I think I might instruct...bare with me.

[Bob A. Booey]

Howdy All,

Here is a little background, as I am seeking some advice. I have 1000tt, 300 multi, plenty of Northern time, majority PIC. I have recently returned to civilization to manage and fly for a charter company that is also associated with a flight school. I've been offered by said comapny to do a flight instructor rating FREE OF CHARGE if I sign a one-year contract to do stay on and flight instruct in addition to the charter work.

I remember being up North and learning some hard lessons, scaring myself a few times, and wondering why I was never told about "this" or "that", and then it dawned on me, that pimply faced kid that tought me to fly was as green as I was at the time. I'm not overly experienced, still plenty to learn, but I think I might have something to offer to people starting out. It sure would be nice to see that feeling that those first flights give all over again.

Anyway, this is what it comes down to: I am happy with my organization, therefore numbers in the logbook are insignificant to me at the moment. Does anyone see an issue if I took up this instructing gig as well?

My next conundrum is that I want to do my instructor's rating with a pro. Someone that will not only get me through the Class IV ride, but someone that will seriously improve me as an aviator. I question if that exists in Southern Ontario, but am open to suggestions. If I have to go somewhere else to do it, then so be it. Ok enough rambling, I am very curious as to what people will say here. I value your comments, even the occasional goofy one, if necessary.



Robert.

[LostinRotation]

It sounds like you could be a really good instructor. Hours aren't your goal. You already have a paycheck, so you probably won't fleece any students and you have some experience to assist in making your students better pilots. Besides, not alot of operators would had out a free instructor rating. I'd say go for it, see if you like it and keep us informed.

Best of Luck: -=0=LiR=0=-

[Krashman]

I say go for it.... your absolutely right about the kid that taught you. I'm an instructor thats started that way.... I was lucky and had a few great students early on. But you learn alot as an instructor. Things like aerodynamics you never thought of and the things that didn't really make much sense to you in ground school suddenly become clear to you.

[Hedley]

not only get me through the Class IV ride, but someone that will seriously improve me as an aviator

If you've already got 1000TT (incl north) then your class 1 isn't likely to teach you much about the practical side of flying a light trainer, except to perhaps review the test standards and recommended procedures for the more complex items (forced approach, x/c).

Getting your class 4 is all about you learning how to teach, specifically to people who have no clue what a wing is or does. This is often misunderstood.

I should mention that the theory side of things is often where remedial work needs to be done with new instructors in terms of filling gaps in their knowledge.

They really should have picked this stuff up along the way, but as we all know, a commericial licence isn't always what it should be.

[5x5]

Sounds like a good opportunity. Just be careful that you don't get into conflict with the two competing requirements. What happens if you have a training flight booked and a charter job comes up? The student gets the shaft? Or your company will understand that the higher value charter gets canned because little Johnny deserves your commitment? Don't underestimate the diffiuclties and frictions this can cause. And are you really going to give the students the focus they deserve? I'm not doubting you, just raising the issue so you can think it through.

Also, what's wrong with the Class1 at the company you work for? If they're big enough that they have charter and flight training they should have a Class1. And if it's a good company to work for, whay wouldn't they have a good one. It's not just getting the best instruction during your course. Where you really can learn the tips and tricks for instructing is during the supervision that you must do as a Class4. Discussing your plan for each flight and talking about what worked and didn't is where the real value is. And most often, it's the Class1 that will be doing that for you.

Anyway, good luck and I hope it works out for you.

[Pilot_adam]

I say please be my instructor ...Northern experience..That's awesome

I would say you should take it and pass your experience to others.

Good luck

Adam

[Luscombe]

Similar to you, I did my instructor rating after having over 1,000 hrs with most of it being revenue flying on a 703 operation.

I unfortunately found that I really had to hold my tongue a lot during the ground sessions with the class 1. One specific example comes to mind in the form of forced landings. After having done one for real and living to tell the tale, I was highly critiqued on my lesson plan because it wasn't simply a regurgitation of the Flight Instructor Guide. Be prepared, most class 1's don't really teach you "how" to teach, they teach you "what" to teach. There's a difference. I don't regret doing it, and I pretty well enjoyed each day I instructed; they were fond memories. I also got paid to spend time with some of the most interesting people I have ever met, namely my students. I didn't however enjoy the process of doing the instructor rating itself.

I must say that I did learn more about theory of flight during that time than I ever did line flying, mostly from fellow instructors while teaching.

If you're looking for a class 1 who will give you more than just "Passing the Instructor Ride 101" in Southern Ontario, I would highly recommend seeing Rob Carney at the Brampton Flying Club. He's from the "how" to teach camp rather than the above-mentioned "what" to teach camp. You'll also probably have fun while you do it.

Enjoy

[Hedley]

forced landings. After having done one for real and living to tell the tale, I was highly critiqued on my lesson plan because it wasn't simply a regurgitation of the Flight Instructor Guide

Well, every experienced instructor knows that there's the right way, the wrong way, and the Transport way

Just as a question: if you had to take your car driver's test again, after driving for many years, would you drive exactly as you normally do?

How many private pilots fly their cross-countries precisely as they did on their flight test? You know, 4 hours of paperwork and no GPS?

Soldiers are expected to dress up in impeccable uniforms, and they march about in the parade square in a highly regimented manner in large, tight, precise formations. Do you suppose they do much of that on the battlefield when they're being fired upon?

[youngflier]

eh if you have the collective mind that will allow you to do this job go ahead... i bet instructing is alot scarier than flying up north thats for sure

[The Other Kind]

i bet instructing is alot scarier than flying up north

[Crazymax]

Soldiers are expected to dress up in impeccable uniforms, and they march about in the parade square in a highly regimented manner in large, tight, precise formations. Do you suppose they do much of that on the battlefield when they're being fired upon?

No but they train like they fight, and fight like they train... every time I rent a small airplane, I do the full deal pre-flight stuffs, specialy if I go X-Country...

Max

[desksgo]

Soldiers are expected to dress up in impeccable uniforms, and they march about in the parade square in a highly regimented manner in large, tight, precise formations. Do you suppose they do much of that on the battlefield when they're being fired upon?

No but they train like they fight, and fight like they train... every time I rent a small airplane, I do the full deal pre-flight stuffs, specialy if I go X-Country...

Max

Does that include kicking the tires and forgetting to unchock the airplane?

I love full deal pre-flight stuffs...gonna add it to my SMS.

[disengage]

I must say it would be nice to have instructors with experience whether it be a lot or just a little it makes for good stories and opens up the mind of the student as to what he/she may be looking forward too.