Most helicopter pilots begin their careers by working as flight instructors. In order to give instruction in any aircraft you must hold a qualification as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). We strongly recommend that all Commercial students obtain this certificate. Not only is it beneficial to the newly qualified pilot hunting for his or her first job but it is a qualification which can make a difference throughout one's career. Most large helicopter companies have internal training departments for recurrency training as well as for transitioning pilots into new equipment. These instructor positions are often the most attractive and sought-after jobs in the company.
For students who complete all of their training at Bristow Academy it is normal to incorporate part of the dual flight instruction into the Commercial Program, hence reducing the program costs. Essentially, we prepare all Commercial applicants to the higher CFI standard. For this reason we normally put all students through the CFI ground school class prior to their Commercial Pilot flight test.
The subject matter of the CFI Program includes:
- Preparation of lesson plans and teaching students with varying backgrounds and skills
- Evaluation of individual student flight programs
- Effective pre/post flight instruction
- Analysis and correction of student pilot errors
- Flight instructor responsibilities and certifying procedures
Ground School
In the context of the above all of the major areas of aeronautical knowledge are addressed during the three week ground school class. Every student has daily teaching-practice assignments, instructing his or her classmates in sessions which are then analyzed by the instructor and the class. Each day begins with a comprehensive weather briefing, delivered by a member of the class. At the end of the session one student delivers a five minute lecture on a previously assigned aviation subject. These exercises develop confidence in the students, as well as show the participants the importance of having a very thorough grasp of the subject matter.
Flight Training
In the aircraft the CFI applicant must learn to cope with a whole new set of challenges. On a simple level there is the practical issue of flying the helicopter from the instructor's seat. This is not as easy as it sounds; anyone who has ever had to learn to drive a car with the steering wheel on the "wrong" side can attest to how weird it feels at first. On a more complex level the pilot has to learn how to fly the aircraft and simultaneously teach the maneuver. Often this means having to correct a student's mistakes while calmly explaining the error and the appropriate correction. The pilot is about to go from the position of being a student in the capable hands of a competent instructor to being the person with full responsibility for the safety of the flight. Initially this can be a daunting experience. The Bristow Academy Flight Instructor Program is designed to make the transition to the role of Instructor as unintimidating as possible.
Careers Workshop
All CFI class members are invited to participate in a three day career workshop. This class includes tips on entering the American job market, job hunting, interviewing techniques, and what will be expected of you as an employee. There is no charge for this element of the program.
