Dilemma's of an instructor...

[FrankieB]

Fair/Full disclosure: this is a rant, just venting here.

So, as an instructor I am well aware and always stay cognizant of the fact that when giving instruction I need to stay on my game. I say this because I do become friends with most of my students, at least I wind up considering them a friend by the end (not sure if they reciprocate this... lol). Having said this, I am also very well aware that the experience, skills and expertise I impart is rightfully counted on to make them a better pilot and possibly save their ( and the their passengers) lives some day. (I have been told many times by past students that in a critical situation they could hear my voice saying "blah, blah, blah" over and over and it gave them focus) Because of this "weight", I do my best to stay not only personally current but up on the latest trends, fads (good and bad), FAA opinions etc. You get the idea.

Because of this, I spend a fair amount of time obtaining or sharpening skills I wouldn't typically do as a "line" pilot so I gain and retain skills that may be needed to share with any particular pilot experiencing a problem they are coming to an instructor to get resolved. I make a list of things I need to get done on a monthly basis so I never have to wonder if I'm "FAA legal" or not before flying. BUT, alas I find myself a few days from taking an instrument student on their long cross-country (which must be filed IFR - so I must be current) and needing not one, but TWO approaches to be current as I slipped and did not do my monthly actual/hood approaches for the past two months. (The FAA doesn't care if we've done 200 approaches with a student while VMC - noooo if it wasn't IMC or WE personally were not under the hood it doesn't count as an instructor - Note to FAA: an instructor is concentrating x500 when running a student through an approach compared to just flying it themselves even when VMC).

So now I've got to go get another instructor (at my expense) or find a safety pilot to get in two approaches in the next two days so I dont let my student down on this x-country. I know, I know - 1st world problems.....

Thanks for listening though. ......vent over......

 

[Brian]

Thank you. The world needs good CFIs.

 

[Eric Gleason]

As a friend said to me the day I got my instrument rating "Welcome to the world of always struggling to stay current." I much prefer to fly in actual to get current, but for the last couple of years the actual IMC has either been icy or convective, or on a day when I just can't get away. Consequently, I'm also faced with the same problem of staying instrument proficient and current.

In your case, I'd bet that one of your former students would jump at the chance to get some free PIC time by flying right seat for you.

 

[midlifeflyer]

Like you, the very best things I ever hear are the "there I was...and heard you saying..."

But I really can't complain about not being able to log an instrument approach when I'm looking out the window on a CAVU day.

FWIW, I use a BATD to ensure my instrument currency. Best upside is the ability to create a flight that fits what I want to work on. Worst downside is the lack of ATC (and avionics with full fidelity in many).

 

[Jim Carpenter]

In your case, I'd bet that one of your former students would jump at the chance to get some free PIC time by flying right seat for you.

Or, even your current instrument student.

 

[Gooneybird]

Or, even your current instrument student.

You wouldn't even have to change seats, just put the hood on & fly the approaches then continue the training.

 

[midlifeflyer]

You wouldn't even have to change seats, just put the hood on & fly the approaches then continue the training.

It can even be part of the training. Just like demonstrating a crosswind landing. My CFII did it with me to help with my tendency to overcorrect. He donned the hood and asked me to play instructor and correct him. Got a real picture of how silly overcorrection looks (he did it intentionally) and it actually improved my scan.