Flight Instruction question
 

I am interested in what Flight Instructors have to say. I am really begining to feel like I would enjoy getting my CFI/MEI and teaching. I really do not want to teach primary though - it scares me. The thought of actually determining that someone is ready for solo, and then watching them go around the pattern is terrifying to me. I would really like to teach Multi, commercial, Aerobatic/upset recovery, Tailwheel endorsements...but the thought of being responsible for when a new student solo's, cross country, etc absolutely scares me. Am I alone in this way? Has anyone ever had a primary student screw up badly on a solo, or solo x-country? (maybe a bad question - it will reinforce my terror :eek:)

Also - what type of instruction is the most fun/least fun?
What type of instruction do you feel best sharpened your skills?

Just curious...I have seen lots of posts from people that "don't want to instruct", and people that feel that "instructing is the best way to learn". I would like to hear specifics about what instructors like and learn (as opposed to general comments like "it is rewarding" and "i learned more while instructing").

Thanks in advance guys

I just posted this and saw my typo...I will flame myself so we can dispense with the comments about why I mispelled instruction:

1) English M**************, do you speak it? (From Pulp Fiction)
2) The first step to instructing would be learning to spell
3) Is English your native tongue
4) JetBlue owns the future, and you can't spell (should save Gman a post)
5) It is people like you, that can't spell, that pick up the DP's at FedEx (from FedEx guys)
6) I know how to spell, and I still can't get on with Alaska! (our favorite construction co. owner/Alaska pilot).

OK, that ought to cover it. Thread is pre-flamed

Quite possibly the single best post I've ever seen on APF.
...and no, I'm not biased because the one that got me in trouble was first on the list :D

Thanks POPA, just trying to save some people some time. Hope I don't get in trouble. I still think Jungle's post, that showed the bunny with pancakes stacked on its head was the best.

Haha. I've got lots of stuff like that stored away in an online warehouse, but only about 40% of it is usable on these forums.

I think you learn to use good judgement about when to solo someone. Maybe your first few students take a bit longer, cause you'll be conservative, but that's part of the process. You just work with them until they are at the point where they can get the job done without you next to them. Then you let them go under controlled circumstances. It's kinda scary, but I think teaching wheel landings in a taildragger is worse.

When instructing I enjoyed working with primary students more than those working on advanced ratings. I was also scared by commercial and instrument students to a much higher degree than I ever was by a private student. Maybe it had to do with my attention, but I think much of it had to do with bad habits and things you simply can't anticipate that advanced students have picked up along the way.

What is the most fun? Seeing a student suddenly grasp something they have been working on. When all the pieces come together they are excited, and you are satisfied because you know you're doing a good job. The least fun? Sitting in the pattern for hours on end with somebody that is either not putting forth the effort to study on their own, or doesn't care.

Every type of instruction you do will sharpen your skills. Primary students aid in the fundamentals to some degree, but I think they heighten your ability to mutli task more than anything. Instrument students obviously add to this, but they also give you some "real world" experience. I logged quite a bit of actual last spring and it really helped me feel ready to move on to a regional. Commercial students help because you're going to get a little yank and bank out of your system and by that point the student's skills are close to yours so you need to be sharp.

I've had students screw up on solos, solo cross countries as well. In the couple cases where this occured they were honest and upfront with me. This showed that they were learning and this experience, while worthy of a gut check, would make them better pilots. The main rule I had when signing somebody off was that I wouldn't do it until I was confident that they would be safe. Even in the cases where my students "screwed up" they were safe and took what I would consider acceptable actions. That in my mind is more important than doing everything perfectly every time.

Simply put, if I could find an instructing job that payed better and meant fewer hours at work I would still be doing it.

Of course don't forget the forum admin that edits your spelling in the thread title making everyone wonder what you're talking about! :p

As for primary CFI instruction, the anxiety you feel is called inexperience mixed with responsibility (this is a good thing to recognize!). Soloing a student is one of the most gratifying aspects of being a CFI that I remember even if it was a little more work. The first few will have you a little nervous, but trust me, it gets easier.

I am glad you did edit it - I actually wanted answers to this question, and this will help. Thanks so far for the responses - very helpful.

That is very funny. FLY SAFE T.C.