Are CFIs personable?

I started instructing when I was 40, and I think that having a tad bit of
life experience transfers positively when interacting with students. To my
younger students I was kind of a father figure, and to the old ones I was
seen as experienced, when in fact I was feeling my way as all new
instructors must. I haven't run across very many long-time instructors who
came struck me as arrogant.

Bob Gardner

"Robert M. Gary" wrote in message
ups.com...
I was talking to a friend today about how difficult it is to find a
personable golf instructor. I'm a pretty so-so golfer and it really
turns me off that most instructors are very arrogant and stuck up. I
got to thinking that I sure hope students don't see CFIs the same way.
I've never considered myself better than my students so I sure help I
don't come off as arrogant in anyway. As a CFI I know that other CFIs
interact with me differently so I'm not sure I would know if other
CFIs are stuck up (as a CFI I often find that check out rides are
abbreviated, fees are reduced or instruction hours are under billed
for fellow CFIs).

I've never considered the holding of a CFI certificate to mean that
I'm any type of super pilot. In truth, anyone who takes enough
checkrides can get the certificate, its really something that any can
achieve. I hope other CFIs see it the same way.

-Robert, CFII