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12/07 - Finding the right flight instructor

By Steve Krog
Steve Krog is a flight instructor, EAA member and president of the Cub Association.

In the first issue of Reach for the Sky we discussed how to go about finding the right flight school and flight instructor. In the time since, I’ve heard from several new students who expressed some frustration in finding a flight school and flight instructor. I’d like to share their comments with you, not for the purpose of discouragement, but rather to keep you well informed. Not all flight schools and flight instructors are ideal for your particular flight training needs.

The first student lived near an airport that has a reputable flight operation, both instruction and rental. He called and made an appointment to meet with an instructor and make an introductory flight. He’d never flown before and was looking forward to the flight. On the appointed day he showed up full of enthusiasm anticipating the flight school and instructor would be equally enthused to see him.

Unfortunately, the young gal behind the counter was more interested in talking on the phone with a friend rather than greeting him. After what seemed like a long time, she finally put the phone down and asked if he needed help. Explaining that he had an appointment for a discovery flight, she began rummaging through a stack of clipboards only to report she couldn’t find any reference to his appointment.

Giving her the benefit of the doubt, he explained when he had called and for what reason. She stated she was sorry but couldn’t help him. Just about that time a very young instructor strolled out and asked if he was there for a discovery flight. Saying that he was, the instructor pointed to an airplane and said let’s go, never bothering to even introduce himself.

Once at the plane the prospective student was advised to get in, which he did. No preflight inspection was mentioned nor conducted. The young instructor seemed more in a frame of mind to “get this over with because I have more important things to do.”

The instructor never once explained any of the starting procedures. Taxiing to the runway the instructor never asked a single question of the prospective student nor did he explain anything he was doing.

Soon they were rolling down the runway and as the plane lifted off the instructor said, “it’s all yours, fly it.” Not knowing what to do the student became quite frustrated. The instructor then took the controls, performed several turns, headed back to the airport and landed. After shutting down the airplane the instructor finally opened his mouth and asked the prospective student when he wanted to begin flying lessons.

Needless to say, the student left the airport with a very bad experience. Though he was initially very excited about learning to fly, he was ready to hang it up before even starting, deciding that flying just wasn’t for him. Several days later a friend who flew asked him how his discovery flight went. The student related his experience and stated that flying was probably not something he wanted to pursue. Thankfully, his friend convinced him to call another flight school about 30 miles away and give it another try.

The student did so and had a completely different experience. Rather than snuffing out his enthusiasm, the new school and instructor enhanced it. Today, this student is about three weeks from taking his checkride and earning his pilot certificate. Next page: What’s the lesson here?