staying proficient

[Hootie9750]

right now I am currently attending my senior year of college, and I am also a cfi. I live in a smaller midwest community that really doesnt fly much. So right now I average about 1 hour of dual a week (the full timer get 5-7), so it sucks but I remind myself that the degree is primary right now. But I want to stay as skilled as the day I passed my cfi, so my students down the road dont get screwed because I forgot some stuff. Any tips on how to keep my knowledge and flying as sharp as possible? How much a week does somebody need to get a week to keep the skills form deteriorating (I just dont think 1 hour a week is enough, but maybe its all in my head?).

 

[ILLINI]

Do you instruct at at a school or FBO that has a sim? Maybe you could convince the owner to give you a few hours a week or something to keep proficient. Explain to him that you don't get much time in the plane w/ students and you would like to keep sharp... for the students of course! Maybe you could even convince him to give you a couple hours a month in the aircraft to remain proficient and current in landings, approaches, etc. At the school I instructed at we got unlimited use of the Frasca 141 sim, and 2-3 hours a month in the aircraft free of charge. As far as the book knowledge... that can go fairly quickly if not used on a regular basis. Ask if you could teach some ground schools or provide some tutoring to your students. If you have any CFI candidates, have them present lessons to you, and you play the part of the student by asking "student type" questions. You can learn alot by just watching someone teach. Also, you might want to try to become buddies with your mechanic(s). Occasionally they need to do test flights. If they are not pilots themselves, volunteer to do the test flight. If he/she is a pilot, ask if it would be alright if you went along for a ride. You log it as dual given and they could log it as dual recieved.

Hope this helps!

 

[Hootie9750]

no sim, the owner is the mechanic/test pilot, like i said its small.
i need to move to a bigger city.