USMCFLYR

Well...as I said - if you don't believe in the example, or any number of others, then there isn't really anything that anyone can say to change what seems to be a long held view you have towards providing free instruction - nor would I expect any of your customers to complain!
I hope someone doesn't set up free IT service across from your present place of business

Who depends on CFI'ing as a primary source of income?
Just using this forum as an example - there seems to be quite a few trying to make it work.

Not sure who the 'chief' is that you are referencing, but I look forward to others chiming in too. that is what the forum is all about!

USMCFLYR

Flying Ninja

USMCFLYR,

I'm sure plenty of people are providing free IT services to their friends, relatives, colleagues, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc. I really can't say it has affected me whatsoever.

Without beating a dead horse here, I don't see what the big deal is with providing free flight instruction. Now if I was able to reach every person in the country, yes, you all have a point. But, considering I can only affect a single airport, well, like I said, I only have so many hours in a day to provide free instruction on a PT basis. I don't think the flight instruction industry will die because a few handful of people decided to do something out of the kindness of their hearts by effectively donating their time to give back to the industry what we love doing, and sharing that passion with those who might think it's a bit expensive to enter into.

bcpilot

I guess he was referring to Rick7777...

I also wanted to just share a thought......

If some one wants to give free flight & ground instruction, it could be done for a noble cause & still not degrade the profession.

For example, if I meet a student pilot or a young aviator, who has limited means, works at the local convenience store or walmart or Tacobell etc etc, saves every penny to pay for a flight lesson & is working slowly towards his ratings.......

In such a case, Helping such a student by not charging him the instructor fees for private or instrument flight training or even helping him with free ground school, all this is being done for a Noble cause & in the spirit of Flying...

I don't think that would be detrimental to aviation..... Infact that is giving back to the community by offering to help the under privileged.......

@NINJA, I think what U should do is definitely advertise, mention that you offer your services free but only for the underprivileged people......

That way, when a rich guy sees your AD, & comes to you, he will pay U full price for your service....

USMCFLYR

Guess you missed this part.
If that is who you are working for free - then good on you.
If you are working for free for everyone who comes your way - then I think many on here will disagree with your approach.
I'm sure you have thought long and hard (or maybe you haven't on the other hand) about your justification.
Others have other opinions.

bcpilot - yes there are those that do all kinds of pro bono work for those in need in many fields and in some parts of the US bartering is still an acceptable form of payment. I don't think this situation is either of them, but who knows?

USMCFLYR

Bellanca

It is one thing if you are cutting family and close friends a deal. I finished my dad's private ticket. I wouldn't dream of charging the person who put a roof over my head for 18 years for flight instruction. I've given BFRs and some instrument instruction to the couple who let me use their plane to teach my dad in. Again it was in the spirit of bartering, they let me use their plane to teach my dad with the only requirement that I topped it off when I brought it back, so they more than compensated me for the 10 or 15ish hours I spent instructing them.

If that is what you meant it is one thing.

However if you're talking about opening up shop and handing out business cards with the idea you are going to offer free flight instruction, then that is degrading flight instruction as a profession. Also, undercutting and therefore undermining the CFI's on the field that are trying to scrape by a living and/or run a business by instructing. That hurts general aviation.

STR8NLVL

Lstorm - some of the best CFI's at my FBO when I was training were PT guys with other jobs. They were the best because they weren't time building, but doing what they loved on the side. I'd encourage you to do that.

Ninja - I'd encourage you to go to your FBO and ask the local CFI's at the airport where you're working for free how many hours they're getting and what kind of money they're making for the last couple of months. Maybe when you see that while an extra 20-30 bucks a month might be chump change to you, it's the difference between Ramen noodles and PBJ for a guy starving to pay his dues so he can move on. You may think the few students you're teaching aren't enough to make a difference, but I guarantee they would be a big difference to the starving CFI at your local FBO from whom you're stealing clients. The reason no one can earn a living as a full time CFI is because whenever they try to justify charging more for their services some douche bag comes along giving the same services for free. If you want to help the profession, provide extraordinary instruction at above average prices, driving up the wages while giving your students a bargain for their money. At the very least charge what the full time guys do and just be better. Otherwise, you're stealing from guys who depend on those students to survive.

fjetter

+1

I guarantee that the schools at your airport are less than thrilled that you are teaching for free. Aviation works on notoriously thin profit margins and every student counts for flight schools, especially those in in more rural or low-activity airports. You are hurting their business.

To me the only people that should be taught how to fly for free are:

• Family members
• Very close friends (probably gonna need some barter if it is more than the occasional lesson)
• Things that are more charitable and giving back ie underprivileged kids, EAA young eagles

It really grinds my gears as someone who has worked as a full-time instructor at a smaller school that lived paycheck to paycheck when people say that they'll do it for free for fun, knowing how it affects others.

I have no problem with part-time CFIs, they're great and can be excellent teachers because many truly do enjoy it and stay with schools for a long-time (ie repeat business with BFRs, new ratings, referrals, etc). Just don't do it for free and besides who doesn't need a little extra beer money

bcpilot

Let me know if U need a refernce over there, I know few people there....

Flying Ninja

The FT guys can always try to grab my students away from me. The funny thing is, I get my students as a result of major dissatisfaction from the FT guys and flight schools. So the way I see it, I'm doing damage control for the profession and industry. Rather than someone walking away saying this flying gig sucks because these flight instructors aren't providing the expected service, they're now walking out with a certificate with satisfying flight training for free. Sounds like a win to me. Believe me, I'm not going into these flight schools or advertising free service. It's all word of mouth and referrals. I'm not stealing anyone's bread and butter. They lost it to begin with. I'm just cleaning up the mess at the other end.

Gajre539

Justifying why someone is offering free flight instruction, doesn't change the fact that free flight instruction is being offered. CFI tickets aren't free and mine weren't easy. I have offered free flight instruction in the past too, but it was limited to family and girlfriend(s). As a full time CFI, it ****ed me off when an old instructor (meaning 70ish years old) at our flight school said to a student, "Oh we flew for 1.5 hours and did 2 hours of ground, so just put in an hour and half of instruction on the ticket for me" Flight instructors are professionals and all of us should charge students for our services to maintain our professionalism (family, girlfriend/boyfriend, etc. excluded).