was my situation. My students learned they were my first students and everything went well. Be ready to learn a lot with your first few students, both about teaching and aviation. They will ask questions you have never thought about before. Don't BS.

 

Ride out the mistakes as long as safely possible; this will allow them tto see what happens and why. And let them correct the plane; everybody already knows you can fly.

 

Agreed. There's a fine line between learning and letting it go to far. If in doubt, take over early. As you gain experience, you'll know how to toe the line. It may be obvious or not. Like a student who was over-shooting final at an uncontrolled field. No traffic, no worries...until he kicked the rudder to full deflection to get the nose around! Don't know where he learned that but it wasn't from me! Kinda funny looking back on it, NOW! Congrats and good luck.

 

If they ask you a question you don't know the answer to, tell them to look it up and give you the answer next lesson.

 

They are going to try their hardest TO KILL YOU.

You think I'm kidding? Just wait.

1) Every person is different. Know that you MUST adapt your teaching style to meet each students needs.
2) You are going to make mistakes. When you do, call yourself out and discuss what would have been the correct action. You are human too. Don't play "Super CFI"
3) If you are not learning as much as your students, you are doing something wrong. Instructing is when a pilot truly becomes a pilot. You cannot imagine how much better you will be in 1 year.
4) They will try TO KILL YOU. Keep an eye on them, never get too comfortable with ANY student. It was always the "good" ones who scared me, simply because I wasn't expecting them to try to kill me.
5) Never sleep with your students. I'm serious, don't do it. For real. I don't care if she's hot. No. It's not worth it.... Yes I know she always wears a skirt and she lets it slide back when you are flying. You will get fired. Don't do it. (happened to the CFI that I replaced back in the day...she was hot, let me tell you)
6) Always keep an open mind. Be yourself at all times.

An important one.... There will be a time when you are sick of instructing. By this point you will THINK that you have just about seen and done it all in little planes. This is when you will get complacent, you will let things slide, and you will not be the best instructor you can be. Be aware of this and do not let this happen. It not only creates a danger in your flying, but it heavily influences your students and believe me they will imitate your actions. If you are slacking in any way, they will too. This is bad for everyone involved.

Rant over, I need another beer.....

-Quag