FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) FAQs
Climbing into an unfamiliar Light Sport Aircraft with someone you do not know could prove hazardous to your health. So before you go up for that first exciting flight in any aircraft, pull out the checklist and ask these questions.
The first question to ask is "Are you an FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or are you an Ultralight Flight Instructor?"
Click here for questions to ask an Ultralight Flight Instructor.
Fewer questions need to be asked of a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) because of the stricter regulations and controls placed on CFIs. However, Instructor compatibility is very important. Some appropriate questions to ask are:
- Is the instructor experienced in the type of Light Sport Aircraft you will be flying?
- Can the instructor provide you will referrals to students he or she has soloed?
- Are there safety devices installed on the Light Sport Aircraft?
- Will you be able to solo in this Light Sport Aircraft?
- Is this Light Sport Aircraft protected from the weather when it is not flying?
- Is routine maintenance performed on the Light Sport Aircraft?
- Is a maintenance schedule routinely utilized?
- Are maintenance logs or records kept for all work performed on the Light Sport Aircraft?
You should ask questions about the instructor's experience and ability. 2. Can the instructor provide you with referrals to students he or she has soloed? Yes or No
[Good instructors will be happy to provide references.] 3. Are there safety devices installed on the Light Sport Aircraft? Yes or No
Look for or ask about safety items that may include helmets and eye protection, a pilot/passenger restraint system, parachute, strobe lights and/or intercom.
4. Will you be able to solo in this Light Sport Aircraft? Yes or No
If your instructor will not allow you to solo in the Light Sport Aircraft you are learning to fly, what will you solo in at the completion of your training?
[Often, once you are signed off for solo, you are also ready to purchase your own aircraft and will solo in it.]
5. Is this Light Sport Aircraft protected from the weather when it is not flying? Yes or No
Continuous exposure to the elements leads to the rapid deterioration of an aircraft unless it is hangared or properly covered and protected from the weather.
6. Is routine maintenance performed on the Light Sport Aircraft? Yes or No
A safe Light Sport Aircraft is one that is properly maintained. This involves the routine inspection and replacement of worn components.
7. Is a maintenance schedule routinely utilized? Yes or No
The Certified Flight Instructor should utilize a maintenance schedule outlining an airworthiness maintenance program designed for the aircraft.
8. Are maintenance logs or records kept for all work performed on the Light Sport Aircraft? Yes or No
Routine maintenance is of little value if the pilot cannot remember when he or she last changed the spark plugs or replaced the fuel lines! Maintenance records help to ensure that proper maintenance has been performed in a timely manner.
What If I Get a No Answer to One of My Questions?
If the person wanting to take you up in a Light Sport Aircraft will not answer any of the above questions or if you received a NO response to any one of the items on this checklist, it should entice you to ask more questions! It is simply not safe to fly in any aircraft that is poorly maintained, lacks proper equipment, or may be flown by an under qualified person who is unable (or unwilling) to provide you with any of this information.
Remember, flying is not inherently dangerous, but it can be done dangerously. So to accomplish the fun you're looking for, flying Light Sport Aircraft should be taken seriously. Proper training is a must! Competent flight instruction will help ensure your personal safety.
Many thanks to EAA, Experimental Aircraft Association for providing this great checklist.
