For Instructors - Question About Student Personality Problem

[User546]

Thanks guys and gals(?) for all your responses and suggestions. Appreciate all the good ideas and perceptions offered.

(Keep em coming if you still wish to contribute!)

 

[Ron Mexico]

I don't work for a flight school, I just do it freelance on the side, all by word of mouth.

I commend this guy, because he actually seeked me out and the first thing he said is "I need to get a BFR sometime, but would you be willing to go up with me for 5 or 6 flights, or however long it takes, and get me back up to speed flying this airplane." The guy recognizes that he doesn't fly very often, and his Mooney is probabably a bit much airplane for him now-a-days. I like the sending him up with another instructor idea.

The "Come to Jesus" talk might not be a bad idea as well. Theres no doubt in either of our minds who the "smarter" one is, and he aknowledges that, but he just doesn't want to be told he's wrong. When he does get told that (even in a nice diplomatic way) he shuts down and quits paying attention to me. I dont think its purposely that he's doing this, i just think its part of his personality, and like most ultra-successfull business people, he probably hasn't been told he was wrong too much in his life!

Just a little psyco babble to think about and keep in mind. If your assesment of him is correct then his frustration may really directed at himself not at you. Most of these older guys who have been flying for awhile may be realizing their time is coming to an end and fighting it!!!! I don't know for sure, so I am guessing here but, the guy has probably been flying forever and he is afraid of loosing it!!! Kindda like when Grandma runs over the Voice box at Mickey D's and drives home with the menu stuck in the grill...All the family has to draw straws to choose who takes her keys!!!!

Remember it is YOUR ticket and if he screws up and kills someone guess who is going to have a nice flight with the FAA!!!? YOUR ticket is more important than keeping this guy happy!!!!