When I first started flying, I saw a poster that described pilots in various stages, my memory is fuzzy but it went something like this:

Student Pilot - can jump up if given two tries, not sure if the load bang is gunfire or gas, uses back of hand to wipe snot from his/her nose and has not heard about the gods.

Private Pilot - can jump over a wheel chock, can tell the difference between a pistol and a rifle, uses shirt sleeve to wipe snot from his/her nose and knows the gods exist.

Instrument rated, Multi-engine, Commercial Pilot - can leap a wheel pant, has shot a rifle, uses a rag to wipe snot from his/her nose and asks for the gods help when in trouble.

Airline Transport Pilot - can leap tall buildings, catch a speeding bullet between her/his teeth, always uses a tissue for the nose and regularly consults with the gods.

Certificated Flight Instructor - Is a god!

 

I have something like that somewhere. One of our professors gave it out. It always makes me laugh when I see it.

 

WHAT!!!!!

A "C+" in Calc.

I got a "B".

L3, don't worry about your ability to teach. Take the course and see what comes of it. I taught 6th, 7th & 8th grade Mathematics and Science. I thoroughly enjoyed making an impact in those kids lives.


atp

 

All my private instructor did was read word for word straight out of the brown jepp book. I could've have done that at home! What a total waste of money. Don't become an instructor if you are not 100% into it. There are other ways to build time and gain valuable experience prior to applying to the regionals. (just might take a little longer)

 

Being a good instructor takes time and effort. Don't slack off, try your best and know the material. I say that it takes about 3-4 months of teaching full time to get really good at instructing. You'll know that you can teach well when you get students that other instructors have trouble with.

I remember taking over and teaching a student who had flown the same lesson 12 times with another flight instructor. Needless to say, he had some issues, but none that couldn't be resolved in an hour of flight training by trying different things. This instructor had 50 hours as a CFI at that time and I had a 1000. People learn in different ways, what may work for one student may not work with another. As a flight instructor, you need to know how to convey the same message to a student in multiple ways.

I vote for getting your CFIs.

 

My personal belief is that you should get your CFI and start teaching if you feel strongly that you will be able to give your students their moneys worth. What I mean by that is will you be getting your CFI only to better yourself or will you have your student's goals in mind as well when they are footing the bill for your flying. As a fairly recent student, nothing was as apparent when I dealt with a CFI that was only trying to build time and was putting out the minimum effort. I have no doubt that if your attitude is right, your teaching skills will improve.

 

I have been instructing since september 2007. Its a great way to build experience, make some money and learn a ton. I have come to realize that it is an essential part of my learning. The opportunities that instructing offers will serve you well during the rest of your flying career. If you are not too excited about instructing try to think about it as a mandatory part of your learning...because in my opinion it was. And remember, you dont have to do it forever. Get as much as you can out of it, keep a positive attitude, then move on when you are ready.