Question for CFI's?

Question

what would you say the effect of switching instructors multiple times early in your flight career (-30 hours) is as far as hours required for the student to become porficent?

I'm shooting for an hourly estimate, I've heard any ware from 7-15 hours for a student to get comfortable enough to start learning again

Answer 1

No person will be more influential in nurturing your desire to fly than your first flight instructor. A good flight instructor will make the flight training process enjoyable while challenging, teaching you the intricacies of flight at a pace that is suitable to your schedule and level of learning.

It is therefore important that you are comfortable with your instructor and his or her method of teaching. If a personality or schedule conflict arises, find someone else to teach you. A professional flight instructor will understand and accept your choice to fly with someone else. Remember, you are the one paying for the flight lessons.

Unless you already know someone who flies or who is a flight instructor, your search will begin in the yellow pages. Call nearby airports and ask to speak to a flight instructor. Ask them questions and gauge their responses. Most will offer to take you on an introductory flight -- short, inexpensive flights which allow you to observe their flying and teaching skills. If you find a potential instructor, ask for references. Professional flight instructors will be more than happy to provide you with a list of satisfied customers.

Answer 2

That's going to entirely depend on the individual instructors, where you are in your training, and most importantly, YOU.

I've taken over some students from a variety of situations. Some didn't like their previous instructor, some from an instructor who got another job, and some from instructors who didn't like the student. Some of these students don't bat an eyelash at it, and are able to pick up and keep going, and some aren't able.

It depends a lot on the instructor, too. Some instructors are convinced that their way is the right way, and they'll spend the first few hours with you changing habits that your previous instructors taught you. Watch out for this - when they correct something you were taught, ask them to elaborate on why they corrected it. If they don't have a solid answer, you may have a self-righteous instructor. On the other hand, they may have a very good reason for correcting it, and you'll be able to tell the difference in their response to your prompt. If you feel that your performance was acceptable, and your new instructor is holding you back, you need to talk to him/her about it and have them explain in detail why they felt your performance was unsatisfactory.

Mostly, though, you need to take your flight training as your own responsibility. The instructor's number one job priority is ensuring the safety of the flight at hand, then secondly, teaching you. The airplane is a horrible place to learn. It's only good for PRACTICE.

I suspect that most of the time added to an individual's flight training is due to lack of motivation, responsibility, or interest by the student. There are many things the instructor can do to help with these factors, but ultimately it is up to you. This is your training, you get out of it what you put into it, no matter who you are training with.

Answer 3

I'm not a CFI, but when I was doing my PPL I went through a few instructors. Since getting my PPl I have continued my training and have trained with different instructors and from different airports and schools as well. I found it very easy to swap between instructors. There was no problems at all, and in fact I found it beneficial to see the different techniques and habits of the different instructors. This helped my flying as I was exposed to different peoples "good" and "bad" habits and was able to pick and choose which habits I would incorporate into my own flying. I found that as a result I picked up more "good" habits than if I was with one instructor alone. I don't think this did me any harm as I still got my licence in a reasonable time and I became a better flier as a result. I would definitely encourage you to not stick with the same person through your whole training! If you had to put an 'hour' figure to it, I think it would take 2 flights (2hrs) to learn what your instructor wants you to do and him to "know" what level you are up to and what your boundaries are. All comments are for a "reasonable", "average" person, I think there are a few people out there that couldnt handle the change of instructor but for an average person its "no biggie".

Answer 4

The most important factor in your flight training is YOU. A student has to have the willingness/motivation to learn. An instructor is, in a sense, more of a guide. Preparation is the key. If you are going to fly with a new instructor, and they tell you your next lesson is going to focus on stalls, it is up to YOU to prepare yourself for that lesson. You should be studying what stalls are, stall recognition/avoidance/recovery, characteristics of stalls specific to the aircraft you are flying, etc. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand something. A good instructor will adapt to YOUR needs. Now I know it may take a little time to get to know your new instructor. But a good instructor will be flexible and adapt to your needs...you shouldn't have to adapt to the instructor's way of doing things. Remember, you are paying for thier services. If you aren't getting what you need...FIRE THEM!

You asked about an hourly estimate and said you heard of between 7-15 hours to get comfortable enough to start "learning again". That's rediculous!!!! If you are paying $100/hour (most likely more that that) for lessons, you are spending $700 to $1500 just to get comfortable again.

My advice is to be prepared for each lesson. You will be learning whether you know it or not. Don't settle for mediocrity. Everyone has different styles of teaching, but remember that you are paying for an instructor's services. If they are a good instructor, they will adjust their way of doing things to meet your needs.

Good luck with training and fly safe!

Answer 5

It shouldnt take more than a lesson or two for an instructor to evaluate your flying ability. It might take a little longer to fill in any gaps in your knowledge.

The only problem is switching before solo if you're flying part 61. Only the CFI who gave you your pre solo training per 61.87 and administerd the pre-solo written can endorse you for solo.

Answer 6

I think the CFI might be uncomfortable with you. Someone has to sign you off to solo and you can't just show up once, fly, and think that the CFI will be comfortable with you. Find a good instructor and stick with him/her.