How to select an instructor for PPL
Posted by Funny_Ad5499@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 18 comments
I am wondering what all factors should I keep in mind when choosing an instructor for my PPL?
I have almost made up my mind to go with Rocky Mountain flight school in Colorado. I see about 40 instructors listed on their website.
How do I choose one? What are some things to keep in mind? What should I be looking for?
GaryMooreAustin@reddit
I think personality is the main thing - and always remember - it's not a commitment for life - if it doesn't click with the first one you pick - change.
Funny_Ad5499@reddit (OP)
Thank you
pilotshashi@reddit
Two key points
Less than 1500TT Low Inst. fee
pballer2oo7@reddit
Counterpoint: pick someone with (much) more than 1500 total time to increase chances of getting someone with professional experience both flying and teaching that is doing it because they are good at it and enjoy it.
Likely to cost more.
Funny_Ad5499@reddit (OP)
Thank you. Lower fee is obvious but why less than 1500 total flight time?
bhalter80@reddit
Pay for value, if you can get a more experienced instructor you may pay a higher rate but complete sooner. If you're just looking for the lowest price they may be cheap for a reason. It's really about finding someone you gel with because you're going to spend 50 hours side by side in an airplane together
Funny_Ad5499@reddit (OP)
I think fee is fixed - now that I have chosen the flight school it is the same fee for any of the 40 instructors.
Physically fit together - since I am a bigger guy, I should have a slight preference for smaller instructors ?
I understand the humor part - thank you
bhalter80@reddit
Yes when one of my CFI instructors and I sit in an Archer together it's extremely cozy and would not be my first choice if I were new to aviation
Funny_Ad5499@reddit (OP)
Noted thank you
pilotshashi@reddit
So the instructor will not gonna give you half a potato 🍠... Running to airlines and left you on the street
Funny_Ad5499@reddit (OP)
lol got it
SkyhawkPilot@reddit
Most instructors jump upon hitting 1500 to an airline, and you have to find a new one.
Funny_Ad5499@reddit (OP)
Wow thank you for sharing. I would have never figured this out on my own
GirthKing5@reddit
Whatever one is available.
MassFlyGuy@reddit
Personally, I prefer more experienced instructors over new CFIs. I'd choose a CFI with CFII and MEI plus ATP, over a plain CFI. I'd also choose somebody age 65 or older, since they can't jump to a 121 job. You can also ask around, and get recommendations from other students. The choice of a CFI is very personal, so choose wisely!
FridayMcNight@reddit
Funny_Ad5499@reddit (OP)
1- schedule fit - noted, that makes sense. I will be working full time so I need to make sure that our schedule matches
2- personality fit - “talk to several” - I think that will be the key, talk to a few and that will give me a good idea whether this is someone who and I can have a good 40-50 hours together over 2 months
3- thank you, I will try to find this (but it looks tough and it’s likely that I will not be able to)
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I am wondering what all factors should I keep in mind when choosing an instructor for my PPL?
I have almost made up my mind to go with Rocky Mountain flight school in Colorado. I see about 40 instructors listed on their website.
How do I choose one? What are some things to keep in mind? What should I be looking for?
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