Leaky Brain Syndrome
 

There is just SO much information out there that a good CFI/CFII needs to know. I have gone through every line of the AFH, the PHAK, part 91, 61, study guide after study guide; right now I'm steadily making my way through the AIM but it can feel overwhelming. I can read something, learn it, and understand it, but how do you get to the point of referencing random technical sections from memory???

For instance, I recall a certain day back when I was working on my instrument rating when my CFII was able to recall the exact formula for calculating the radius of a turn from the PHAK (Radius = velocity squared divided by 11.26 times the tangent of the bank angle)!

I just don't see how you keep it all in. It's like I'm trying to fill up a water jug but the jug has a leak in the bottom, so how am I ever going to fill it and keep it full?! Then on top of all this the FAA is constantly updating! How do you maintain all these facts, details, regulations, techniques, common errors, etc in your head!?

Repeat exposure is usually how it starts to stick. I worked as an instructor for a while, and I certainly didn't know everything by heart from the beginning. However after teaching the same thing to a lot of people you will eventually be able to quote regulations by number and word by word, haha.
A word of advice would be to try and find some students to give free tutoring (if you are working on your CFI, not really sure if you are one, or studying for one by your post). When you have to put everything into words that a student will understand, your understanding will get a boost as well, and it will be easier to remember. At least it was for me

It's not that a good instructor knows everything. It is that a good instructor is prepared for the lesson(s) to be taught that day.

BTW, how many times in flight have you used the radius of turn formula? Even better, how about the ridiculous formula for finding your distance from the VOR by turning 90 degrees from your course...I am not saying there isn't an application for these "tid-bits", but don't saturate yourself with minutia.

The goal is to teach practical and safe flying, that is what people will remember when their brain leaks out. I agree with Photon, in that the more you teach a particular task the easier it becomes to recall everything associated with it. You will be amazed at how much you didn't know, once you start teaching.

And then some people have a knack for meaningless tidbits of information and like to share them (think bar trivia). You are not expected to memorize the AIM for instance. Know where to find information. Prepare for the flight/lesson/test throughly. Repeat usage will certainly reinforce certain bits of information and teaching is a great way to reinforce. It is easy to get overwhelmed with a mass of numbers, tolerances, checklists, techniques, and microvolts/amps - - - I'm living in myself! ;)

USMCFLYR