Pilot’s Digest: Why did you choose American Flyers for your CFI training?
Skyler Hudson: I chose American Flyers for my CFI training because I have worked with them through my private, instrument, and commercial. American Flyers has a strong reputation for developing competent professional aviators. When choosing a flight school I wanted the best available. Throughout my training, they’ve provided excellent customer support and flexibility. Also, the overall knowledge of the instructors is exemplary.
Pilot’s Digest: In what ways does American Flyers prepare you to be a flight instructor?
Nathaniel Truedau:
American Flyers has successfully given me the tools necessary to prepare me for flight instruction by essentially having me practice teaching right from day one of the academy. You are essentially “rehearsing ” being an instructor so that when you actually become one, you’ll be ready to go from day one.
Pilot’s Digest:Were you nervous to teach others before you started? How did the CFI academy help you be a confident instructor?
Benjamin Mayer: I was very nervous at first. American Flyers breaks the CFI academy into smaller sub-groups which helps train you so you’re not overwhelmed to teach in front of such a big class. American Flyers’ CFIs are always there to help if you have questions regarding anything related to teaching.
Pilot’s Digest: How do you feel instructing others helps you become a better pilot?
Julie Glass: I think instructing others will make me a better pilot because I will need to know the information to be able to teach it. I will also be forced to think one or two steps ahead of a student and adapt my teaching skills to each. Also, I have a responsibility to my students to continue to grow and learn as a pilot as an added incentive.
Matthew Montminy: How I understand the topic of weather is not how another pilot will understand weather theory. And the same goes with any of the aviation topics. As an instructor, when I’m asked a question, I have to think on my feet and come at these topics from different angles. It increases my knowledge base and my inherent understanding of the airplane.
In training, my class had difficulty grasping the inner workings of the principles of flight. My short mock lesson turned into a 4-hour lesson where I was explaining topics like stability and airfoil design in several different ways. Because I had to come at each topic from difficult angles, I was making new connections between the knowledge as I was explaining things for my classmates.
Pilot’s Digest: How do you feel instructing others helps you become a better pilot?
Benjamin Mayer: Instructing others demands that you be up-to-date on all FARs and aviation materials. It requires you to exponentially grow your aviation knowledge base which only improves your acuity in the pilot’s skills.
Pilot’s Digest: Now that you have started at the academy, what do you look forward to the most about being able to teach others how to fly?
Julie Glass: I am looking forward to sharing my love of flying with whoever will allow me to! I truly believe that flying for a living is the greatest gift I have ever received and I look forward to helping others achieve their dream of flying. I am most looking forward to the day I send my first student to their solo.
Pilot’s Digest: How would you overall describe your student experience so far with American Flyers?
Skyler Hudson: My overall experience with American Flyers has been outstanding. The instructors have been professional and encouraging. I was able to get through the program in a short amount of time because of the dedication of the staff. We all worked together with the end goal in sight.