Lessons I’ve Learned as a CFI That I Wish I Knew as a Student

When I earned my CFI certificate, I thought I was stepping into a role where I’d simply pass on what I already knew. But I quickly realized something: becoming a flight instructor taught me more about flying than I ever expected and showed me just how much I didn’t fully grasp as a student. Looking back, there are a handful of lessons I wish I had understood earlier, not just to be a better pilot, but to make the entire training process smoother and more meaningful. If you’re in the middle of flight training or just starting your journey, these are the things I would go back and tell my student pilot self.

1. Mastery Does Not Mean Perfection

We are often told that “perfection is not the standard,” but oftentimes it feels that way regardless. As a student, I often thought that just because I met the standard or passed a checkride, it meant I was immune from making mistakes. As a CFI with thousands of hours of dual given and personal experiences, I have learned that no matter the skill level you attain, you will make mistakes. Sometimes embarrassing and even disappointing mistakes. Being a Master does not mean you will not make mistakes; it simply means that you are aware of your mistakes. Mastery is about awareness and correction, not flawlessness. Focus on how quickly you can catch your own mistakes and recover from them.

2. You Retain What You Teach

As a student, I excelled at a practice that I didn't realize at the time was preparing me for future success in teaching. I dedicated countless hours, literally hundreds, to tutoring and teaching subjects to my peers who were in the same course or taking earlier ones. This process allowed me to internalize and organize the material, helping me identify my own gaps in knowledge and understanding. Whether it involved explaining maneuvers, discussing weather theory, or exploring hypothetical scenarios with friends, this approach enabled me not only to learn rote information but to internalize it deeply, which significantly eased my CFI training and experience.

3. Checklist Discipline Matters More Than You Think

As a student, I was terrible at using checklists. I rarely memorized them beyond a basic level and often overlooked them unless my instructors constantly reminded me. Rushing, skipping, or forgetting checklists are common errors, and from a student's perspective, they often seem minor and unimportant. However, running checklists is more than just completing a series of (sometimes repetitive) tasks. It signifies professionalism, and having this ingrained skill is crucial, especially in abnormal situations where another person's life might depend on your piloting skills. Use them consistently and, most importantly, understand every line.

4. Every Flight Is a Confidence Opportunity

During my time as a student, I regarded flights with utmost seriousness. A single poor flight could shake my confidence for days, while my best flights would inflate my self-assurance to new heights. The most skilled pilots I train are those who are introspective and learn from both their achievements and errors. These top pilots approach lessons with a resolve to replicate their successes and avoid turning mistakes into habits. While confidence isn't necessary for flying well, it emerges from challenging oneself through discomfort and the ability to self-evaluate.

5. Scenario Thinking Is a Superpower

As a student, you may not realize how uncertain the real-world flying environment becomes outside of training. During training, the scenarios typically presented become routine and quite predictable. In reality, there are no straightforward answers, and often no one is readily available to provide them. It is crucial in your training to constantly ask "what if?" What if I lost communication right now? What if I had to divert at this moment? What if my brother offered to pay me to fly him on vacation? While the FAA and flight schools strive to promote scenario-based training, you can greatly benefit by proactively creating these scenarios yourself long before you actually need them.

6. The ACS Is Not Just Another Document

I used to dismiss the ACS as a document relevant only to my instructors and examiners. I didn't realize how I could utilize it as a student or how it could help me prepare for the checkride. This was a significant oversight. Now, as an instructor, I teach using the ACS. I've memorized it so thoroughly that I rarely need a PLT decoding tool to understand each item within the ACS. I've learned that as a student, it should be the framework for studying, helping you know exactly what will be evaluated and where to focus more attention. The ACS should guide you through every stage of your aviation training and serve as the foundation for study sessions.

7. Learning to Fly Is Also Learning to Learn

Learning to fly involves much more than simply mastering aircraft control. It demands significant self-discipline, curiosity, humility, and preparation. Although I have always been an organized and motivated student, I didn't anticipate how much I would depend on these traits during my training. The most successful students, who progress through training quickly, are those who develop systems for studying, reflecting on their flights, and managing their time and study-life balance. Learning to fly also involves discovering your most effective learning methods. As you advance in your training and aviation career, you will increasingly rely on these strategies.

Final thoughts

Being on the teaching side of the cockpit has made me realize how much I misunderstood about the learning process as a student. I often reflect on what I would change in my own training if I had the chance to do it again. If I could go back, I would be more patient, much more curious, and far less afraid to ask the “dumb” questions. So, if you’re currently a student in training or considering starting your training soon, take a deep breath. You are doing better than you think, and the lessons you are learning extend far beyond your checkride. In your daily life as a training pilot, remember to pause and appreciate the learning opportunities right in front of you.