Greater St. Louis Flight Instructors Association

CFI Roundtable Report

We have all heard the stories. CFIs who had to try three of four examiners before they passed the check ride, or CFIs who have high failure rates with their own candidates. Then there are the CFIs who have not instructed in many years who renew, and then “teach” a relative how to fly. There are also CFIs who “pencil whip” endorsements. i.e. they supply flight reviews to friends with the justification of “hey, we flew together once, and he did OK.”

As a member of the CFI community none if this is news. These are facts that we whisper between ourselves but never dare bring up in public. The net is there is a portion of the CFI population that does not perform at the highest possible level. But how do we improve our profession? How do we change the fact that the number one reason a lot of people stop learning to fly is due to the CFI? (AOPA study).  We can sit around eating donuts and complain about the poor number of students and declining pilot population, but we need to look in the mirror first.

The GSFLIA has held two roundtables this year, and is planning on a few more in 2012. The outcome of these will be a statement from the GSFLIA that will be transmitted to NAFI, SAFE and other bodies as to recommendations for improvement of the CFI profession. Below are some ideas (only ideas) that were thrown up on the board during the round table:

CFI “Currency”- Similar to IFR currency, if you do not actively instruct, you need to take a proficiency ride. The two-year renewal class will no longer be enough to maintain your privi-leges to instruct.

“WINGS for CFIs” - Design a Wings-type program where CFIs can regularly attend and receive credit for education and refresher classes Same examiner – if a CFI candidate starts with an examiner, they must finish with that examiner.

“Types” of CFIs – Active CFIs can sign off for a check ride or an endorsement, but less ac-tive CFIs may only be able to authorize a pilot for insurance reasons (i.e. a check out). This is similar to the CFI / CFII privileges, where a CFI can do instrument instruction, but not author-ize a student for the instrument check ride unless they are a CFII. Involve insurance companies – If you attend a refresher course or stay active then your insurance rates go down.

Peer review sessions – Shut down the “see but don’t tell” mentality and encourage CFIs to sit down with their peers and correct visible and obvious short comings.

These are just ideas we have heard from members. What are your ideas? If you want to be heard, then PLEASE attend one of the upcoming roundtables. Look for the times and plac-es in upcoming newsletters and the web site.