Foxy

I'm currently plotting the acquisition of my CFI, and had a few questions.
Given that:

* CFI isn't a stepping stone for me, but a destination
* I want to be a fantastic CFI
* I don't mind spending money to achieve the former

... does anyone have any recommendations on material for a CFI applicant?

My initial instinct is to study the "aviation instructor's handbook", the AFH, IFH, IPH, FARs, ACs, etc. and teach myself to be a CFI. Ironically, however, I know that my own learning style and schedule are not necessarily compatible with unguided bulk study, so I was wondering if there might be a publication, or series thereof, that would "bootstrap" me in a little.

I've looked at the Jeppesen manual, and it's certainly not something I'd mind having.. but I want to know what else is out there that people find useful for someone who might not have the time or focus to start at 14 CFR part 1 and read through.

-Fox
PS. I did actually look through a bunch of old threads on here, but I couldn't really draw a conclusion, except that if money was an issue and time was not, the free online publications were the best choice.

GrUpGrDn

gleim has good material as far as what lesson plans should look like

Cubdriver

I do not know of any one-stop text on the subject of becoming a CFI. The present situation is that a new CFI applicant has to obtain and be familiar with a pretty scattered collection of topics found in a variety of places from a variety of sources. It is definitely a bit disorganized. You may have to buy as many as two dozen books or other documents to even begin to assemble a decent reference collection. In addition, the field of flight training and general aviation changes so much these will almost invariably become outdated.

The thing to do is buy a fairly comprehensive collection of the standard books as a basic reference collection, then try and keep up with the coming changes by reading a host of newsletters and magazines. I read about 5 industry newsletters a day by email and I subscribe to 3 industry magazines as well. You really need to go to refresher clinics as often as possible, more than the minimum required 16 hours for FAA renewal. It also helps a little bit to keep in touch with forums such as this one. There is far more behind-the-scenes work to becoming an effective flight instructor than most people realize.

slipped

I would go to amazon and get some cfi books. Also in my experience; there was VERY little new material when I got to the cfi level, you have to know the same stuff you already shold know, you just have to have it down pat. Especially airspace, you should be able to point to ANYPLACE on a sectional, and describe the airspace from the surface to 60k feet. Also get that AC 61E i think it is it deals w/ endorsements and it should be the only thing you havent seen till now(besides spins, but some people have done those anyway;-) You might want to look into going to an "academy" like american flyers or atp or somethin like that for the bootstrap. Good luck.

Planespotta

Skyroamers Publications

Great texts here . . . "written for the cockpit and not the classroom." Butcher really knows what he's talking about. I'd recommend looking into his publications.

ATLCFI

Foxy,

Congratulations on wanting to be a Professional Flight Instructor not just a CFI.

Near the front of your PTS is a list of suggested reading material. Getting the Handbooks and advisorys on that list will be a great start to your Instructor reference library.

Take the time to really get to know the preamble or the first few pages of the PTS. There is a lot important information there that is missed by applicants.

shdw

Foxy, please email me at [email protected]. I have something I would like to discuss with you privately in regards to career flight instructors. That is my goal as well, though I have already begun this process and have my certificate. Thank you.

ryan1234

scary world


On a more serious note....

"Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot" does a pretty good job of combining a lot of the instrument/commercial stuff.... especially FARs/Medical/IFR stuff

lavMan

This rating is kind of weird. You pretend to teach your intructor, to become an instructor, who already has all their ratings. I learned everything to obtain the rating, and apply it. But I really felt that I was a CFI, once I was let go, and had my first students. That is where you learn to become an instructor. Up to that point it's kind of playing make believe. You will see if you have applied the proper knowlege and skills to your students once you sign a few off for checkrides. You will learn that every student is different. But after signing off your first 3-5, it will become like riding a bike. All the books give great guidance, but until you actually get to teach, that is where in my opinion, I learned to become a CFI. I obtained my rating in 1997, instructed for two years, and had 17 out of 20 pass on the first attempt. I still keep all my certificates(CFI,II,MEI) updated, but I haven't instructed since 1999. I moved on to the airlines, my choice, but I learned a lot, and worked at a descent place, and actually had fun with it. I'm sure folks all have thier opinions on it, but from my experience, that is my take on it.

pilot1278

Avman pretty much said what I was going to say.

When I was researching information on becoming a CFI, there was little to no info and it became pretty frustrating at times. Sure, there are a multitude of lesson plan examples out there, but there isn't a standard "this is how you teach lift" and "this is how you teach airspace" type of materials out there. I now believe it's that way for a reason. You get all of your materials and books together, and you get to learn how to give someone else that information. At first it'll be tough, confusing and a little nerve-racking (for me I hated getting up in front of people), but it gets easier as you find your own teaching style and become comfortable. Lastly, it's an ongoing process - you will never stop learning new tricks.

Congrats on the decision to be a career Instructor! I myself am getting the gold seal once I take the AGI. Someday I'll also go for my Master Instructor cert as well.

Check out my website if you want some simple lesson plans in excel that you can tweek, handouts, etc...

www.carlosrootscfi.weebly.com