Certified Flight Instructor-Sport(CFI-S) Above the Standards
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Our Motto for CFI-S
In our Certified Flight Instructor – Sport (CFI-S) training our motto is put in to practice by requiring our graduates to have Defensive Flying for CFIs training, even though the certificate does not require this.
Defensive flying for CFIs
Defensive flying for CFIs is a proactive mental and physical posture designed to manage risk, prevent, and correct student errors before they become unrecoverable, essentially treating every flight as a high-stakes, real-world scenario. Key techniques include maintaining high situational awareness, active scanning, prompt, clear communication, and precise, but not hovering, positioning of hands and feet on the controls.
Core Defensive Flying Strategies for CFIs:
Pre-flight Briefing:
Establish clear roles (PIC, Pilot Flying/Monitoring) and define the scope of maneuvers.
Physical Positioning:
Maintain a relaxed but ready posture. Keep heels on the floor and hover one hand near the throttle, with the other near the yoke, prepared to intervene without creating tension.
Mental Anticipation:
Constantly "fly ahead" of the student. Anticipate potential errors, such as a student's failure to maintain runway centerlines, overcontrolling, or improper traffic scanning.
Active Monitoring:
Listen to ATC and other pilots on the radio to build a 3D mental picture of nearby traffic.
Positive Exchange of Controls:
Use strict, deliberate "you have the flight controls" procedures to ensure there is never doubt about who is flying.
Scenario-Based Training:
Incorporate surprise, "unexpected" situations like simulated engine failures on takeoff or last-minute go-arounds to prepare students for real-world scenarios.
Runway Safety:
Verify the approach is clear, even when cleared by tower, and vigilantly scan for other aircraft on the ground, especially at non-towered fields.
Manage Student Behavior:
Recognize that students may develop "defense mechanisms" to cope with anxiety, such as ignoring risks or appearing overconfident; proactively address these behaviors.