Training the Trainers: Ongoing Education for Your CFIs

Even experienced flight instructors benefit from ongoing training and development. Regular standardization meetings, workshops, and professional development opportunities improve instructional quality, reduce turnover, and keep CFIs engaged. This article explores effective instructor development strategies.

Why Continue CFI Training

Instructors should keep learning. Regular training ensures everyone teaches consistently, stays current with FAA procedures and ACS updates, and continuously improves instructional techniques.

Standardization Meetings

Regular meetings where instructors review teaching techniques, discuss student issues, and ensure consistency improve training quality. These meetings also build camaraderie and show instructors their development is valued.

External Training Opportunities

Send instructors to CFI refresher clinics, safety workshops (FAA Wings program), or conferences. Investing in their professional development improves instruction quality and shows you care about their growth.

Mentorship Programs

Pair less-experienced CFIs with senior instructors for mentoring. This helps new instructors develop skills while building relationships that improve retention.

Conclusion

Ongoing instructor development improves training quality and instructor satisfaction. Schools that invest in CFI development produce better pilots and retain instructors longer, creating competitive advantages through superior instruction.