A Matter of Trust: The CFI as a Learner

A Matter of Trust: The CFI as a Learner

Aviation is demanding and unforgiving. The cockpit represents an intense learning environment, psychologically and emotionally. Relationships are important in this industry. Professionalism means establishing and maintaining trust. But things aren’t always perfect.

For most instructors that are already certified, mentorship and peer support are synergistic with maintaining our health and well-being. As good instructors, we tend to be hard on ourselves.  We want to continue to learn. Becoming once again a ‘learner CFI,’ we seek feedback from those we consider mentors and peers. We trust that the discussion will be open and honest, allowing us to improve. And despite what we might say, we remain sensitive to the judgment by those mentors and peers.

So, what if as a learner CFI, you encounter a mentor or peer that betrays the trust you placed in them? Even to the point where you consider never again instructing from the right seat? On the other hand, what can make the experience immensely rewarding and fulfilling?

This presentation will explore the dynamics of the professional CFI (learner) seeking mentorship and peer support from another professional CFI (instructor), including topics such as:

• Setting objectives and expectations
• Determining the obligations of each participant
• Understanding and respecting boundaries, the experience each party brings to the encounter
• Recognizing when the relationship is ‘headed south?’

Presenter