Truly excellent CFIs are unfortunately quite rare. On the one hand our aviation training world has an abundance of totally green “hour builders” still learning their craft with their eyes set on an airline career (2/3s of all active CFIs have taught less than one year). These people are amazingly enthusiastic and usually have excellent … Continue reading “How to Become a CFI-PRO™”
When an applicant shows up for an FAA evaluation with a Desgnated Pilot Examiner (DPE), the first step is validating the applicant’s experience and endorsements; “qualification.” According to a gathering of 36 senior DPEs at Oshkosh, approximately 1/5th of scheduled flight tests never even start due to incorrect CFI preparation of the applicant. A DPE … Continue reading “1/5 of FAA Checkride Applicants Are “Unqualified!””
Like many GA pilots, I learned the “pitch for airspeed, power for altitude” (Navy) method of flying. Soloing in a Taylorcraft, owning a Champ and flying gliders (no extra power) initially enforces this paradigm. And the ancient FAA AC recommending this paradigm (61-50A) is actually still in effect promoting this control method. The “big iron” … Continue reading “Teach (and fly) “Energy Management!””
Some of the most celebrated human characteristics – hope and courage -dramatically overcome obstacles and make great biographies, novels, and blockbuster movies. Unfortunately, these same bold moves in aviation are the fuel for most NTSB reports. Hope is a very bad flight planning tool, which combined with “too much courage” creates an – *almost drug-induced* … Continue reading “Pilot “Hopium” and “Magical Thinking””
We have amazing freedom as pilots operating under part 91. This provides great flexibility but also permits a dramatically higher accident rate compared to every other sector of aviation. We need to better manage the “freedom, flexibility, and fun” afforded by Part 91 permissiveness. Safety is almost completely in the pilot’s hands. Safety depends almost … Continue reading “20% of Accidents Involve Showing Off!”
Many people grew up in the middle of the “self-esteem movement” of the 1990s. This misguided trend perpetuated the myth of innate talent and instant success. Everyone was “special” and “participation trophies” were awarded for “showing up” rather than any effort, struggle, and achievement. The myth of “instant gratification” and entitlement replaced hard work as … Continue reading “Praise Effort – Build a Love of Learning!”
Experienced aviation educators know that many of the techniques taught to initial CFI applicants to pass the FAA practical test are actually harmful to real education. Every effective flight school has historically had techniques to “break in and transform” new academy-trained CFIs so they are “effective educators.” In my 25 years running a 141 flight … Continue reading ““Showtime” for SAFE CFI-PRO™”
Thanks to some very generous donors, the new Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA will be open during AirVenture this year. This facility has many potential applications, but the primary emphasis is on teaching better decision-making with pre-scripted scenarios flown on Redbird simulators. Pilots are guided through a series of “decision gates” that may lead to … Continue reading “Educating Better Decisions; Pilot Proficiency!”
The “Fundamentals of Instruction” (FOI), are required to be learned and then tested by the FAA for initial CFI certification. This teaching doctrine is a formidable challenge for many pilots transitioning into their new role as “educators.” Success for every aspiring CFI requires shifting from the world of “flying and physics” to their new primary … Continue reading “Reforming The (Ancient) “Laws of Learning!””
This article is contributed by Dudley Henriques, a vastly-experienced retired CFI. It is longer than our usual blog but contains rare wisdom about effective flight instruction from an obvious pro; well worth your time and effort! We need good instructors in aviation generally and especially in the aerobatic community. Becoming a CFI isn’t really all … Continue reading “Flight Instruction At A Higher Level”
