•The FAA specifies the lowest acceptable standard (Minimum Viable Product) in the ACS/PTS. They do not define mastery or excellence.   "Perfection is not the standard!"


•During evaluation, a DPE only “checks” an applicant's skill/knowledge/judgement (and certifies the recommending CFI's instruction) based on the latest FAA standard. The FAA enforces a very clear “No Teaching" mandate for every DPE. The CFI is the primary “influencer” in aviation.


•Being a CFI is very different than being a pilot; these are two separate certificates and approaches! (Get used to "flying sideways" and *no* micro-managing!) The "pilot personality" is well-documented and not consistent with effective education.  


•There *is* a technique to make amazing pilots - skilled/knowledgable/confident (to explain this fully, ask for that presentation: "Incremental Mastery") Ultimately, the CFI should become superfluous (like parenting?) Our job as CFIs is to get out of the plane one step at a time!


•Effective flight training must be “learner centered.” The person paying the bills deserves your full attention/devotion/compassion.


•The FAA has no continuing education or recognition program for CFI improvement (a FAA Gold Seal is a "one off") Try SAFE's Master Instructor Program.

Free SAFE Toolkit App HERE