Instead, a professional CFI exists for the student, being available for and considerate of his needs. This CFI is knowledgeable and flexible, can explain subjects concisely and completely, uses all available training aids, exhibits good judgment, and can fly well. This CFI knows how to create a secure training environment, in the air as well as on the ground, for the student to explore, experiment, and learn. This CFI knows how to evaluate and critique his students, and knows the difference. Finally, this CFI improves his skills and knowledge by reading, talking to other CFIs and pilots, going to seminars, taking advanced training, visiting ATC facilities, or whatever is appro priate.
Professionalism is an attitude.
This applies to all kinds of applicants, from the average pilot to professional educators, who aspire to this certificate. The CFI-Airplane Single Engine initial practical is easily the most difficult of the three flight instructor airplane tests. The Instrument Instructor and Multiengine Instructor additional ratings are much easier, primarily because the scope of each is so much narrower. Last month, as a starting point, this column discussed generally what a flight instructor's job is, or at least should be. This time, we'll take a look at the practical test itself.