CFI Round Table Part 2
October 25, 2025 at 4:00:00 PM
Greg Brown:
https://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/
CFI Study Group | Dorthy Schick & Rex
https://www.facebook.com/groups/cfistudygroup/
Rex
Introduction
Flight instructing isn’t just about teaching maneuvers — it’s about mentoring future aviators while navigating the realities of the aviation industry.In this second part of the CFI Round Table, we dive deeper into real-world instructional challenges, effective teaching techniques, and current regulatory and career topics shaping today’s Certified Flight Instructor environment and comprehensive reform to Sport Pilot operations since the certificate’s creation in 2004.
Adapting Instruction to Different Learning Styles
Summary: Great CFIs don’t teach just one way — they teach the way each student learns best.
Understand the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning preferences.
Use scenario-based examples to connect abstract knowledge to real-world application.
Adjust your communication style to match student pace and comprehension.
Leverage debriefs and self-assessment to reinforce retention.
Avoid teaching “by rote” — focus on correlation and understanding.
Instructor Tip: Keep a short student profile sheet noting each learner’s preferred style, motivators, and common mistakes.
Handling Performance Plateaus
Summary: Every student hits a performance plateau — your response as an instructor defines progress or frustration.
Recognize plateaus as natural learning phases, not failures.
Shift focus from performance to confidence-building and mindset.
Use incremental progress checks to maintain motivation.
Reframe lessons by varying environment, altitude, or task difficulty.
Reinforce fundamentals through guided questions and positive feedback.
Common Mistake: Repeating the same lesson plan expecting improvement — change one variable at a time.
Balancing Standardization and Personal Style
Summary: CFIs must teach within FAA standards while bringing their own personality to the lesson.
Follow the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) but add human context.
Maintain consistency in evaluation — objectivity builds student trust.
Develop a personal teaching rhythm that doesn’t compromise compliance.
Standardization doesn’t mean robotic — it means structured flexibility.
Align your techniques with school or organizational SOPs while maintaining authenticity.
Key Takeaway: Standardization ensures fairness; personal style makes instruction memorable.
Integrating Technology in Modern Instruction
Summary: Technology can enhance instruction when used deliberately — not as a crutch.
Incorporate EFB apps (ForeFlight, CloudAhoy) for scenario review and debriefing.
Use simulators to introduce complex or IFR maneuvers efficiently.
Create recorded lesson briefs or quick-reference videos for students.
Track progress with digital grading tools or cloud-based logbooks.
Use AI and analytics to identify learning trends or weak areas.
Instructor Tip: Technology should simplify feedback — not replace instructor presence.
Managing Time and Workload as a Full-Time CFI
Summary: The best instructors protect their time and energy to stay sharp, safe, and available for students.
Set clear scheduling boundaries to prevent burnout.
Use lesson batching — prepare multiple student plans at once.
Keep your own proficiency plan — CFIs also need flight reviews and practice.
Maintain organized billing, endorsements, and lesson notes.
Communicate time expectations clearly to students and staff.
Common Mistake: Treating every student as a new build from scratch — systemize and reuse what works.
Navigating Difficult Student Situations
Summary: Conflict, frustration, or attitude issues require emotional intelligence, not confrontation.
Identify the root cause — fear, fatigue, or misunderstanding.
Use active listening before providing feedback.
Redirect negative energy through constructive challenge.
Set clear behavioral expectations early in training.
Know when to escalate or refer a student to another instructor.
Key Takeaway: You can’t teach someone who isn’t receptive — fix mindset first, maneuvers second.
Staying Professionally Current as a CFI
Summary: Continuous development is part of professionalism — your knowledge and credibility depend on it.
Review Advisory Circulars, FAAST courses, and new AC 61-65 updates.
Attend FAA Wings seminars and Power Hour sessions regularly.
Refresh your knowledge of FOI and ACS revisions.
Network with other CFIs for new teaching perspectives.
Maintain an organized digital library of current training materials.
Instructor Tip: Students model your habits — if you stay current, they’ll learn that professionalism too.
CFI Career Path Discussion
Summary: Flight instruction is both a career and a gateway — understand where it fits into your long-term plan.
Some instructors build time toward regional or corporate positions.
Others build a sustainable independent CFI business model.
Explore opportunities like chief instructor, DPE, or FAAST representative.
Know the financial, tax, and insurance realities of independent instruction.
Use your network — every student becomes a future referral.
Key Takeaway: Your path as a CFI can be transitional or lifelong — structure determines success either way.
Round Table Discussion Topics
Summary: Open-ended prompts for audience engagement and peer learning.
How do you handle overconfident students who resist feedback?
What’s your process for preparing new CFIs in your school?
How do you balance risk management training with real-world flying?
What’s one piece of technology that improved your instruction most?
What advice would you give your first-year-CFI self?
Instructor Tip: Encourage honesty and experience-sharing — the goal is collaboration, not competition.
Conclusion
Summary: Being a CFI is both a privilege and a lifelong craft — one that evolves with every student and every flight.
The best instructors remain curious, patient, and adaptable.
Teaching develops your own mastery and situational awareness.
Collaboration and continuous reflection are the hallmarks of great CFIs.
Final Thought: Every hour you spend instructing changes aviation — one pilot at a time.
Topic Resources
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