Do you accept tips?
09-15-2011, 09:56 AM
#1
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Joined APC: Aug 2010
Position: SA227, left seat
Posts: 109
Do you accept tips?
As a CFI would you accept a tip after your first flight with a new student? If so, what about subsequent flights?
I've always thought that since I was being paid for my services by the school I would not accept tips as it seems it can cheapen a relationship between instructor and student. Maybe this is naive...thoughts, experiences
I've always thought that since I was being paid for my services by the school I would not accept tips as it seems it can cheapen a relationship between instructor and student. Maybe this is naive...thoughts, experiences
09-15-2011, 12:11 PM
#2
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Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: Seat 0B
Posts: 2,300
I've received tips and gifts in many forms. Meals, gift cards, books, and more. I have heard of others recieving cash after they pass their checkrides (usually for add on ratings from doctors, lawyers, etc).
On the issue of a brand new student pilot, who isn't event rated, I might find it a little odd for him to give it and I probably wouldn't take it. If he/she wanted to buy me lunch, maybe so. Cash, no way.
On the issue of a brand new student pilot, who isn't event rated, I might find it a little odd for him to give it and I probably wouldn't take it. If he/she wanted to buy me lunch, maybe so. Cash, no way.
Last edited by TheFly; 09-15-2011 at 12:14 PM. Reason: Added line
09-15-2011, 06:08 PM
#3
Flying Farmer
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: Turbo-props' and John Deere's
Posts: 3,160
Maybe it's just me, but we are in the service industry. As a CFI, you're providing a service(or even a pilot in general). If you go above and beyond what the person you are providing services for expectations, they can tip. I'm flattered personally, and maybe I have turned one down, but honestly I don't remember. I don't think it "cheapens" the profession, but some others have their thoughts on that.
09-16-2011, 01:33 PM
#4
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Joined APC: Aug 2010
Position: SA227, left seat
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I agree that we, as CFIs, are part of the service industry. But, we are also educators. Have you ever tipped a teacher? I haven't, but I have funded a night or two out with a flight instructor in the past.
I tried to explain that tipping was not necessary today. The student became visibly offended and insisted I accept. Tip accepted, groceries in the fridge, and I think we're both satisfied.
I tried to explain that tipping was not necessary today. The student became visibly offended and insisted I accept. Tip accepted, groceries in the fridge, and I think we're both satisfied.
09-20-2011, 08:59 PM
#5
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Joined APC: Mar 2011
Position: CFI
Posts: 45
I can count the number of times I've been tipped in cash on one hand, usually by the parents after an intro flight, and for what I can only assume is bringing their kid back alive. However, I can't tell you how many times I've had food purchased for me or brought to me by many students. From them, I've heard that feeding the instructor has a nostalgic "rambling-instructor-will-fly-for-food" thing about it.
Chances are, if they're offering a cash tip, they'd like you to accept it. I always make sure I say "it's not necessary" and I'm always grateful.
Chances are, if they're offering a cash tip, they'd like you to accept it. I always make sure I say "it's not necessary" and I'm always grateful.
09-24-2011, 09:33 AM
#6
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Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: EMB-170 FO
Posts: 383
A dad once bought me lunch and gave me a $40 tip for finishing private pilot training with his 19 year old son. It was more of "hey, he just passed his checkride, let's go grab some lunch and talk about starting his instrument training" type thing.
I've received tips for pilot services, but I don't accept them from active students for flight instruction. I usually say that it'll go on their flight account but they are welcome to buy me lunch/dinner, if we fly somewhere... which a majority of them do. Everyone does it differently, but this works for me.
I've received tips for pilot services, but I don't accept them from active students for flight instruction. I usually say that it'll go on their flight account but they are welcome to buy me lunch/dinner, if we fly somewhere... which a majority of them do. Everyone does it differently, but this works for me.
09-25-2011, 07:23 AM
#7
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Joined APC: Mar 2011
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Posts: 51
I have accepted lunch from my students, but in that case I wont charge them for instruction. I would never accept a tip, not because I don't think i deserve one, but because I was recently a student and I know how expensive it is to complete flight training. I wouldn't feel right about accepting a tip because of all the time my flight instructors cut me a break on something to help me out because of the immense cost.
09-25-2011, 11:48 AM
#8
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Joined APC: Aug 2010
Position: SA227, left seat
Posts: 109
Originally Posted by MarcS08
I have accepted lunch from my students, but in that case I wont charge them for instruction. I would never accept a tip, not because I don't think i deserve one, but because I was recently a student and I know how expensive it is to complete flight training. I wouldn't feel right about accepting a tip because of all the time my flight instructors cut me a break on something to help me out because of the immense cost.
What if, when reminiscing about flight training, you remembered showing up with a wad of 20s and 100s in your pocket and always paid in cash without caring about how much it costs? You bought the BOSE A20 right out of the gate, and, you wanted to get your pilot license so you could buy your own private plane? Do you think your instructors would have given you a break then? Maybe, maybe not.
For my students with high interest loans or low paying jobs and money saved, I'm conservative when it comes to billing, and usually "cut him/her a break". For those who can pay, I'm fair, and don't advocate taking advantage. All I'm saying is that, although we thought/think training is expensive, there is a population of students for which the cost of a PPL is less than they'll spend in a weekend in Vegas. That's all...
09-25-2011, 03:12 PM
#9
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Joined APC: Apr 2008
Position: King Air 200 CA Hawker 800/900 FO
Posts: 810
Originally Posted by jcrews
What if, when reminiscing about flight training, you remembered showing up with a wad of 20s and 100s in your pocket and always paid in cash without caring about how much it costs? You bought the BOSE A20 right out of the gate, and, you wanted to get your pilot license so you could buy your own private plane? Do you think your instructors would have given you a break then? Maybe, maybe not.
For my students with high interest loans or low paying jobs and money saved, I'm conservative when it comes to billing, and usually "cut him/her a break". For those who can pay, I'm fair, and don't advocate taking advantage. All I'm saying is that, although we thought/think training is expensive, there is a population of students for which the cost of a PPL is less than they'll spend in a weekend in Vegas. That's all...
For my students with high interest loans or low paying jobs and money saved, I'm conservative when it comes to billing, and usually "cut him/her a break". For those who can pay, I'm fair, and don't advocate taking advantage. All I'm saying is that, although we thought/think training is expensive, there is a population of students for which the cost of a PPL is less than they'll spend in a weekend in Vegas. That's all...
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