Tman wrote:
When taking lessons with a CFI, I've often had them compliment various
aspects of my performance, while also offering constructive criticism.
It seems that this behavior is right out of the pages of CFI training.

Here's my question. Does that make the CFI a sycophant, by the formal
definition of it?

T



Depends on the instructor.

Generally, from the way you have worded your question, I see no problem
at all with what this instructor has done.
It is common practice, and indeed PROPER practice among GOOD
instructors, to interface compliments and encouragement along with
constructive criticism during any dual session with a student.
It is noteworthy (from the inference of your post) that it's not
essential or even required that the student have actually done something
completely right or correct as a requisite for receiving such
compliments and encouragement from an instructor. In fact, in many
instances where such positive reinforcement is offered to a student by a
CFI, the reason for it might very well simply be the first recognition
by the student of a small part of what is required to understand a
specific action or procedure.
Praise judicially used by CFI's is a vital tool used to help instill
much needed confidence in a student.
It's the proper use and timing of praise and criticism, that helps
define a GOOD flight instructor.

--
Dudley Henriques