It is true that in order to succeed as a trainee you must have good chemistry with your instructor. In the world of flight training and aviation, it is the responsibility of the flight instructor to impart his knowledge, time and patience to his trainees.
But what if you encounter a flight instructor who doesn’t have the patience and the flexibility to cope with every trainee’s specific needs? This is a real recipe for disaster.
Some flight instructors are quite strict and stiff. They only have one method of teaching which doesn’t help all his trainees. One trainee may have a positive experience with a stiff flight instructor, but another trainee may not.
It is important that both trainee and flight instructor should have a good rapport in the beginning. An unapproachable and rude flight instructor is unlikely to have successful trainees since there is no cooperation between the parties. A flight instructor who is close-minded and very authoritative will likely lose trainees in the process.
Communication is quite difficult between a rude flight instructor and trainee. Of course, a trainee will always have questions that needed to be answered only by an expert professional. Seeking a flight school was the easy part, but getting a rude and harsh flight instructor could be a nightmare.
On the other hand, a flight instructor who is open and very approachable will not only have successful trainees, but will also have a harmonious relationship with them.
It is important for trainees to have a flight instructor who is ready to help and ready to learn with them. It should be a win-win situation and a good rapport will lead to the success of both parties.
Dealing with a flight instructor truly depends on the type of training and approach he gives to his trainees. Just like a teacher to his/her students in the classroom; if the latter is strict and cruel, the students will feel fear and learning will be difficult. But if the line of communication is open, the path to learning will be smooth and successful.
When you enroll in a flight school, always ask for the feedback of other trainees about specific instructors. Ask for other trainees’ opinion about certain flight instructors and their style of teaching to give you an idea.
You have an advantage if your flight school of choice allows you to choose your instructors. If not, well you can always switch and ask for someone who can help you learn better. Besides, you are the paying customer and it is your right to demand good service.