Students...

[slpilot]

How come some students do not understand that their CFI needs to have somewhat of a social life as well as just being at work. I mean some students just dont understand that you can't be at the airport 13 hours a day 7 days a week. I mean ive got students whove been working on their private for over a year and understand how the system works and then some that have been for 2 months and think they are taking too long and get mad at me. Then ask why they cant schedule a flight for a certain day and I tell them its my day off and there all pissy. Or get mad at when the weather isnt up to par for the day and we have to cancel, or when I take 10 minutes to eat a sandwich at 1 when ive been there since 8 am and havent eaten all day. I mean i remember what it was like when i first started and the frustrating days of not being able to fly, but jeeesh.

End rant

[surreal1221]

It's tough.

You really HAVE to set a standard EARLY with your students, and then stick with it.

We had a string of horrible weather during my last few months at my previous company. I usually scheduled myself off on Sundays. Well, to make up lost flying (and lost revenue for myself) I'd come in and work on Sundays. Eventually it got to the point where I was working 15-17 days straight with no breaks.

No one to blame but myself, but I was making good money during that period.

Nevertheless, moral of the story. Set your standard, and stick with it - no matter what. Make sure the student knows this as well.

If they are a professional in another life, if it gets to a point where you can not get some time off - ask them if they'd like to work 6 or 7 days a week EVERY week. That should change their opinion a little bit.

[moxiepilot]

The other way is to turn the tables. If a student is getting pissy, then tell them you'd like to schedule them 7 days a week at 10 am. Oh they have a job? Then put out there that they are goig to also fly at 7 pm each night too for those night requirements and instrument work.

At least that may put it into perspective. You're probably getting the flak from young pups. Tell them to #### and deal with it

[Old Pete]

There is no reason to get "pissy" or tell anyone to "####" if you are at all capable of communicating upfront how you schedule your lessons. When I was training for my private, one of the things I discussed with my instructor before I had my first lesson was his availability. I was working 6 days a week and didn't have a lot of free time. If an instructor wasn't willing to work weekends or evenings I didn't get "pissy" and he didn't tell me to "####". We just agreed that it wouldn't work out. Seems to be a more mature way of handling it.

[Nihon_Ni]

If you haven't read The Savvy Flight Instructor, it will help.

http://www.amazon.com/Savvy-Flight-I.../dp/1560272961

[Codyjp]

I just tell people that when I work on my days off I am really grumpy and mean. oh yeah, and for that I tell them I want time and a half like they would get for working their day off. They get the idea, and I get the day off. But seriously, we should be charging extra for working nights, weekends and holidays...

Just be adamant about your personal time, and what you do with is isn't any of their business. They will bend for you if you make them. I also just tell people that I don't work weekends from the first time I meet them that way they know up front and don't ask.

[BillH]

I find that "negative learning" works better than advertised...
I was the most popular flight instructor, everyone wanted me as their CFI, until I started ripping my headset off in the airplane and screaming at the students for their lack of experience and knowledge.

[bdhill1979]

I wrote up a "expectations and limitations" sheet that I hand to each new student that I work with.

One thing on there is my available hours: 8 AM to 6 PM Monday thru Friday, other times at my discretion. I put on there that I have a family and a life outside of work. When I leave for the day my phone does not get answered, I don't listen to the voice mail, I dont respond to text messages.

I have only had one student have a problem with that, and I referred him to another instructor and he was fine with that.

[moxiepilot]

Originally Posted by Old Pete

There is no reason to get "pissy" or tell anyone to "####" if you are at all capable of communicating upfront how you schedule your lessons. When I was training for my private, one of the things I discussed with my instructor before I had my first lesson was his availability. I was working 6 days a week and didn't have a lot of free time. If an instructor wasn't willing to work weekends or evenings I didn't get "pissy" and he didn't tell me to "####". We just agreed that it wouldn't work out. Seems to be a more mature way of handling it.

obviously I needed the sarcasm tag...my demeanor in previous posts and professionalism should show through there on how much I care about this industry.

[bdhill1979]

Originally Posted by moxiepilot

obviously I needed the sarcasm tag...my demeanor in previous posts and professionalism should show through there on how much I care about this industry.

Professional smartass

[aviatorrbt]

Originally Posted by Nihon_Ni

If you haven't read The Savvy Flight Instructor, it will help.

http://www.amazon.com/Savvy-Flight-I.../dp/1560272961

Good Book!!

[moxiepilot]

Originally Posted by aviatorrbt

Good Book!!

Great book! Heh, top that!

[Old Pete]

Originally Posted by moxiepilot

obviously I needed the sarcasm tag...my demeanor in previous posts and professionalism should show through there on how much I care about this industry.

You're right, I should have recognized the sarcasm. It did seem a bit out of character.