Rant

[ZUKO]

I wish I was flying more... My instructor is not giving me &*&#*@& for launches because he has 9 students. He wants me to try not to get frustrated while he finishes up the guys who are very close from being done with there flying.

Meanwhile, I am getting nervous because I am on lesson 13/30 and I do not have THAT much of a head start on the guys who are just starting up 102 this semester.

My instructor is filling me in on Sunday. I got weathered on Thursday. I have not flown since my solo on December 9th. So how well do you think my attempt at lesson 13 will go while I attempt to dust off the rust?

I can stand the -15 weather. I can stand the sucky town of Grand Forks. I can stand being 1500 miles away from my girl friend as long as I felt those sacrifices were worth being able to fly a ton. But guess what, I feel I have barely flown since being here with many interruptions in between.

I do not know about you but I personally learn a lot better when I am constantly practicing. I feel as if I am reading about living the dream on JetCareers and how XYZ has gone from no flight experience to American Eagle in only 2 years rather then living the dream myself.

Bad Weather + Limiting CFI = Not much Flight experience.

Solutions:

A) Sunday after my flight, Tell CFI how I feel and either he can fly as much as I want or I find someone else hoping I do not burn a bridge. (He is a good guy)

B) Finish up my private and transfer to a school where I can fly at an FBO. Find some guy who wants to fly every other day. Become a part time CFI well before I finish college. Moving at a faster pace then at ND.

C) Be patient. Wait things out. Things will get better.

[Snickersnwa]

Without totally knowing your situation… what’s keeping you from doing a lesson or two with another CFI while your current CFI is busy?

Let your instructor know how you feel though – Remember, you’re the customer. I’d bet that things will smooth out for ya though. (The beginning of the semester can be kinda hectic).

[the_dmn8tr]

Everyone goes through rough spots, some longer than others, in their lives. It really sounds like you need a new CFI though, even if he is a good guy. I would hope he wouldn't take it personally, but rather professionally after you explain your feelings on the subject to him. Go to a lead Flight Instructor and explain the situation to them, they will be able to help. With a new CFI and teaching methods, you might be able to pick up the pace and finish more quickly. Even though you may have a good guy CFI, his teaching methods may not be the best for YOUR learning. Remember that it is YOUR training. YOU make the decisions.


Quoting the Girl Next Door, "Ask yourself if the juice is worth the squeeze?"

[ZUKO]

Originally Posted by Snickersnwa

Without totally knowing your situation… what’s keeping you from doing a lesson or two with another CFI while your current CFI is busy?

Let your instructor know how you feel though – Remember, you’re the customer. I’d bet that things will smooth out for ya though. (The beginning of the semester can be kinda hectic).

Thats a good question. I should call my instructor and find out. I think it may have to do with him having to be the one to sign me off for my stage 14. He said if he is still busy after I complete the 14 he could do that. But he never mentioned before.

I am starting to notice that I do not voice my opinion enough over the phone. Once I think about what was said, I wish I was more of a vocal customer.

I am just thinking to myself. Would I like it better at an FBO? I do not know. Its sort of a hard situation. UND gives you 3 launch days per week. Some times you launch 1, sometimes 2, rarely do I ever get my 3 launches in. If you guys could do it all over again knowing what you know now? Would you have went to UND? I came here to fly. I want to fly more and at a faster pace.

Thanks for listening to me guys.

[ZUKO]

Originally Posted by the_dmn8tr

Everyone goes through rough spots, some longer than others, in their lives. It really sounds like you need a new CFI though, even if he is a good guy. I would hope he wouldn't take it personally, but rather professionally after you explain your feelings on the subject to him. Go to a lead Flight Instructor and explain the situation to them, they will be able to help. With a new CFI and teaching methods, you might be able to pick up the pace and finish more quickly. Even though you may have a good guy CFI, his teaching methods may not be the best for YOUR learning. Remember that it is YOUR training. YOU make the decisions.


Quoting the Girl Next Door, "Ask yourself if the juice is worth the squeeze?"

Elisha Cuthbert

I agree with what you are saying. I really do not feel like the pace has been my fauilt minus 3 weeks where I want allowed to fly do to my poor block scores back months ago. Since then, all blame can be put on the weather and availability.

My instructor is planning on getting out of GFK as soon as possible. He is applying for the next airline to come through GFK.

[Snickersnwa]

Originally Posted by ZUKO

Thats a good question. I should call my instructor and find out. I think it may have to do with him having to be the one to sign me off for my stage 14. He said if he is still busy after I complete the 14 he could do that. But he never mentioned before.

I am just thinking to myself. Would I like it better at an FBO? I do not know. Its sort of a hard situation. UND gives you 3 launch days per week. Some times you launch 1, sometimes 2, rarely do I ever get my 3 launches in. If you guys could do it all over again knowing what you know now? Would you have went to UND? I came here to fly. I want to fly more and at a faster pace.

Thanks for listening to me guys.

Well, I’m pretty sure that there are instructors that could handle taking on another student. I’d talk to your instructor first though, so that you don’t just “up and leave” and start flying with a new instructor. If your instructor isn’t able to meet the expectations that you have (to meet three times a week at least) then I’d have to believe he would understand you wanting to be reassigned to another instructor.

As for me… I would try to get my three launches done per week, and whatever I could do on the weekend to get ahead. If my instructors couldn’t meet with me, it usually wasn’t a problem finding another instructor to fly more launches.

Being close to a stage check (like your situation) can be tricky too, but it’s also important to fly regularly (especially in the beginning) to keep proficiency up.

Hang in there

[ZUKO]

Originally Posted by Snickersnwa

Well, I’m pretty sure that there are instructors that could handle taking on another student. I’d talk to your instructor first though, so that you don’t just “up and leave” and start flying with a new instructor. If your instructor isn’t able to meet the expectations that you have (to meet three times a week at least) then I’d have to believe he would understand you wanting to be reassigned to another instructor.

As for me… I would try to get my three launches done per week, and whatever I could do on the weekend to get ahead. If my instructors couldn’t meet with me, it usually wasn’t a problem finding another instructor to fly more launches.

Being close to a stage check (like your situation) can be tricky too, but it’s also important to fly regularly (especially in the beginning) to keep proficiency up.

Hang in there

I think that is a very good idea. So flying 3 days a week plus extra days on the weekend is not out of the realm of possibilities. Good.

Out of the end of the year, I think I will see how well I like the program and if its worth finishing at UND vs FBO.

Are you an instructor at UND? Are you free in the mornings lol...

[montanapilot]

Originally Posted by ZUKO

My instructor is planning on getting out of GFK as soon as possible. He is applying for the next airline to come through GFK.

and people wonder why we have such shi$$y wages in this industry

[MrLeisure757]

Justin --

Maybe you could request a different instructor that could better fit your schedule?

As for the weather, we can all tell you that it can be a real big problem. Just keep getting as many launches as you can, try your best and I know you'll succeed.

As for Grand Forks, the cold, being away from the girlfriend, and home like you said....yeah, it does grow old and I can relate to be so far away from home sometimes. I do miss it, but at the same time this is college, and I did sign up for this...

Sit tight and keep plugging away...and I guarantee with enough motivation and commitment, you WILL succeed.

[StrangerDejaVu]

It sounds like your instructor might have bit off a bit more than he can chew at this time. I tell my students that the pace is their choice, and if they want to fly more than 3 times a week, I'll do all I can to schedule in extra launches with them.

If you like working with your current instructor, the suggestion I have is to give him a deadline- tell him "I want to be on the stage 14 by the end of next week." And that might work to help pick up the pace. Also, tell him of your frustrations and that you want to do more launches in a week. Perhaps after the 14 is over, he'll start "outsourcing" you to other instructors and you'll be able to get a lot done. It's also kinda cool cuz then you get to experience other instructors and their styles.

[airplanerik]

I agree. Get a new instructor that can meet with you at least 3 times a week. Once you get somebody new, there will be nothing stopping you from meeting up everyday with you instructor (if you wanted to). Then, getting weathered would be no big deal... You would be flying 3, 4, or 5 times a week instead of 1, 2, and 3. You'd be suprised how fast you can actually finish the flight courses if you aim for more than 3 launches a week!

[ZUKO]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the nice words. Its why I love posting and reading on this forum. Its one of the only forums where I feel like I am not wasting my time reading and posting because I am learning a lot while being here.

I am going to talk to flight instructor after my flight tommorow. I guess I have been overly agreeable with him at the sake of my pace. I am glad that there are other flight instructors out there that could meet with me a lot more.

I feel like my goal should be to get done before I leave for spring break. Two months to get 14 done and to finish block 2 and 3 should be possible.

[UAL747400]

Originally Posted by ZUKO

I feel like my goal should be to get done before I leave for spring break. Two months to get 14 done and to finish block 2 and 3 should be possible.

That should be easily attainable if the we continue with this rediculously awesome weather. Well except for the temps.

[stuckingfk]

Two months is impossible. I'd put my life and first born on the fact you won't get done before spring break.

You haven't even finished your 14 yet. Obviously some things aren't clicking as they should be.

All you can do is work hard and be prepared for every lesson. You should be able to find an instructor to help out with your current one after the 14 is done.

Good luck and keep at it. Eventually you'll get done if you put forth the effort.

[ZUKO]

Originally Posted by stuckingfk

Two months is impossible. I'd put my life and first born on the fact you won't get done before spring break.

You haven't even finished your 14 yet. Obviously some things aren't clicking as they should be.

All you can do is work hard and be prepared for every lesson. You should be able to find an instructor to help out with your current one after the 14 is done.

Good luck and keep at it. Eventually you'll get done if you put forth the effort.

I have had way too many interuptions in my training in order for things to click. I had to do four review flights after not flying for nearly a month due to my poor block peformance. Then I had to sit around and wait for the restrictions to go away out at the airport. I am not making excuses. I take full responsibility for being far behind. But I do not feel like "Obviously some things aren't clicking as they should be." paints nearly the full picture.

It is hard for things to click when you constantly have to get started up again from breaks in training. I have put fourth tons of effort. My instructor told me that I was one of the most motivated students he has ever seen.

So by spring break is not a realistic goal? I guess there is a difference of opinion on here. I heard the 2nd block goes by extremely fast.

[ORDFlyer85]

Originally Posted by ZUKO

Thats a good question. I should call my instructor and find out. I think it may have to do with him having to be the one to sign me off for my stage 14. He said if he is still busy after I complete the 14 he could do that. But he never mentioned before.

I am starting to notice that I do not voice my opinion enough over the phone. Once I think about what was said, I wish I was more of a vocal customer.

I am just thinking to myself. Would I like it better at an FBO? I do not know. Its sort of a hard situation. UND gives you 3 launch days per week. Some times you launch 1, sometimes 2, rarely do I ever get my 3 launches in. If you guys could do it all over again knowing what you know now? Would you have went to UND? I came here to fly. I want to fly more and at a faster pace.

Thanks for listening to me guys.

Ah.... sounds familiar .... sigh ...

I had a very similar experience in my 102 and 221 training with my instructor. I was a little bit of a slow learner on "landings" and spent so much time on them that I got fustrated and took a couple of days off from flying. Then when I had cooled off my instructor had booked up his schedule so that I was almost completely unable to go through my 3 launches a week. It got so awful that I decided skipping class would be a good idea in order to get my flights done. I don't recommend that


Anyways all through my later half of 102 and almost all of 221 I ALWAYS seemed to accomidate to my instructors schedule. They both seemed to have things come up or needed to finish another student, or had to go on a X-C with some other kid or his girlfriend was in town for the weekend .. blah blah blah. My 221 instructor actually told me that instead of doing one of the night X-C flight on the night the Sioux were in town that he really would like to go to game.. and stupidly I said no problem. It was these few minor reschedules that kept pushing me off the template.

I learned the hard way not to let instructors run the schedule for my completion. I made it quite clear in 222 that things were gonna be done my way on schedule and that I wasn't up for constant resceduling and time conflicts due to my past experiencs. I too thought after my private training if UND was the right place because I felt that I had been given the run around by every one and flight ops and leads (at that time, they are much better today). 222 was the first course that I actually for the most part stayed on template... SO i would as the other people have said talk to your instructor first and if that doesnt help, talk to your lead or even your instructors lead, you'll be surprised even how much they might actaully help ya .. but good luck

[ZUKO]

Originally Posted by ORDFlyer85

Ah.... sounds familiar .... sigh ...

I had a very similar experience in my 102 and 221 training with my instructor. I was a little bit of a slow learner on "landings" and spent so much time on them that I got fustrated and took a couple of days off from flying. Then when I had cooled off my instructor had booked up his schedule so that I was almost completely unable to go through my 3 launches a week. It got so awful that I decided skipping class would be a good idea in order to get my flights done. I don't recommend that


Anyways all through my later half of 102 and almost all of 221 I ALWAYS seemed to accomidate to my instructors schedule. They both seemed to have things come up or needed to finish another student, or had to go on a X-C with some other kid or his girlfriend was in town for the weekend .. blah blah blah. My 221 instructor actually told me that instead of doing one of the night X-C flight on the night the Sioux were in town that he really would like to go to game.. and stupidly I said no problem. It was these few minor reschedules that kept pushing me off the template.

I learned the hard way not to let instructors run the schedule for my completion. I made it quite clear in 222 that things were gonna be done my way on schedule and that I wasn't up for constant resceduling and time conflicts due to my past experiencs. I too thought after my private training if UND was the right place because I felt that I had been given the run around by every one and flight ops and leads (at that time, they are much better today). 222 was the first course that I actually for the most part stayed on template... SO i would as the other people have said talk to your instructor first and if that doesnt help, talk to your lead or even your instructors lead, you'll be surprised even how much they might actaully help ya .. but good luck

Yeah. My instructor has told me twice now "not to get frusterated. I have nine other students. Tells me he was never planning on flying sunday but going to do it anyway.) As if he was doing me a favor by flying on Sunday. Please. I just want to fly period. I was a slow learner on landings too until one day it just clicked.

[ORDFlyer85]

Originally Posted by ZUKO

Yeah. My instructor has told me twice now "not to get frusterated. I have nine other students. Tells me he was never planning on flying sunday but going to do it anyway.) As if he was doing me a favor by flying on Sunday. Please. I just want to fly period. I was a slow learner on landings too until one day it just clicked.

Ah I understand that.. in 221 my instructor did the same thing. He always told me he didnt fly on Sundays because it wsa his 'Duty Day". Whatever .. after I talked to his lead though.. he managed to make time on those Sundays so that I could get going ... woulda help in the beginning but whatever. Luckily towards the end of Feb the weather gets nice .. but since there are a lot of dual flights I beleive your goal is attainable...

[Snickersnwa]

Originally Posted by ZUKO

Are you an instructor at UND? Are you free in the mornings lol...

Yep, and it depends. Right now I'm working with two other students that aren't on my permanent schedule (in addition to those that are assigned to me) which is keeping me pretty busy. Once I'm done with helping out those two students that should open up my schedule. But, if it's extra flights you're looking to squeeze in, there are other UND CFI's on JC that could probably help you out with a flight or two. I'm sure that I could too, but right now could be difficult. Just keep pluggin along and get done with the stage 14. Like what was said before, flying with a different instructor every now and then may be helpful, and if it's more launches you're looking in to get in... more power to you.

Originally Posted by ORDFlyer85

Ah I understand that.. in 221 my instructor did the same thing. He always told me he didnt fly on Sundays because it wsa his 'Duty Day". Whatever .. after I talked to his lead though.. he managed to make time on those Sundays so that I could get going ... woulda help in the beginning but whatever. Luckily towards the end of Feb the weather gets nice .. but since there are a lot of dual flights I beleive your goal is attainable...

We're supposed to take one day off from UND between the 1st and 15th of the month, and another day from the 16th to the end of the month as per SPP's.

[MrLeisure757]

If I plan on finishing 112 (14 Lessons) by spring break, I don't see why you couldn't do the same.

[ZUKO]

Originally Posted by MrLeisure757

If I plan on finishing 112 (14 Lessons) by spring break, I don't see why you couldn't do the same.

Thats pretty nifty that 112 is only 14 lessons. How do you like your instructor? Are you planning on staying over the summer to complete any courses? I am doing 221 for sure and I will likely try to get 222 done if at all possible.

[BuickCFI]

Originally Posted by ZUKO

Thats pretty nifty that 112 is only 14 lessons. How do you like your instructor? Are you planning on staying over the summer to complete any courses? I am doing 221 for sure and I will likely try to get 222 done if at all possible.

if you are considering going the FBO route now, do it IMHO. i wish i had done it but by the time i was in multi i was locked in to the UND system

as far as finishing up your current flying by spring break @ UND, talk to your lead tell him your plans and you want to get done by then. they will find you an instructor who will be able to add you to their schedule and meet your goals. I am assuming you are finishing up your flying from the fall and most likely retaking the ground school so you should be giving priority for finishing. you are afterall a PAYING CUSTOMER

[Snickersnwa]

Originally Posted by BuickCFI

if you are considering going the FBO route now, do it IMHO. i wish i had done it but by the time i was in multi i was locked in to the UND system

Well, I’ll first say that I have nothing against the FBO route. And, that I don’t think that the training at an FBO would mean that it’s less than UND or similar type schools. There are advantages and disadvantages to both routes.

UND isn’t a “best fit” for everyone, and neither is the FBO route. Keep in mind that if you chose the FBO route (and if the school there is part 61) you’ll end up having to acquire more flight hours to be eligible for the commercial certificate. (minimum times for Part 61=250TT, Part 141=190TT).

I personally didn’t have a problem going through the UND system, but I wouldn’t trade the experiences that I had flying here and there outside of UND to mix it up a little bit (or the experience I had working outside of UND). Result: less time to get the commercial certificate and experience flying (and working) outside of UND.

[BuickCFI]

Originally Posted by Snickersnwa

Well, I’ll first say that I have nothing against the FBO route. And, that I don’t think that the training at an FBO would mean that it’s less than UND or similar type schools. There are advantages and disadvantages to both routes.

UND isn’t a “best fit” for everyone, and neither is the FBO route. Keep in mind that if you chose the FBO route (and if the school there is part 61) you’ll end up having to acquire more flight hours to be eligible for the commercial certificate. (minimum times for Part 61=250TT, Part 141=190TT).

I personally didn’t have a problem going through the UND system, but I wouldn’t trade the experiences that I had flying here and there outside of UND to mix it up a little bit (or the experience I had working outside of UND). Result: less time to get the commercial certificate and experience flying (and working) outside of UND.

you are correct, and when it comes down to cost it is fairly similar for each, unless you do your CFI training while doing your commercial, etc and you can get it all done in about 250 total, which is about where you come out at UND give or take a few for the same certs.

but each has its +'s and -'s. i only came to UND because i was sold on "it was the best" and when i chose UND i wasn't in the best mindset for choosing what was best for me, i just chose something. i don't completely regret going to UND, just how i made my decision to do so

[roundout]

i will say flat out that i got 3 jobs because the hiring party was familiar with UND program and the quality of training there. i will also say that going to UND cost me a job because the chief pilot at a school in denver was an ERAU grad.

as a chief pilot myself, i've hired someone from a big academy and passed over quite a few CFIs of poor skill who trained part 61. ymmv.