(Michael) wrote in message . com...
The advertisement for CFIG's recently posted, and the discussion it
spawned, made me realize something. I have yet to see a soaring club
that had enough CFIG's.

Having learned to fly gliders at a commercial operation, and also
having belonged to separate clubs including one club SSA is famously
fighting for, I feel I must add a little to your post. In commercial
operations, the incentives are clear. While the income is not
significant, it is there. A club must use a different approach.

Upon moving to a new area, club flying was the only option available
for me. I have several years of professional flying experience and
several years as a CFIG at a large commercial site, but the new club
could only offer roadblocks to checking me out as a CFI. I had field
checks, instructor checks, chief instructor checks, lectures then
finally at the close of the season was allowed that I was checked out
as an instructor. Seven flights over 63 days.

During the process, I was allowed to give prospective members flights
and was responsibile for two new student pilot members to the club
during my probation. Neither became my student although both asked to
be.

Every organization has a personality. If there is a shortage of CFI's
for your club, maybe some time on the virtual couch might be in order.

Terry Claussen
DPE-glider