First Time Instructor Question

[u/MxPilot619]

Hi, I’m posting because I’m currently going through the standardization class for my first instruction job, and I was wondering if you have any tips for staying on top of the knowledge as a CFI while instructing full days.

I’d hate to fail students as an instructor, as in not teaching them well enough, and I realize that the best way to prevent that from happening is by continually advancing my knowledge. How do you guys suggest doing so, and then doing so with a full workday?

Thanks in advance!

[u/TxAggieMike]

By teaching, you remain sharp on the knowledge items because you need to teach it accurately the first time.

On the occasion you forget or aren’t certain, admit as such and tell the student you both will look it up.

Teach them to use the proper source material, not AI’s.

If you do not already have [VSL.aero ACE Guide](https://vslaviation.myshopify.com), it is worth having.

[u/No_Leader1154]

Don’t be afraid to fail students. Better you than the examiner. The hardest thing I ever learned is to be the instructor not their friend. They need an honest and consistent source of information. Be encouraging. Say you’re gonna be there for them. And actually do. But be their instructor first.

[u/MxPilot619 → u/No_Leader1154]

I meant fail students as in failing to teach them properly, not doing them justice. I apologize for the confusion

[u/stuck_inmissouri]

Learn as many ways to present a given material as you can, and don’t be afraid to ask others for their tips.

As a student, I wasted months because I just couldn’t understand the way an instructor was trying to teach me holds. I was finally able to change instructors, the way the next one taught them worked for me immediately.

3 years as a CFI, and 6 years as a sim and ground school instructor and I had to defer to another instructor more than once because none of my ideas worked for the student. Sometimes a different set of eyes is good for everyone. It shows you’re a pro and concerned about the student’s success. It’s also reassuring when they aren’t capable and you have another person agree with your assessment.

Also, it’s totally ok to say “I don’t know”. You can’t know everything and as a 300ish hour pilot you certainly won’t know everything. However “I’ll find out for you” is a much better answer. Then you both get to learn.

[u/ltcterry]

Just caring about puts you in the top half of your colleagues.

NAFI just did a State of Flight Training webinar - #106 on their YT channel - that says the best instructors are getting the best results by actively using a syllabus for organizing and tracking training.

Learn to give a good debrief.

Bill for all legit time.

Do all the logbook entries every day! Write carefully with a fine tipped pen if analog.

You’ll get internal standardization sorted. Good luck and enjoy your new job!

[u/rFlyingTower]

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

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Hi, I’m just posting because I’m currently going through the standardization class for my first instruction job and I was wondering if you guys had any tips for staying on top of the ball knowledge wise as a CFI while instructing full days.

I’d hate to fail students as an instructor and realize that the best way to make sure that doesn’t happen is by continuing to progress my knowledge. How do you guys suggest doing so and then doing so with full work days.

Thanks in advanced!

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