Teaching family members to fly

[cforst513]

I know that I am getting way ahead of myself here, but my father and brother have both expressed an interest in flying. I will shortly begin my training and will eventually end up a CFI. What are your thoughts on me teaching my family members to fly? Is it a good idea? Why or why not?

 

[minitour]

I know that I am getting way ahead of myself here, but my father and brother have both expressed an interest in flying. I will shortly begin my training and will eventually end up a CFI. What are your thoughts on me teaching my family members to fly? Is it a good idea? Why or why not?

If you don't want to teach them, can I?

-mini

 

[qmaster3]

I wouldn't want to tell my dad, brother, or MY WIFE. They can't solo, because they suck.

 

[Kream926]

baby steps fool, maybe you should get your private first

mini, if you're that desperate for students..........i dunno, maybe you are a tool

 

[pilotyip]

I taught my son to fly, no problems. I tried to teach my wife, she was a good pilot but she ran the airplane like she ran the house, did what she wanted to do. Like I would say "Today we are going to do S-turn about a road". She would say "I don't like S-turns, lets do some more spins". I tried to solo her twice, she was ready, but did not feel like it that day. Never did get her license, but I have great pitch hitter when we fly together. My granddaughter was a drop out also. I start on my grandson as soon as school is out.

 

[SWAFO]

Teaching

I'm not a CFI but taught my wife to fly and it was a great experience.

SWAFO

 

[CDVdriver]

Hmm, I wouldn't do it.
I would be involved in their training but not as their primary CFI.
In my opinion the stress levels are just higher because they don't want to look stupid in front of you, that's always easier with a stranger.
Kream926, if you can't say anything reasonable SHUT UP and do us all a favour

 

[pianoman]

I'm assuming the car in your avatar is Caddy DeVille? If so what year and is that your ride? Looks cool. My cousin has an old Caddy I want to buy and restore.

 

[cforst513]

Hmm, I wouldn't do it.
I would be involved in their training but not as their primary CFI.
In my opinion the stress levels are just higher because they don't want to look stupid in front of you, that's always easier with a stranger.
Kream926, if you can't say anything reasonable SHUT UP and do us all a favour

yeah, that's good advice, both for kream and for me. i guess i could be on the side as a mentor and help. my brother has a short fuse and can get frustrated easy. i'd like to think of myself as a patient man, but we all have our limitations. thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[wrxpilot]

Why not teach them? My Uncle taught his brother (through CFI) several years ago and myself just recently, and it was a great experience. That same uncle learned from his dad (my Grandfather). It's actually pretty nice, because you can be more candid w/ each other. I understand the hesitation, and I also asked the same question (from the perpective of a student though). I ended up hearing from a lot of people that were taught by their fathers, grandfathers, etc. I'm hoping to teach my brother and my young cousin when I become a CFI.

 

[Flying Illini]

cforst,
IMHO, just being a mentor is the way to go. Be involved but don't be the primary.

 

[Aeronca]

My father taught me, it was a great experience. I hope I'm able to teach one of my kids.

 

[nosehair]

It can be a great experience, leaving many fond family memories...and it can be a disasterious experience causing painful family tie-breaks that forever disrupt the family....think about it.

Every, every one of us is a unique individual with special needs. It is a large roll of the dice when you take on a family member....someone you can't leave at work.

 

[Guitar Guy]

My Dad taught me to fly. I think it was a great way to spend time with my Dad. And he really made sure I was ready before that first solo.

If you do end up training your family members, you might consider having another CFI fly with them once or twice before their solo to make doubly sure that they are ready. It might give you a little extra piece of mind before that big day.

 

[CDVdriver]

YEP, 1972 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, the avatar is just a nice pic of one.
Mine looks a little worse for wear.
Just haven't had the time yet to rebuild pretty much everything.
Got a 500cu inch engine waiting for it..mmmmmmm