Me working as a CFI.......questions for you

[rumpletumbler]

I didn't put this in the training section because I felt like it would get more traffic here and I wanted former CFI's as well as current to comment. I'm thinking seriously about going out and beating the bushes for a job again as a CFI and here is the scoop.....I got my CFI two years ago and I just renewed it. I'm currently don't have a medical but am working on that and have found a resolution. So in any case perhaps in a week or so I could be out looking for that job. I've not flown since my CFI checkride. I'd need to get current...BFR.. etc. I'm very apprehensive about it in the sense that I feel like I'm not sharp etc. and don't want to be the school dummy. I feel very stupid and I see people like bobbysamd throwing out great answers on things that I would have to look up and he hasn't taught in years. In essence I don't feel qualified for the position. Is this normal? Should I jump in anyhow and presumably get up to speed in a hurry once I start? I really want to do it but I don't want to be a bad teacher. I'd like to be a good one but I wonder if I need to be one before I can become a good one and I'm wanting to be a good one before I start. Make sense? Comments please. Thank you.

 

[MarineGrunt]

Here's what I'd do.......

Hit the books hard and get refreshed. Pick a flight school that you would like to work for, and get current again at that school. Go in, fly a few times, meet people, then inquire about a job. A lot of times, even if they aren't hiring, they'll take a good look at you if you got all yer turds in a basket.

As far as being confident as a CFI, you probably won't until you've been instructing for a few months. During that time you realize how much you don't know, and (should) end up hitting the books just as hard, if not harder than when you were training. Pay attention to other instructors and ask them how they do/explain things.

I'm sure others will post great advice..... this is just my experience....

BTW - Read "The Savvy CFI"

 

[rumpletumbler]

BTW - Read "The Savvy CFI"

Thanks for your post...I'm on page 89....its on my desk.

 

[MarineGrunt]

and don't want to be the school dummy.

This will be the driving force that will make you a good instructor. Use this feeling and dedicate yourself to not being "that guy." You're first couple lessons, yes, you will probably suck, but keep that quest for knowledge going and always searching for the answer to the never ending question------- "why?"





shhhh!...... I think I hear bobby's keys typing.........

 

[bobbysamd]

CFI recurrency

I didn't put this in the training section because I felt like it would get more traffic here and I wanted former CFI's as well as current to comment. I'm thinking seriously about going out and beating the bushes for a job again as a CFI and here is the scoop.....I got my CFI two years ago and I just renewed it. I'm currently don't have a medical but am working on that and have found a resolution. So in any case perhaps in a week or so I could be out looking for that job. I've not flown since my CFI checkride. I'd need to get current...BFR.. etc. I'm very apprehensive about it in the sense that I feel like I'm not sharp etc. and don't want to be the school dummy. I feel very stupid and I see people like bobbysamd throwing out great answers on things that I would have to look up and he hasn't taught in years.

Thank you for the kudos, my friend. After doing something for 3549 hours and nearly eight years one is bound to remember some things, but read on . . .

In essence I don't feel qualified for the position. Is this normal? Should I jump in anyhow and presumably get up to speed in a hurry once I start? I really want to do it but I don't want to be a bad teacher. I'd like to be a good one but I wonder if I need to be one before I can become a good one and I'm wanting to be a good one before I start. Make sense?

Don't feel bad. It makes perfect sense. Remember the Law of Recency from the FOI. The long and short of the Law of Recency is, "use it or lose it."

I really appreciate your comments, but I would be in the same boat as you if I were to start flying again because it has still been a lot of years. In my case, I would look for a ground school because an organized, structured environment with give-and-take with an instructor and students would serve me better. Consider whether you fall in the same category. Alternatively, whether you need it or not to maintain your ticket, a CFI refresher might serve the purpose.

Get back into the books, but, again quoting the FOI, learning must be purposeful, i.e. you will learn better if you have a reason to get back in them, such as a student asking something you don't know. Just the same, quite a bit should come back if you read and study. Maybe you can get someone to work with you in a study group.

During your flights, have your instructor play the student, just as you did when you were training for your CFI. That will be a good brush-up.

You will find that once you're working and you're teaching the same stuff over and over that you will retain your knowledge. So, work hard at getting the job. The fact that you don't want to be the "school dummy" shows you are motivated.

Hope that helps. Good luck with your job search. It's always great to see a pilot who is motivated about instructing.

 

[rumpletumbler]

Thanks. You are a great encouragement.

 

[huncowboy]

Just an idea.

How about joining someone who is doing his CFI now, especially the ground portion and sit in. May be share some of the costs. I am sure sitting in for some 20-25 ground briefs would do wonders... if you have that kind of time.

 

[norskman2]

Find a friend who's a pilot. Take them up and do a "mock" lesson or BFR. It'll give you a good sense of what you know, what you remember, what you don't remember, and how easily you can explain it to someone else.

Practice, practice, practice, at least a little, before jumping right into the hot seat and grabbing a job. If nothing else, it'll build up your confidence.

 

[rumpletumbler]

Thanks...I'd love to do that but unfortunately being out of work for almost 3 years has taken quite a toll on my practice, practice, practice funds. Thanks for the advice though...it along with the others have all been helpful.

 

[nosehair]

What!?...what are you doing in here pretending, acting, like you're a pilot, a flight instructor, when you're not doin' anything???.. Just kiddin'

Here's a thought. I see you a lot on this board...start researcing real quality answers to some of the questions here...not just bein' cute. Witty jocularity is good when relevent to the subject material, and can enhance learning, but the humor has to be surrounding the answer - not just a snappy come-back. 'K?

 

[Flyingtoohigh]

I was in the exact same boat in May. I had a CFII and a commercial-multi but no flight time in the past year and no dual given under my belt. I decided the best way to get current again was to go for my MEI. I lucked out and half way through my MEI training I got a job as a flight instructor. I never did finish my MEI but it is not far out of reach.

If you are successful in pursuing your CFI-I or MEI you will not only become current but you will also add a valuable credential to your resume. You will also 'renew' your CFI certificate with the new rating.

Food for thought.

 

[rumpletumbler]

Thanks...I've inquired as to whether I can use WIA funds to get the CFII but haven't heard back.

 

[BoDEAN]

Great advice from the people here, as usual.
Here is another tip, why not pick up a DVD or 2 from Sportys are watch it? It will be entertaining (I think) and you can pick up on small things that you may not have remembered from times past.

Also, backseat with a CFI and his student. Come in when the student comes in, and sit through the whole question with a note pad. Take notes, and if you have questions, ask after the student leaves the lesson. I am sure the CFI will be helpful. This gets you in the "job field" per say and you can get a first hand experience of what is going on, and what will be expected. Trust me, it does wonders!

As far as the books...yah, read up on stuff. I know you probably won't want to sit down and reread the whole Jeppesen Private Pilot Manual. But go over the maneuvers. I have the red Gleim book, that outlines the PTS and maneuvers for the private/commercial. It is a great tool to use. Basically it is the PTS, that is expanded on, with details on all the manuevers, and the errors. This should be a good starting point also to get back into the swing of things.

Don't be afraid of making mistakes or not knowing everything, because rarely you will know it all heh. I love when students stump me. That gives us BOTH a reason to open a book, and find the answer. And once you find the answer, you will have it locked into your memory =)

Best of luck, any more questions, continue to post.