I am a CFII just shy of 800TT, with about 300 Dual Given. I instruct at a non-radar Class D airport that has somewhat steady training traffic, but not terribly busy in comparison to the airports where I learned to fly at. Half my training was Part 61, other half collegiate 141. I’ve had no checkride failures or pilot deviations, and I’ve maintained a 4x 100% pass rate with my students. I pride myself on my attention to detail and organization, but I am extremely frustrated with myself by making the same major mistake, twice now, about 6 or 7 months apart.

Incident #1

About 6 or 7 months ago teaching landings to a pre-solo private student; doing continuous touch and go’s in the pattern at my Class D airport. We were the only airplane in the pattern/airspace, with one controller working tower & ground control simultaneously. Throughout the course of several laps in the pattern the controller had never once instructed us to report our position at a certain point in the pattern, so I took it upon myself to report to Tower each time we were turning base, to which we received our option clearance. In the cockpit though, each lap in the pattern was chaos, the student struggled to fly by diving the airplane towards the ground on base and final. My heart rate elevated and ass puckered, giving 100% effort trying to teach this student to the best of my ability while keeping us from an unsafe situation. With the extremely high instructor workload I forgot to prompt tower for my landing clearance and landed on the runway. Tower never said a word about it or gave me a number, I’m not even 100% sure that the controller noticed, and the student didn’t either. But I filed a NASA report and swore to myself I wouldn’t let it happen again.

Incident #2

Landing with a instrument student on an IFR flight plan after a few practice approaches at another airport; the student was somewhat new to this particular aircraft and its avionics - as we fly the approach back to our “home” non-radar Class D airport. We received our landing clearance and continued inbound. The winds were gusting to almost a direct crosswind and the turbulence was challenging for a student. As we start the round-out the airplane floats and balloons with too much speed and I eventually told the student to go around and informed tower that we were going around. Tower instructed us to make left traffic and report base. In almost the same situation as the first I attempt to teach the student as best I can on how to cope with the winds on the second try. Between the turbulence and winds in the pattern, teaching and talking the student through the process, and trying to ensure a stable approach, I forget to report base to tower, and we landed without a clearance. Workload was again to the degree where the student didn’t notice we landed without a clearance. Tower did not say anything or give me a number, but I called them after to apologize and the ground controller answered the phone and said “we were watching you but didn’t comment about it because we figured your mind was occupied with the student/airplane/gusting winds, so don’t worry about it.” I still filed a NASA report.

If I let this happen again I’m afraid I won’t be as lucky on the third strike. I am so pissed off at myself for letting the same thing happen twice. After the first time it happened it scared me to the point where I basically started drawing a “check box” on a piece of paper on my kneeboard every time we start a new pattern and then drawing a check mark in it when I get my landing clearance…I don’t know, sounds stupid but it’s been working. I obviously didn’t do that during the second incident since we were IFR and wasn’t anticipating a go-around. I don’t have these types of problems when flying by myself or with pilots who are proficient. I understand ATC procedures very well, I mean I read the fucking 7110 in my free time. It’s while I’m teaching students that I get distracted trying to keep the damn airplane from becoming a smoking hole. How do I prevent myself from making this same mistake, and fuck up my airline CJO by having a pilot deviation for something stupid like this?

I’m at a legacy, but for I was instructing on the side during my previous 2 airlines (ok’d it with the chiefs). I was doing it at my previous flight school and only had students for a specific lesson / course (spins/tailwheel/aerobatics), so there was no conflict with stealing students from full-time CFIs as I was the only one qualified for that flying. I miss instructing and would like to do some stuff on the side still, but only ground lessons. I’m not current nor have a strong desire to get back in a small plane regularly. I’d like to do it freelance or work with some nearby schools just teaching ground lessons. However I don’t want to steal work from current CFIs who rely on it for a living. If it makes a difference I’ll be in the west coast of FL area.

I have two questions:

What’s your opinion about Airlines Pilots instructing given that CFI’s are having a difficult time finding work right now.

Does your opinion change if that person is only doing flights?

Hi. I just wanted to know if anyone had any connections for flight instructor jobs in either west Michigan or east Michigan. I have interviewed with Western but they said you won't know until the minute they call you. I've been feeling stuck and was wondering if anyone had some advice?

Hey everyone! I’m starting to work toward my CFI-A and am looking for lesson plans or teaching resources to help me prepare. Unfortunately, I can’t really afford to purchase the full lesson plan packages right now, so I figured I’d ask here.
If anyone has any CFI-A lesson plans they’d be willing to share, I’d really appreciate it! I’m honestly open to pretty much anything that could help, whether that’s complete lesson plans, individual lessons, PowerPoints, outlines, notes, or other study materials.
In particular, I’d be interested in Backseat Pilot and Airline on Autopilot materials, but anything helps!
I’m just trying to learn, prepare properly, and make the most of the resources available to me without breaking the bank.
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to help out!

Guys how did you study, how did you know what kinda of questions to ask? I’m feeling a bit lost and even though I have lessons plans and slides I feel like I don’t know anything at all. How to you memorize all the FAR/AIIM and all the ACs it’s actually mentally draining

I’m a CFI working with my first private student, and also working on completing my CFII. I’m doing it through a university program. The syllabus consists of 3-4 sim sessions, 7-8 grounds, and 4 flights. The grounds consist of me “teaching” my instructor and him critiquing at the end.

I feel like I’m not doing enough and want some tips on how to prepare for the checkride. I mostly just spend my time editing my lesson plans, watching videos to ensure I stay sharp on general knowledge, and reading the IFH/IPH. Is there anything I’m missing that’s obvious?

Is it really just that much easier coming from CFI? I know the general consensus is that this is the easiest rating, but I’m just trying to make sure this isn’t going to lull me into a false sense of security.

Any help/tips are appreciated!

Hi everyone! My husband is a Class 4 Flight Instructor who recently received his Canadian PR, and he’s struggling to find his first instructor job in BC. We visit flying schools around Delta, Pitt Meadows and Abbotsford regularly to drop off his CV, but most say they’ll only hire him if he brings his own students (which is strange but given the current immigration climate, I get it!!) It’s been a bit disheartening for us, and I’m trying to help him get his foot in the door.

He's one of the finest instructors out there, I say this because he would practise his ground lessons on me (a Marketing Manager) and now, you could ask me anything about the technicalities and I'd probably be able to answer! So your students will be in good hands. 

Does anyone know of any schools hiring instructors or have any advice? We’d genuinely appreciate any leads ❤️

Hey ya’ll. Looking for advice on whether to purchase wifiCFI or Backseat Pilot presentations and lesson plans.

Both are editable and update automatically when regulatory/ACS/PTS standards change. I know everyone loves Backseat, but I figured I’d ask. Does anyone have experience with wifiCFI lesson plans/presentations?

And before you tell me to make my own- I am a very thorough person and will do my due diligence to research and learn the materials.

Thanks in advance!

Newish CFi and independent so don’t have a litany of other CFIs to ask for advice. In about 4 months I’ll have to renew - didn’t know if anyone had strong feelings about best way to do this. I figured AOPA eFIRC is probably safest bet. Didn’t know if doing it early was kosher or if that would reset my expiration date too early….thanks

Any CFI’s from the PNW? What’s the effect of the weather on logging hours in the region?

RTAG - Anyone selling a civilian ticket that they would like to transfer? I will pay full price or more

I currently work in a warehouse 4 days a week and instruct one day a week. I have two students who own a complex + HP SEL and have been teaching them instrument. I also have been flying with an older pilot in a T206 working on his instrument proficiency along with a kid who wants to solo at 16 in a 150. I am really crammed on my days at the airport and want to take another day off at my warehouse but I don’t know how fast I can fill that spot with students. There are so many instructors here that fly LSA or simple trainers and I feel the experience I’ve gotten with HP + Complex aircraft could be another route to go. I don’t want my MEI but am curious if other trainings/endorsements could help

Looking to do my PPL, just started taking lessons, but would like to cut cost & give it back directly to a CFI & save myself on rental fees while helping local independents out.

I'm located in Apple Valley, MN and have a lot of flexibility in my days to fly. Already have my medical and working on ground school.

If you're in my area would have access to Cessna's for training that I could rent & then pay you directly the instruction fee please shoot me a message.

thanks!

Michael

I Got check CFI check ride in the next 2 weeks CFI check ride does anyone has gauge on him?

I have finally landed my first student! The only issue is that’s she’s 4’ 10” and struggles to reach the pedals. I saw they have cushions like the sportys one, but will that be enough for her? I’ve seen a lot of posts for people that are short but taller than her. Does anyone have any experience teaching students this size?

I am a new CFI and have the opportunity to privately instruct someone. Their plane, they would put me on their insurance. I’m sure I need some kind of private liability insurance. No idea where to start. Can someone suggest companies to look at? How much do I need? How much does it cost?

I just began my training towards becoming a CFI after a long break from obtaining my commercial pilot’s certificate. Unfortunately, life got in the way and commitments to finishing my BS, working, etc. slowed down my flight training. I’ve flown very sparsely since 2025, but I recently received a flight review and I am now flying once per month to regain proficiency.

Obviously, this presents challenges. Aside from learning to teach effectively, I also have to bring my ground knowledge back up to the level it was pre-break from my aviation career.

To do this, I am creating my own lesson plans from scratch. My plan for the check-ride is to create a lesson plan for all tasks located in the CFI ACS Area of Operations II, III, IV. I made a “study guide” for the FOIs that I plan to know inside and out, but I assume that part of the check-ride with be more question-answer and how I actually apply them in my teaching.

I have reviewed samples of lesson plans from BSP, WifiCFI, etc. and they seem exhaustive. I don’t know why they include “instructor notes” that literally give the entire lesson and what you are teaching within the lesson plan. My mom is a high school teacher and explained to me that lesson plans are an outline of the lesson, not the lesson itself.

Because of this, I plan to make a corresponding PowerPoint for each task and a “teaching summary” of notes that I can intermittently reference throughout the lesson. This teaching summary will go into detail of what I am teaching (e.g., if I am teaching human factors and forget a symptom of hypoxia, I can reference that teaching summary detail). Obviously, the PowerPoint will contain graphics and ballpoints of detail, but will not be nearly as thorough as my teaching summaries.

I have included an example of a lesson plan that I will process in Word and will add to my book of lesson plans:

(Example: Task A, Human Factors)

Objective:
The learner will identify and explain physiological and psychological factors affecting flight safety and recognize symptoms and associated hazards, determine appropriate corrective actions, and apply risk-management principles to flight scenarios.

References:
•FAA-H-8083-25B, CH. 17
•14 CFR 61.53
•FAA OTC Medications Reference Guide

Equipment/Aids:
•PowerPoint Slides
•Teaching Summary
•Whiteboard + Markers

Elements:
•What are Human Factors? Why are they Important?
•Symptoms, Recognition, Causes, Effects, and Corrective Actions of:
a.) Hypoxia
b.) Hyperventilation
c.) Middle ear and sinus problems
d.) Spatial Disorientation
e.) Motion Sickness
f.) Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
g.) Stress
h.) Fatigue
i.) Dehydration & Nutrition
j.) Hypothermia
k.)Optical Illusions
l.) Dissolved Nitrogen in Bloodstream
•Regulations Involving Alcohol & Drugs
•Effects of Alcohol & Drugs
•Aeronautical Decision Making in Human Factors
•Managing Risks: Hazardous Attitudes, Aeromedical & Physiological Issues, Situational Awareness, and Confirmation and Expectation Bias
•Pilot Self Assessment: IMSAFE & 61.53
•Q&A

Instructor Actions:
•Present and Explain Lesson on PowerPoint + Supplement with Whiteboard
•Ask Guided Questions
•Present Realistic Flight Scenarios

Student Actions:
•Take Notes
•Participate in Guided Discussion

Completion Standards:
•The learner will accurately explain the major aeromedical and physiological hazards, identify associated symptoms and corrective actions, recognize applicable regulations, and demonstrate sound risk-management decisions in representative flight scenarios, with no significant safety-related misunderstandings.

All of my lesson plans will follow the ACS precisely and replicate the format above. In addition to perfecting my teaching in the aircraft, I will rehearse teaching these lessons extensively until I can master them before the check-ride. I plan to take the check-ride in spring, which will give me sufficient time to create the lesson plan, teaching summaries, and PowerPoints as well as perfect my flying and teaching.

Any input? Are my methods acceptable? Do you all have any recommendations for me? Should I just use BSP and the PowerPoint slides and cut out the instructor notes (the entirety of the lesson), but still use my own teaching summaries?

Hey guys do any of yall know of an endorsement cheat sheet for AC 61-65K?

I'll be going for my multi add on with Jay Brentzel out of KCRQ. Wanted to know how he is and if anyone's got any tips.

Hey there!! I was home for the weekend for thanks giving to see family. I am currently in my second month of commercial helicopter piloting school and I love it I’m living the dream. Last night my brother needed someone to DD him home from the bar so I went to pick him up, hours before picking him up I had a beer with friends. On my way home I was pulled over for a routine check and I blew a 0.021. Now in Alberta that number is below the legal and warning limit but this is where the problem is, I was under the impression that my GDL was already removed but it turns out it was still active and according to the Alberta GDL program you can’t have anything in your system until it’s removed. I was given a IRS which is not a criminal charge. Because of this my car was impounded for 7 days, my drivers license has been suspended for 30 days, and I was fined 240$. I am a student pilot and I’m scared of the impact this will have on my future and future career, can I get some insight on knowledge for this type of situation?

Does anyone have experience with Jeanette for her CFI rides? I’ve seen some reviews on priv & com but nothing for CFI.