What A CFI Wants You To Know

When you acquire pilot certificates and ratings rapidly, you may be ready for the next check ride while flying on a temporary certificate. But is that legal? [Credit: iStock]

Pilots Must Get Back in Air After Scare

When an instructional flight goes sideways, there are lessons to be learned about managing the aftermath and the psychology of returning to the cockpit.

An instructor and a student preflight a Cessna 152 before a lesson. [Credit: Richard Steiger]

What to Expect Your First Five Hours as a Student Pilot

Here are some tips for managing expectations when you begin flight training.

How the CFI addresses the struggling learner separates the professional CFIs and experience builders from the time builders. [Pixabay]

Even Instructors Must Stay in the Learner’s Seat

Experienced CFIs also benefit from ongoing improvement and proficiency flights.

Pilots who learn tests by rote may get a pocketful of certificates but often don't acquire the skills, judgement, and confidence they need to build experience. [Adobe Stock]

Perils of Flying by Rote: Why Judgment Trumps Memorization

Even experienced pilots can fall into the trap of habitual repetitive actions in the cockpit.

Thunderstorm visible from a cockpit [Getty Images]

More Than a Job: Flight Instruction Carries Great Responsibility

Importance of modeling good behavior and being responsible for every pilot trained can’t be understated.

A first flight can turn into pilot training.

How to Avoid Flight School Frustrations and Common Pitfalls

Sometimes a CFI needs to put themself in the learner’s position.

Sometimes the CFI needs to adjust to the learner’s needs, such as when it comes to pilotage in VFR conditions. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]

Turning Setbacks Into Success in Flight Training

Unexpected challenges can become powerful teachable moments, especially during cross-country flights.

Check Ride Prep: Going From Rote to Ready

What instructors and pilot applicants need to know to make the most of this valuable step

Off-Airport Landings: They’re Often About Fuel Mismanagement

It’s important to learn how to avoid coming up short in avgas calculations.

NTSB investigators inspect wreckage of CRJ-700

Why Altimeters Are Crucial for Safe Flying

Midair collisions and busted check rides can result from inaccurate altitude.