What are the five main responsibilities of all flight instructors with regards to the learning process?
- Helping Students Learn : Make learning interesting and enjoyable.
- Provide Adequate Instruction : Analyze student’s personality, thinking and ability.
- Demand Adequate Standards of Performance : Continuous evaluation of both the instructor and the student’s standard of performance.
- Emphasize the Positive : Positive instruction results in positive learning.
- Ensure Aviation Safety
What additional responsibilities do flight instructors have?
- Evaluation of student piloting ability.
- Pilot Supervision
- Practical Test Recommendations
- Flight Instructor Endorsements
- Additional Training and Endorsements
- Pilot Proficiency
- Responsibility to See and Avoid
- Student’s Pre-Solo Flight Thought Process
Why is it important to use standards of performance when training students?
The use of standards, and measurements against standards, is key to helping students learn. Meeting standards holds its own satisfaction for students. People want to feel capable and they are proud of the successful achievement of difficult goals.
How can an instructor ensure that an adequate level of instruction is provided to a student?
No two students are alike, and a particular method of instruction cannot be equally effective for all students. An instructor should tailor teaching techniques to the student by first analyzing the student’s personality, thinking, and ability. The instructor should also be prepared ot change instruction methods as the student advances through successive stages of training.
When should application of the minimum acceptable standards for passing a checkride be introduced during flight training?
The minimum standards to pass the checkride should be kept in the proper perspective, with emphasis on the student meeting test standards increasing later in the training - the ACS is a testing document, not a teaching document.
How can an instructor minimize student frustration?
- Motivate Students : They will gain more if they want to learn than if they are forced to learn.
- Keep Students Informed : Tell students what is expected of them and what they can expect in return.
- Approach Students as Individuals : Each individual has a unique personality.
- Give Credit When Due : Praise and credit from the instructor provides incentive to do better.
- Criticize Constructively : It is important to identify mistakes and failures and explain how to correct them.
- Be Consistent - The instructor’s philosophy and actions must be consistent.
- Admit Errors : No one, including students, expects an instructor to be perfect.
To teach effectively, why must an instructor make sure that a student’s physiological needs are met first?
During flight training, students may react to unfamiliar noises or vibrations, experience unfamiliar sensations due to G-Force, or have a uncomfortable feeling in their stomach. To teach effectively, instructors cannot ignore the existence of these negative factors, nor should they ridicule students who are adversely affected. These negative sensations can usually be overcome by understanding the nature of their causes. Remember, a sick student does not learn well.
What are the characteristics of professionalism?
- Sincerity : Instructors should be straightforward and honest.
- Acceptance of the Student : Instructions should accept students as they are, including faults and problems.
- Personal Appearance and Habits : These have an important effect on the professional image of the instructor.
- Demeanor : The attitude and behavior of the instructor contributes much to professional image.
- Proper Language : The use of profane language leads to distrust and lack of confidence in the instructor.
When evaluating a student’s ability to perform a maneuver or procedure, an instructor should follow what general guidelines?
Evaluation of a student’s ability is based upon:
- Established standards of performance suitably modified to the student’s experience and stage of development.
- Consideration of the student’s mastery of the elements involved in the maneuver or procedure, rather than merely the overall performance.
- Keeping the student informed of their progress by identifying deficiencies and suggesting corrective measures.
- Not immediately correcting student errors when a mistake is made. It is difficult for students to learn if they seldom have the opportunity to correct an error.
How can an instructor ensure that a student has developed the ability and required skills necessary to conduct their first solo flight safely?
Mastery of the skill set includes consistent use and continued growth as well as increased accuracy of performance. Generally, a student is ready for the first solo flight when the instructor observes the student from preflight to engine start to engine shutdown, and the student performs consistently, without the need for instructor assistance.
Describe your overall responsibility as an instructor regarding endorsements and recommendations for knowledge tests and practical tests.
Making an endorsement or signing a recommendation imposes a serious responsibility on the flight instructor. If an instructor fails to ensure a student pilot or additional rating pilot meets the requirements of regulations prior to making endorsements or recommendations, that instructor is exhibiting a serious deficiency in performance. The FAA hold him or her accountable. It is also a breach of faith with the student or applicant.
How can instructors improve upon their effectiveness and qualifications as teachers?
- Continuing Education
- Government
- Educational/Training Institutes
- Commercial Organizations
- Industry Organizations - Sources of Material
What are the two main reasons why an instructor should maintain a source of current information and publications?
- To make instruction interesting and up-to-date.
2. To stay well-informed and current.
