"Is it True an Instructor's First Student Will Commonly Fail Their First Check-Ride?"
Jan 10, 2025As an aspiring Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), one of the key moments in your budding career will be preparing your first student for their check-ride. The unfortunate reality is that many first-time instructors face the challenge of having their students fail this crucial test. But why does this happen, and more importantly, how can you avoid it? Creator of Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.), Kenny Keller shares insights from his 24 years of experience, offering practical advice and strategies to help ensure your student’s success.
The Importance of the Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
The Airman Certification Standards (ACS) document is indispensable. One primary reason students fail their check-rides is due to a lack of comprehensive preparation based on ACS guidelines. The ACS outlines everything an examiner might ask during the check-ride. Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Possession and Familiarity: Ensure both you and your student have a personal copy of the ACS. This is your check-ride bible.
2. Thorough Review: Go through the ACS line-by-line with your student, ensuring they understand and can demonstrate each requirement.
3. Addressing Uncertainties: Any topic or skill your student is unsure about should be revisited until they are fully confident. Leave no stone unturned.
Preparation and Organization: The Critical Non-Flying Elements
Good flying skills alone won't guarantee success. Kenny Keller emphasizes the importance of meticulous preparation, especially when it comes to documentation and endorsements:
1. Paperwork Readiness: Dedicate an entire day to ensure all paperwork, including endorsements, is accurate and complete. The FAA form 8710 can be particularly time-consuming.
2. Material Verification: Cross-check all entries against the FAR/AIM requirements. Don’t wait until the last moment to ensure all flight logs and documentation are flawless.
3. Packing the Essentials: Make sure your student has all required items as outlined in the ACS. Missing documents or materials can put them at an immediate disadvantage.
Building a Relationship with Examiners
It’s beneficial to develop a professional rapport with examiners. Kenny shares a valuable piece of advice he received early in his CFI career:
1. Meet the Examiner: If possible, arrange an introductory meeting with the examiner before the check-ride. Familiarity can ease nerves and provide insights into the examiner's expectations.
2. Follow Their Standards: Ensure you understand and align your training to the specific standards and preferences of the examiner.
Student Confidence and Mindset
The emotional and mental state of your student plays a significant role in their performance. Here's how to manage it:
1. Avoid Last-Minute Cramming: Try to complete all flying requirements well in advance. Last-minute stress can deteriorate the quality of flying.
2. Scheduled Downtime: The day before the check-ride should be relatively relaxed. Allow your student time to rest and mentally prepare.
3. Encouragement and Support: Provide consistent moral support, boosting their confidence and reducing anxiety.
Practical Tips from Kenny Keller’s Experience
Drawing from decades of experience, Kenny offers several key pieces of advice:
1. Planning and Time Management: Allocate time weeks in advance to review every aspect thoroughly, reducing last-minute rushes.
2. Detailed Logbook Review: Double-check every entry with your student, ensuring all numbers and flight times meet the required minimums. Don't assume; verify.
3. Realistic Mock Check-rides: Conduct practice check-rides that simulate the actual test environment, helping your student become more comfortable and proficient under pressure.
Leveraging Additional Resources
Lastly, make use of the variety of resources available:
1. PDF Guides and Tips: Download Kenny Keller’s "Top 10 Check-ride Tips" for additional insights and strategies.
2. H.O.G.S. Member Support: Engage with dedicated member support for personalized assistance and scheduling additional training if needed.
3. Online Resources: Utilize platforms from Helicopter Online Ground School for immediate answers to training-related questions.
The Path to Success
Ensuring your student's success on their check-ride is a multi-faceted endeavor involving thorough preparation, strategic planning, and dedicated support. By adhering to ACS guidelines, ensuring meticulous documentation, building strong examiner relationships, and mentally preparing your student, you can significantly reduce the risk of check-ride failures. Embrace these strategies, and you’ll not only help your student pass but also set the foundation for a successful career as a CFI.
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