IFT washout. How can I motivate this guy?

[AA717driver]

I am of the mind that someone may have put the idea in his head that he can coast through this. I'd try one last time--tell him that to get to UPT, he HAS to go through YOU. At this point in time, YOU are not going to sign him off for his solo, let alone a private.

I had to have my a$$ kicked by my instrument instructor because I thought I could just coast, too. He was a center controller and a WSO who had spent a couple of nights on the ground in Cambodia courtesy of the NVAF so he was only too willing to kick my slacker a$$!

Not all of us were born with the big picture squarely in view.TC

 

[Flyerjosh]

The military is big on counseling- both positive and negative. Write up a statement that says clearly what his shortcomings are and the expectations that you have for him and his training. If you have positive remarks, include them as well. (Such as if he is a decent pilot). Spell out your limits and expectations clearly, and explain that if he fails to meet certain basic expectations, he will be recommended by you for dismissal from training.

Have him sign it, and give a copy for him and keep one for yourself. If he doesn't meet these expectations, then forward the whole thing and whatever supporting documentation you have to his program commander.

 

[TheGreatChecko]

Remember, he might be AF, but chances are he will be someones co-pilot/captain some day. Would you be comfortable walking into a cockpit and seeing this kid in there with the attitude he is demonstrating?

Eventually, someone will "adjust" his attutude. That person should be you.
Personally, I'd write that letter, it covers your rear and puts on paper what will and will not happen. I'd imagine that you will see a change in the student soon after he reads and signs it.

 

[fishalaska]

Your question is one of the best I have read in a long time. As a CFI/CFII and military F-15 IP I am proud to call you one of the "fellas". Bounce this guy. He is a disgrace to the opportunity he was given and you as the person with the pen have the right and duty not to sign him off until he is ready not only with the flight controls but also the regulations. You have given him his shot at the title and now someone else deserves the chance.

 

[Uppercrust]

I don't get it?? Your not his boss nor are you his mentor. If he ain't up to solo then don't sign him off. That simple. Let the military deal with him.

 

[Spur]

Motivation?

Try:

1. Fear
2. Sarcasm
3. Ridicule

If the above fails:

1. Identify
2. Document
3. Eliminate

You'll never regret it.

 

[Tweetdrvr]

Spur,


Way to bring back the old school, that was top rope, LOL

 

[Fury220]

I've had some great IFT students, but I had one that was a bit of a problem. He was a great stick-and-rudder pilot who studied hard and was sharp on knowledge, but he seemed to know it and his attitude reflected his arrogance. At the time I was a 19 year old CFI just disenrolled from AFROTC because I couldn't get a medical waiver and was still somewhat in awe of his gold bar. That being said, I had to explain to him that even though he was three years older than me and was an officer, a position I hoped to someday obtain, he'd better leave his attitude at the door before climbing into the airplane or he wouldn't be getting my endorsement and I would talk to the PAS, who had interviewed me a couple years earlier for my ROTC scholarship and whose daughter went to my high school. He straightened up and passed his practical with flying colors. Last I heard he was in Talons, IIRC.

I got kicked out of AFROTC with a scholarship because of a single BS asthma entry in my medical history despite a 425 PFT score in the top 10% of my wing, a half marathon under my belt, and stellar reviews. I saw people that were half the cadet (and I would say half the person) I was get UPT slots when good people got shafted because of a tenth of a GPA point and yeah, it pissed me off. If he's not doing his part, I say have one more Come to Jesus talk with him then bounce his sorry arse and his gold bar into a Services squadron somewhere. I busted my hump and finally got a Guard UPT slot, and to be honest, I don't want somebody like that standing and flying beside me.

I'm a PU grad...PM me your info, if you want. We might know each other.

 

[Fury220]

I've had some great IFT students, but I had one that was a bit of a problem. He was a great stick-and-rudder pilot who studied hard and was sharp on knowledge, but he seemed to know it and his attitude reflected his arrogance. At the time I was a 19 year old CFI just disenrolled from AFROTC because I couldn't get a medical waiver and was still somewhat in awe of his gold bar. That being said, I had to explain to him that even though he was three years older than me and was an officer, a position I hoped to someday obtain, he'd better leave his attitude at the door before climbing into the airplane or he wouldn't be getting my endorsement and I would talk to the PAS, who had interviewed me a couple years earlier for my ROTC scholarship and whose daughter went to my high school. He straightened up and passed his practical with flying colors. Last I heard he was in Talons, IIRC.

I got kicked out of AFROTC with a scholarship because of a single BS asthma entry in my medical history despite a 425 PFT score in the top 10% of my wing, a half marathon under my belt, and stellar reviews. I saw people that were half the cadet (and I would say half the person) I was get UPT slots when good people got shafted because of a tenth of a GPA point and yeah, it pissed me off. If he's not doing his part, I say have one more Come to Jesus talk with him then bounce his sorry arse and his gold bar into a Services squadron somewhere. I busted my hump and finally got a Guard UPT slot, and to be honest, I don't want somebody like that standing and flying beside me.

Something is screwed up in this thread...my original reply for this post ended up half a page up. Weird.

 

[Fury220]

Here's the deal: Not EVERY job I've done for my country got me 100% motivated and excited to wake up in the morning. There have been many a night where I'm late in the squadron busting my butt to get something done that I see little purpose to do (other than "the boss wants it done").

Do you know how much Big Blue cares about that? NADA.



If this guy can't motivate himself to study, manage his time, and actually F*CKING SHOW UP for flight training that he's getting for FREE (!!!), then to he11 with him. Most PPLs end up costing the recipient upwards of $5000...this kid gets the opportunity to have Big Blue fit the bill. He should be busting down the door of your FBO trying to get his training done and calling you at home with questions.

If he's not motivated now, he won't have what it takes later. You can take my word on it.


If you really wanna kick him in the pants, try sending him a link to this thread. Plenty of no-kidding USAF and USN pilots weighing in on this for him to realize he needs to pull his cranium out of his stink hole and get his feces cohesive.

 

[Flyerjosh]

If you really wanna kick him in the pants, try sending him a link to this thread. Plenty of no-kidding USAF and USN pilots weighing in on this for him to realize he needs to pull his cranium out of his stink hole and get his feces cohesive.

I think this is the best idea yet...

 

[Catbert]

THANK GOD FOR THIS THREAD! I thought I was the only one with one of these.

Just wanted to let you know you're not alone aviator1978. My AF ROTC student is very similar, even including the part where he shows up after an extended vacation and says, "Hey, I gotta finish this thing next week!"

Mine's a good kid, not cocky or anything. He's even a decent stick. He just won't apply himself. Shows up without having read the material, etc. But his biggest problem is that he never gets past the rote level.

Me: I see the weather is xxxx and xxxx, what do you want to do now Lt. Wannabe?

Lt Wannabe: Gee I dunno sir, what do you think?

--or--

Me: Your engine just died, what are you going to do?

Lt Wannabe: Well, what do you think I should do sir?

!#%**@!)^!!

I'm supposed to recommend this kid for a checkride soon and he won't take charge of anything no matter how much rope I leave him to hang himself. I've been trying to figure out what to do with him for a while. This thread has been very helpful and really gave me some idea of how to approach the problem.

And FYI aviator1978: mine's been dragging this out longer than yours, so take heart.

 

[malterf15]

Ditto

This is a no brainer. Drop kick for effect.

The IFT program is actually set up for supervising this. There is some AF officer who you should know that's supposed to oversee your IFT program. This guy is supposed to monitor IFT students and make sure they solo by 20 hrs and get their checkride by 50. Find out who this guy is and let him know about your punk. He should take care of this for you.

 

[Fury220]

Here's an important point to pile onto what Malther said about the 20/50 hr rule:


When I did IFT, I was required to finish the whole thing in 6 months. No longer! If your cadets are dragging their feet, it's time to have your boss call his boss.


Talk to the PAS (pronounced "Pea Ay Ess" and is usually a Lt Col or Col) at the ROTC detachment. He'll know what to do.

In a sense, IFT is like shining shoes and taking care of your uniform: "If we can't trust you with the minor, insignificant things, why do you expect us to trust you with the big things?"

These guys need to realize that.

 

[JimNtexas]

Catbert, please for Jebus's sake don't recommend him for a checkride unless he shows he's able to act as PIC. He won't get through UPT like that, but if he has a PPL he may kill someone with it. Really you'd be doing him a favor to wash him out now.

I wonder if this kind of thing is why the USAF is going back to a central contractor operated screening program?