Military PI -> Civilian IP

[stadik_kling]

Question - I've learned the SUPT students typically take the Military Competency Exam towards the end of their training, thus earning their civilian ratings. When military IP's are finished with whatever they call military IP School, do they have the opportunity to take a similar exam to get the FAA's CFI rating?

 

[skyward80]

I may be incorrect, but it is my understanding that the FAA will not issue a CFI license to military IPs by means of a competency exam. IPs wishing to hold a CFI would need to do so by completing a civilian CFI course.

My reference is 14 CFR 61.73 "Military pilots or former military pilots: Special rules". This section makes provisions for competency exams, but it does not include the CFI license.

The text of this regulation is available here.

Lata!
Skyward80

 

[Tweetdrvr]

skyward is correct

I had my private before UPT, after UPT I got my Comm-Multi Instrument Restricted to Centerline thrust due to having flown the T-38. When I went to do my CFI, I had to first get the Commercial Single Engine Add-on, then take the CFI rating. After flying C-130s, I got the centerline thrust restriction lifted from my multi.

Military Flight Instructors are generally good teachers, but AF AETC instructor training doesn't really do a good job of teaching FARs, airspace, uncontrolled airport ops (changing with the T-6 JPATS). It doesn't really cover the Fundamentals of Instructing very well either.

T-34 Navy and T-6 Air Force guys are probably the closest right now to being ready to take the CFI exam, but there is still a lot of civilian stuff to know. Guys who become MWS instructors in big planes without having ever taught in little planes are probably no where near ready to teach multi stuff in a Seminole/Duchess type aircraft. But I'd be willing to bet they could learn pretty fast.

If I were King of the FAA/Military/AOPA liason program, I would submit a proposal that all military flight instructors who are willing to go out and earn their initial CFI single engine, could then have their tickets stamped for whatever they are doing. I.E. guys at Primary Training bases could easily have their Instrument Instructor ratings and if they were instructing Multi such as T-1/T-44/T-38/T-37, they could have their multi engine add on as well. Maybe the guys who are instructing in Multi Center thrust airplanes would have to take a checkride in a non center thrust airplane. Who knows, will it ever happen--probably not.

 

[skyward80]

I think the biggest thing for any military IP to learn before teaching at a Part 61 program (and perhaps even some 141 programs) is how to coddle their students. Seems like most people these days want their hand held and a lolly pop after every successful maneuver. I'm looking forward to being taught by military IPs. I have never met any, but I am sure they are no-BS-down-to-business types for the most part. Guess I'm just one of those weirdos who likes to have his teeth grit for most of the lesson.

Lata!
Skyward80