Are You Prepared for the Examiner?
Oct 11, 2024In the latest topic from Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.) Kenny Keller, a seasoned helicopter instructor, shares invaluable insights for Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) applicants gearing up for their check-rides. The journey to becoming a CFI is as challenging as it is rewarding. One of the key takeaways from Keller's episode is that mastering the check-ride involves not just technical prowess but also an ability to present information effectively. Let's dig in deeper into the key components discussed on the podcast to ensure you're thoroughly prepared for the examiner audio and beyond.
The Importance of Good Presentations
Keller emphasizes the critical need for delivering compelling presentations. Simply sitting across from an examiner and giving a dry, verbal presentation won't cut it. Instead, CFI applicants should leverage a variety of tools to make their presentations engaging.
"Try to make the presentation as interesting as possible. Ground is boring. We know that in general," Keller says, urging applicants to use tools like the helicopter flying handbook, FAR/AIM manuals, iPads, and videos. By incorporating these aids, you make the material easy to follow and engaging for the examiner.
Use Visual Aids Effectively
Visual aids can be a game-changer in your presentation. Keller explains how instruments like whiteboards, flip charts, and even model helicopters can make a lesson more comprehensible. "When they're teaching me something," Keller shares, "I'm always waiting for the applicant to pick up the helicopter and just show me."
He further stresses that the presentation must be legible and organized. Lindsey, a colleague, helps rewrite presentations to ensure clarity. "If the viewer can't follow along, it's as good as wasted effort," Keller cautions.
Keeping Lessons Simple
One common mistake new instructors make is overcomplicating their lessons. Keller advises keeping things simple, especially since the examiner might role-play as a student with limited knowledge. "You're teaching me today like I’m a new student...keep the lesson simple," he advises.
Overly detailed lesson plans, although well-intentioned, can confuse rather than educate. It's essential to gauge the level of understanding of the person you're "teaching" and adjust your lesson accordingly.
Advanced Preparation of Topics
Fortunately, most examiners give candidates a heads-up on which topics to prepare. Using this time wisely can significantly impact the success of your check-ride. Keller mentions, "Luckily, our examiner usually gives us a couple of them ahead of time, like three or four days in advance."
When preparing, remember that you might also be asked to teach a topic on-the-spot, so having a broad understanding of potential subjects can be beneficial.
Master Your Checklist
The PTS and ACS are your blueprints for success. Keller recounts asking for tips as a new CFI and getting simple yet powerful advice: "Use the PTS. Go through it with your students. Make sure they have a copy and use it throughout the training."
The ACS checklists are thorough and ensure you cover every required element. Adhering to these guidelines is critical for both preparation and execution during your check-ride.
Changes with ACS Transition
Keller touches on the transition from PTS to ACS, a common concern among candidates. "Don't freak out. It's not worth freaking out," he reassures, highlighting that while some aspects have changed, the core of what you need to know remains the same. The ACS provides a more descriptive and structured way to approach the test but does not radically alter the content of the check-ride.
Versatility is Key
CFI candidates should be versatile in their presentation methods. From PowerPoints to flip charts, harnessing a variety of tools can make your lessons more dynamic and memorable. Keller mentions using everything from poster boards to four-screen setups for PowerPoint presentations.
He encourages candidates to be "animated" and engaging, stating, "It doesn’t matter what you use as long as you're making the material interesting."
The process of becoming a CFI is a blend of mastering technical skills and learning effective teaching strategies. Keller's tips provide a concrete pathway to follow, ensuring you're well-prepared for the check-ride.
For further training, Kenny Keller mentions upcoming opportunities in Las Vegas, inviting interested individuals to join the sessions, potentially gaining hands-on experience and insights from top instructors.
Get Connected
Stay connected with the community at Helicopterground.com and follow along for additional resources. Whether it's through podcasts, live training sessions, or collaborative learning experiences, continuous learning is key to thriving as a CFI.
By implementing these strategies, you don't just prepare for a check-ride; you lay a strong foundation for your teaching career, ensuring you can effectively pass on your knowledge to future pilots.
Tackle your check-ride with confidence, armed with these insights, and remember – a well-prepared and engaging instructor not only passes the test but also inspires their students to excel.
For more detailed insights and resources over the H.O.G.S. R-44 going to Las Vegas for the winter, reach out to H.O.G.S. member support at [email protected], or text "HOGS VEGAS" to (574) 767-1797! Always remember...Live to Fly Another Day!
Categories
All Categories #204 #233 #234 #256 #257 #258 #259 #260 #261 #263 #264 #265 #266 #267 #268 #269 #270 #271 #272 #273 #275 #276 #277 #278 #279 #280 #281 #282 #283 #284 #285 #286 #287 #288 #289 #290 #291 #292 #293 #294 #295 #296 #55 #59 #60 #79 #90 #certifiedflightinstructor #commercialpilot #finalapproachcourse #helicoptergroundschool #helicopterhoverauto #helicopterhovering #privatepilot #learningtohover #helicopteronlinegroundschool #helicopteronlinegroundschool #helicopterpilot #helicoptertraining #hogs #hoverauto #hoverautomistakes #hoveringautorotation #kennykeller #privatepilot #r44 #rating #robinsonr44 #vip 10 10-degree approach 101 12 12 year sale 15-degree approach 16 hour online course 180 autorotation 180 autos 180 degree turn 200 pilot hours 2018 flight instructor of the year 2019 heli expo 22 reals 24-month cfi renewal 300 agl 360 autos 3rd class medical 40 hours 44 reals 5-degree approach 50% commissions 500 weight limit 91.119 91.17 a week abrupt control inputs accelerated maneuvers access accident accident reporting accidents acs acs checklist acs standards add on add on pilot reactions add-on advanced auto rotations aerodynamic lessons aerodynamics aeronautical aeronautical charts affiliate affiliate program afi aft cyclic aggressive job search air almanac air smart air traffic air traffic help aircraft aircraft accidents aircraft checks aircraft documents aircraft hook aircraft lights aircraft log books aircraft maintenance records aircraft rental aircraft review airframes airline pilot to helicopter pilot airman airman certification standards airman certification standards (acs) airman test knowledge report airman's log book airplane categories airport diagrams airport ramp airspace airspace lessons airspace regulations airspeed airspeed limitations airspeed management airspeeds airwork las vegas alternate power source altimeter setting altitude altitudes amazing helicopter pilots animated teaching anniversary annual maintenance anti-collision lights approach approach angle approach angle technique approach angle visualization approaches approaching ground at night approved school graduation certificate arizona askhogs askhogs.com assigning hogs atc clearance deviation auto rotation auto rotations autoroations autorotation autorotation overspeeds autorotations aviation aviation career aviation community aviation content aviation content library aviation course updates aviation courses aviation dream aviation education aviation emergencies aviation event aviation exam tips aviation expertise aviation flight school selection aviation incident reporting aviation industry reputation aviation insurance aviation knowledge aviation lessons aviation marketing aviation medical advice aviation medical certificates aviation medical examiner aviation medical examiners appointment aviation medical examiners near me aviation membership aviation mentor aviation paperwork aviation regulations aviation safety aviation team building aviation tools aviation training aviation training equipment aviation training schedule aviation training schedules aviation training supplies aviation weather aviation weather tools aviator training avionics switch awareness training baby badass knee board battery power becoming a private pilot behind the scenes bell 47 bell helicopter bell jet ranger bk117 helicopter block time blog blueprint bonus book book giveaway book signing book signing event book signings broke bucket list budget builder building time button buy buy a helicopter buying first helicopter buying used helicopters cabri cabri g2 cabri helicopter cabri helicopters california california choppers california highway patrol canadian helicopter pilot training carb heat category of aircraft certification certification airmen certification requirements certified certified flight instructor certified flight instructor course cfi cfi (certified flight instructor) cfi add on cfi applicant cfi balance cfi checkride cfi checkride tips cfi double i cfi initial cfi rating cfi renewal cfi sign off cfi time cfi training cfii cfii helicopter pilot chart supplements check check ride check ride passed check ride prep check ride preparation check ride study guide check ride success check ride tips checklist checkride checkride availability checkride failure reasons checkride prep checkride preparation checkride success checkride tips checkrides checks cheeseburgers chicago chris hauser chris houser apology chris nelson circuit breakers civil aircraft civilian pilot license class g airspace class g vs class d clean aircraft tips clean plate club clearing turns cliffhangar clone closed runway cloud flying clutch disengage cmc equipment co-pilot door cockpit organization coffee with kenny coffeewithkenny cold calling cold weather flying collective collective angle collective control collective correlation collective lowering college college degree commercial commercial add on commercial certification commercial cfi commercial check ride commercial checkride commercial helicopter operations commercial helicopter pilot commercial license commercial pilot commercial pilot checkride commercial pilot course commercial pilot license commercial pilot requirements commercial pilot test commercial pilots commercial rating helicopter communication completed form 8710 concierge service confidence connections conservative minimum controlled airspace copy corporate executives cost cost of flying helicopters cost to become private pilot course course tailoring crasg crazy credit cross country cross country flight cross country helicopter flight crucial current aim custom foggles cyclic cyclic collective pedals cyclic control cyclic hovering cyclic speed cyclic trim cylinder head temperature dan "taz" christman dan christman danger dangerous day day 249 day 250 day 252 day 253 day 254 day 255 day 4 day vfr day with taz deal decision definition of night demo density density altitude descent recovery desert flying desert scenery designated designated pilot examiner (dpe) destination determining approach angle devestation device devices dial digital lesson plans door hinge doors doors off flying down down collective downtown downtown chicago downtown flight downwind landing dpe dpe deficiencies dual training dvanced auto rotation course dynamic components fatigue dynamic rollover e6b computer e6b plotter earning affiliate commissions easy money ec135 helicopter efficiency emergency emergency procedures emergency report emergency squawk ems ems helicopter ems helicopter crashes ems helicopter jobs ems pilot ems pilots endorsements engine failure engine gauges engine rpm enstrom enstrom helicopter enstrom helicopter transition enstrom helicopters enstrom transition entry level job etl effective translational lift lesson evening civil twilight examiner examiner expectations excessive exclusive executive events executive team building exhaust fire hazard expense experience experimental helicopters expired cfi expired helicopter cfi external load extra airflow eye exam eye test faa faa examiner faa license faa medical certificate exam faa regulations faa safety faa wings faa wings credit faa written test faa written test practice fac fac customers failure far aim far aim manual far/aim fatal fatal accident fatal helicopter accidents fatal helicopter crash fear of failure female pilot ferry flights final final approach course final approach courses financial strain during pilot training finish checkride finish your rating first first class medical first flight first impression fixed wing fixed wing add on fixed wing aircraft differences fixed wing before rotor? fixed wing or helicopter fixed wing time flashlight in cockpit flatlander pilot flight flight accessories flight and ground training flight check flight checklist flight checkride flight comfort flight computers flight courses flight debriefing flight disorientation flight emergencies flight evaluation flight examiner flight examiner advice flight examiner tips flight experience flight experiences flight helpline flight hours flight immersion flight instruction flight instructor flight instructor advice flight instructor affiliate link flight instructor affiliate program flight instructor income flight instructor insurance flight instructor of the year flight instructor of the year recommendation flight instructor passive income flight instructor resources flight instructor rush flight instructors flight lesson flight lessons flight maneuvers flight minimums flight packages flight performance flight plan flight planning flight prep flight preparation flight pressure flight proficiency flight ratings flight realism flight requirements flight review flight safety flight schedule flight school flight school challenges flight school equipment flight school experience flight school maintenance flight school minimum hours flight school operators flight school recommendation flight school scams flight school schedule flight school selection flight school selection tips flight schools flight service flight setup flight simulation flight simulation device flight simulators flight standards office flight test flight tests flight trainging flight training flight training cost flight training costs flight training devices flight training exercises flight training package flight training questions flight training supplies flight visibility flight with doors removed florida fly fly another day flying flying a helicopter flying at high altitudes flying at night flying career flying costs flying experience flying frequency flying helicopter flying helicopters flying hours flying in indiana flying lessons flying maneuvers flying perspective flying professionally flying progress flying skill improvement flying tips flying with heavy students flying with passengers and cargo foggles foi's footwear for pilots foreflight foreflight flight planning foreflight on ipad foreign helicopter student foreign student helicopter training forward flight free free copy free helicopter ground school free pdf frequency of flying fsdo fuel fuel calculations r22 fuel light fuel management fuel valve check full full stop landing fully articulated rotor system future pilots gambling gear glider aircraft golden gate bridge gopro government issued id governor governor off governor response rate governor switch governor vs throttle grand canyon tours great instructor grind ground ground debriefing ground instruction ground knowledge ground practice for pilots ground resonance ground school ground school importance ground school on any computer or device ground school podcast ground school reluctance ground training guarding guarding the collective guimbal guimbal cabri g2 guimbal cabri g2 training gun gyroplane categories h.o.g.s. hai handbook hands-on experience handwritten lesson plans hangar hangar safety hazards headsets heart failure heart stints height velocity diagram helcopter helcopter ground schools heli expo heli expo 2019 helicopter helicopter abnormal vibrations helicopter accident helicopter accident prevention helicopter accident review helicopter accidents helicopter adaptation helicopter add on helicopter add on rating helicopter add ons helicopter aerobatics helicopter aerodynamics helicopter altitude helicopter approach helicopter approach and landing helicopter approach angles helicopter auto-rotation helicopter baggage compartments helicopter bashing helicopter blades helicopter blueprint helicopter book signing helicopter breakdowns helicopter career helicopter careers helicopter categories helicopter cfi helicopter cfi checkride helicopter cfi pilot helicopter cfii helicopter cfii pilot helicopter check ride helicopter check ride prepare helicopter check ride test tips helicopter check ride tips helicopter check rides helicopter checklist helicopter checkouts helicopter checkride helicopter checkride preparation helicopter checkride tips helicopter checkrides helicopter chip light helicopter collective helicopter commercial license helicopter commercial pilot helicopter commercial rating helicopter community helicopter confined area landings helicopter controls helicopter cost helicopter cost maintenance helicopter course helicopter course updates helicopter courses helicopter cross country helicopter cyclic control helicopter diet motivation helicopter dolly helicopter dolly monster helicopter dreams helicopter electronics helicopter email applications helicopter ems jobs helicopter ems pilot helicopter engine failure helicopter enthusiasts helicopter ergonomics helicopter event helicopter exam helicopter examiner helicopter examiner observations helicopter expenses helicopter experience helicopter factory schools helicopter faq's helicopter fatal accidents helicopter ferry flights helicopter final approach helicopter final approach course helicopter flight helicopter flight control helicopter flight controls helicopter flight exam helicopter flight instruction helicopter flight instructor helicopter flight instructor of the year helicopter flight instructor weight helicopter flight instructors helicopter flight lessons helicopter flight over water helicopter flight packages helicopter flight performance helicopter flight practice helicopter flight prep helicopter flight preparation helicopter flight ratings helicopter flight school helicopter flight schools helicopter flight syllabi helicopter flight techniques helicopter flight time helicopter flight time hours helicopter flight tips helicopter flight training helicopter flight training schools helicopter flight training videos helicopter flight training' helicopter flyaway helicopter flying helicopter flying at night helicopter flying blueprint helicopter flying careeres helicopter flying experience helicopter flying handbook helicopter flying lessons helicopter flying techniques helicopter flying tests helicopter flying tips helicopter for private use helicopter fuel helicopter fuel amount helicopter fuel gauge helicopter gadgetry helicopter go around's helicopter ground helicopter ground school helicopter ground schools helicopter ground subjects helicopter ground support helicopter ground training helicopter handbook helicopter hangar helicopter hems pilot helicopter hours helicopter hovering helicopter icing helicopter images helicopter industry helicopter industry experience helicopter inspections helicopter instructing helicopter instructor helicopter instructor qualifications helicopter instrument pilot helicopter instrument training helicopter insurance helicopter insurance costs helicopter interview tips helicopter intro flights helicopter jobs helicopter knee board helicopter knowledge helicopter landing helicopter leasing helicopter lesson helicopter lessons helicopter license helicopter licensing tests helicopter lift helicopter lifting techniques helicopter live training helicopter logging flight time helicopter maintenance helicopter maintenance history helicopter maintenance issues helicopter maneuvering helicopter maneuvers helicopter manual helicopter maximum performance take off helicopter mel and mmel helicopter membership helicopter memberships helicopter model comparison helicopter motion sickness helicopter night vision goggles helicopter online flight schools helicopter online ground school helicopter online ground school (hogs) helicopter online ground schools helicopter online school helicopter online training helicopter operating costs helicopter operation helicopter operation tips helicopter oral exam helicopter overhaul costs helicopter overspeed helicopter ownership helicopter passenger weight limit helicopter passive income helicopter pedals helicopter performance helicopter photography helicopter pickup technique helicopter pilot helicopter pilot careers helicopter pilot certification helicopter pilot courses helicopter pilot education helicopter pilot endorsements helicopter pilot flight risk assessment matrix helicopter pilot jobs helicopter pilot lessons helicopter pilot medication use helicopter pilot retirement helicopter pilot schools helicopter pilot supplies helicopter pilot tips helicopter pilot training helicopter pilot training costs helicopter pilot weather decisions helicopter pilot's license helicopter pilots helicopter podcasts helicopter popularity helicopter pre flight helicopter pre-flight helicopter preflight helicopter preheating helicopter private license helicopter private pilot helicopter private pilot cost helicopter questions helicopter radio call helicopter radio communications helicopter rating helicopter rating completion helicopter ratings helicopter rebuild costs helicopter regulation weight helicopter relief efforts helicopter rental helicopter rest arm helicopter rides helicopter right pedal helicopter rotor blade safety helicopter rpm helicopter running landing helicopter safety helicopter safety briefing helicopter safety course helicopter safety courses helicopter safety guidelines helicopter safety improvements helicopter safety notices helicopter safety procedures helicopter safety team helicopter safety tips helicopter schools helicopter seats helicopter set down helicopter set downs helicopter sfar checkouts helicopter simulaters helicopter solo helicopter solo flight helicopter solo hours helicopter solo requirements helicopter square pattern helicopter stability helicopter stuck pedal helicopter student helicopter student pilotStay connected with news and updates!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras sed sapien quam. Sed dapibus est id enim facilisis, at posuere turpis adipiscing. Quisque sit amet dui dui.