Jun 10, 8:57 am show options

Newsgroups: rec.aviation.soaring
From: - Find messages by this author
Date: 10 Jun 2005 05:57:35 -0700
Local: Fri,Jun 10 2005 8:57 am
Subject: Looking for a CFIG
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I'd be interested to have Terry or Burt, or other long time instructors
weigh in on your opinions.
Having done this many times, I can not imagine how you can properly
prepare a candidate for instructing( notice I did not say passing the
practical test) in the time you describe.

Hank, I'd weigh in once here, except I'm not sure what point Michael is
trying to make - or if just wants to start a lengthy debate how long it
takes to help a CFIG candidate meet the challenge. I'm just too busy
at Marfa, training CFIG's, to write many long replies. Takes time to
mentor a CFIG, but I can help most candidates reach their goal, if they
are willing to make the commitment. And then there is the CFI renewal
evey 24 months. If they attend a glider-specific course such as the
Soaring Safety Foundation Flight Instructor Renewal Clinics (FIRC) or
actually fly with a glider examiner, then they are way ahead.
Renewing with the FSDO based on familiarity is less than ideal.

You can check the schedule of SSF glider-specific FIRC's at
www.soaringsafety.org

A kid I soloed at age 14 will report to the USAF Academy this month.
Yep, I'm proud.

As far as asking CFI's to do some extra work around the hangar, I've
noticed that those CFI's that who have been owners of other businesses
don't have a problem with helping out with the meet & greet, cleaning a
canopy, wiping the bugs off the leading edge of the glider wings, etc.
It's the self-employed attitude. If it needs to be done, then the
self-employed folks get to it. They see the big picture.

I also pay my CFI's $30./hour (ground & flight instruction) to prepare
a candidate for my checkride. I'll make some money from the tows and
glider rentals. When I put the word out on the internet for "guest
instructors" at Marfa on certain dates, I get a lot of replies.

'Nuff talkin'. Gotta go fly now.

Y'all come visit west Texas to soar, and maybe learn something new.

Burt Compton
Marfa Gliders, west Texas
www.flygliders.com