Thanks, Dudley, especially the "talk and interview" approach, this makes
particular sense for me. I have until 1Q 2008 so time is on my side.

On Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:53:52 -0500, Dudley Henriques wrote:

The first thing you do is forget the posts that tell you "you are the
boss and the CFI is the employee". It doesn't work this way.
You are certainly entitled to a good flight instructor however, and
picking one out of the assortment available can be a daunting task.

The trick is to get the right one for YOU. This means a CFI who fits
well with your temperament and goals. Pick the right CFI and you will
enjoy every moment you spend learning to fly. Pick the wrong one and you
will be wasting time and money.

I always suggest doing some foot work before signing up at a flight
school. There are two things to consider; the operation itself, then the
individual CFI assigned to you within that organization. BOTH have to
meet your standards. If there is a weak link in this process, it can as
I say become quite time consuming and be an unenjoyable experience.

I suggest an informal visit to each operation you are considering. Just
show up, sit around, have a coffee and talk to people. See what
develops. Usually by doing this, you will end up getting a pretty fair
picture of who's who and what's what at that operation.

Some people like the organization of a full operation. Some like the
relaxed atmosphere of the small FBO. You have to decide which is best
for you individually.

As for the CFI; sit down and talk with each one you are considering.
It's always been my advice that if you don't feel an initial bonding and
camaraderie with a CFI on the first meeting it usually doesn't develop
later on. This again is your call.

ANY pressure....any at all, by a school or a CFI to sign up NOW should
be a red flag. Not all these situations are negative but enough are that
serious consideration should be the watchword.

The main thing is to do your own research on this issue. What you learn
from us on the forums will for the most part be from our own experience
and this may or may not apply to you and your specific situation.

Best of luck
DH


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