CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 2, Issue 4 - 7

Chief's Corner

Teaching the teacher

By JJ GREENWAy

AT SOME POINT IN YOUR CAREER as a flight instructor you cedures to rote memory. For the CFI-in-training, however, may be called upon to provide instruction to an aspiring CFI. technique takes a larger role. Different students have difThe regulations specify (under FAR Part 61) that in order to ferent learning styles and it’s up to an instructor to read the do so, you must have been a CFI for a minimum of two years student’s learning style quickly and effectively. For instance, and have provided at least 200 hours of flight training as a I have one primary student right now who demands an inflight instructor. Requirements are slightly different for FAR depth explanation for every maneuver prior to attempting it. Part 141 schools and for glider instructors. The pre-flight briefing will frequently be longer than the inThe aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency requireflight lesson! Then, she prefers to attempt the maneuver on ments for the would-be CFI are very clearly laid out in FAR her own first without seeing it demonstrated. This method 61.185 and 61.187. Most of us don’t get a chance to provide this instruction very often so when DIFFeRenT STuDenTS hAve DIFFeRenT leARnIng we undertake the task, an in-depth review of STyleS AnD IT’S up TO An InSTRuCTOR TO ReAD The these sections is a good idea. STuDenT’S leARnIng STyle quICkly AnD eFFeCTIvely. Although not mentioned in the regulations, I’ve found one of the most valuable things I can pass on to an works very well for her and more often than not, she excels aspiring CFI is to have them observe me teach—particularly at the maneuver without needing to see it demonstrated. when I’m just starting out with a primary student who has I’ve had other students that prefer to perform the maneuver never flown before. Explaining the basics of flight in detail first, or see it performed, followed by a post-flight, in-depth to a new student comes easily to flight instructors who have discussion. Explaining and exposing the CFI-in-training to been at it for decades. Sometimes so easily that we choose these different styles is crucial to their success as an instrucour words and descriptions without even realizing what tor. we’re saying. If I have an aspiring CFI observing me and Most of us can recall the good flight instructors we’ve had taking notes, I’ve found that after the lesson, there is often as well as the bad ones. It’s very helpful to articulate to the more time spent talking about the lesson than was even spent CFI-in-training exactly what attributes the good ones had as on the lesson! well as exactly what it was that made the bad ones bad. The practical test for the first-time CFI has a dismal pass Training a new CFI is not to be taken lightly. In producrate, particularly under FAR Part 61. It is slightly better in ing a new CFI, you’re imparting your knowledge to someone the FAR Part 141 environment possibly because the teaching who has the opportunity and ability to influence a whole new CFIs are more familiar with the Designated Pilot Examgeneration of pilots. And, it’s imperative to impart the ability iner who will be administering the practical test, and they to produce safe and knowledgeable pilots! therefore can train the new CFI to his or her standards. Granted, the FARs and the Practical Test Standards spell JJ Greenway, a CFI since 1980, has given dual instruction in out the requirements in great detail but for some reason, aircraft ranging from the Luscombe 8A to the Boeing 767-300ER. there seems to be a disconnect between CFIs in the field and the examining authority, whether it be the local FSDO or a Designated Pilot Examiner. As a CFI, particularly if you are going to be instructing other CFIs, I can’t emphasize enough Ask ATC: Flight following the importance of establishing a relationship with your local FSDO and engaging the inspectors in dialog about the CFI-A Student pilots sometimes worry about requesting practical test. Most FSDOs operate under an unwritten rule flight following service for any number of reasons. that an initial CFI practical test must be scheduled with an Help them overcome this relucinspector from the local FSDO. If this is not practical within a tance by listening to ATC’s pertwo-week period, then they will recommend one of the Desspective in this short video clip. ignated Pilot Examiners in their region. Some FSDOs operate Visit www.airsafetyinstitute. differently though so it is important to find out the exact reorg/askatc for additional answers quirements in your region. Be aware not all Designated Pilot to common ATC questions. Examiners are qualified to conduct the CFI practical test. As a CFI teaching primary students, we have all explained the difference between procedure and technique. It’s safe Sponsored by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association to say that we lean heavily on students to commit the pro-

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CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 2, Issue 4

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 2, Issue 4