Someone thinks that flight schools want the 250 hour wonder pilot turned CFI that knows everything -- just ask them-- that will be around for 2 months, scare off a bunch of students, then split for an airline?
Ah, the blind leading the blind: The newly certified 250 hour CFI trying to teach a complete newbie how to fly. Some do exceptionally well, they care, pay attention to the student, conduct the required ground sessions, and really give a hoot about what happens. I'm mentoring several new CFIs right now that fit the exceptional category.
More often than not, the 250-hour wonders fit the description of the worst of the stereotypical time-builder. Working for free or below minimum wage, no ground, flying only, 70+ hours of cross country dual time without the student ever knowing what a sectional chart is or how to land, and generally treating the students like dirt, turning away countless potential pilots.
When the music stops, I don't want another flight instructor taking out their missed opportunity frustration on their students. I dislike counseling students after their instructor cancelled their lesson with no notice to go fly a multi. I dislike it even further explaining to pilots how some bit of basic aeronautical knowledge their burnt out instructor didn't teach them would have prevented an accident or an incident.
I see the students from instructors that are completely burnt out. It's not pretty. The students are on their way out of aviation, to go out and buy the boat, then spend their time trying to close down the local airport with the dangerous airplanes.
The burnt out attitude permeates the instructor, preventing the instructor from getting hired at an airline once the opportunity comes around again, which will be in another decade (on average).
If one doesn't want to flight instruct, then don't! Right now, and for a limited time, there are plenty of regionals desperate for pilots. Go fly there. Then, if you really really want to, come be a flight instructor, once you've learned how to fly. Then, once you've 'learned to fly', take your experience into the world of flight instruction.
Fly SAFE!
Jedi Nein
5+ years Master CFI, Flight School Owner
But after five years of flying jets, my 2500 hours of piston PIC (including that dual given) is still the only FAR 1 PIC that I have.
) I would gladly flight instruct. Loved it then, love it now. But, there is always some (now with their Part 142 program) 160 hour Riddle Rat f'ing up my mojo--and pay.
