Why You Should Fly With Us: You want the most Qualified Instructors Possible (and we have The  ACFI Program™)

Addressing the Puppy Mill Problem in Flight Instruction

In our experience, over the course of conducting hundreds of interviews, we’ve identified a serious “puppy mill” problem in the quality of flight instructors in the marketplace, where unqualified instructors are rapidly produced with little regard for safety and competency. To combat this, we have developed a comprehensive solution called our ACFI Program™ (Apprentice Certified Flight Instructor Program™). 

The FAA Allows Puppy Mill Flight Instructor Schools

Despite recognizing the critical importance of safety and quality in aviation training, the FAA has allowed a concerning trend in the market where certain flight schools operate like “puppy mills.” These fast track, “efficient”, airline-oriented accelerated, expedited, condensed training institutions prioritize quantity over quality, rapidly producing flight instructors by only ensuring they meet the necessary minimum standards set out by the FAA. In reality, just meeting these standards does not ensure competence and safety; they are only accolades on paper.

Our Solution: The ACFI Program™

To address this critical issue, we have developed the ACFI Program™ (Apprentice Certified Flight Instructor Program), designed to ensure that our flight instructors are among the best trained and most competent in the industry. Prior to admission into the ACFI Program Candidates are vetted via a rigorous hiring process.

Tailored Approach to Flight Instructor Competency Training: The ACFI Program™

At our organization, we understand that not all flight instructors come with the same level of proficiency, especially if their previous training programs had gaps. Recognizing that life experience can sometimes help bridge these gaps, we tailor our ACFI Program™ to address individual needs and enhance overall competency. Here’s how we customize our approach to ensure that every instructor reaches their highest potential:

1. Individualized Assessment

Comprehensive Evaluation

  • Initial Assessment: We start with a thorough assessment of each candidate’s existing skills, knowledge, and experience. This includes evaluating their flight hours, past training, and practical experience.
  • Gap Analysis: Identify specific areas where the candidate may have deficiencies due to previous training gaps or lack of practical experience.

Tailored Development Plans

  • Customized Training Modules: Based on the assessment, we create personalized training modules to address identified weaknesses. This ensures that candidates receive focused instruction in areas where they need improvement.
  • Specialized Mentoring: Pair candidates with mentors who have experience in the specific areas where improvement is needed, providing targeted guidance and support.

2. Adaptive Training Methods

Flexible Curriculum

  • Modular Training: Our curriculum is designed to be modular, allowing for adjustments based on individual needs. This flexibility ensures that all critical areas are covered, even if they require additional focus.
  • Hands-On Practice: Provide extra practical sessions and time tailored to address specific gaps in the candidate’s training.

Real-World Application

  • Scenario-Based Training: Implement scenario-based training exercises that reflect real-world challenges and allow candidates to demonstrate and refine their skills in a controlled environment.
  • Feedback Loop: Establish a continuous feedback loop where candidates receive constructive feedback and have the opportunity to make improvements iteratively.

3. Leveraging Life Experience

Experience-Based Learning

  • Skill Transfer: Recognize and leverage any relevant life experience that candidates bring to the table. Incorporate these experiences into their training to enhance learning and application.

Personalized Mentorship

  • Mentor Matching: Match candidates with mentors who can relate to their background and provide advice based on similar experiences. This helps in addressing specific challenges and enhancing practical skills.

4. Ongoing Evaluation and Adjustment

Regular Progress Reviews

  • Performance Metrics: Monitor progress through regular evaluations, using performance metrics and feedback from both instructors and students.
  • Adjust Training Plans: Adjust training plans and provide additional resources or support as needed to ensure continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement

  • Adaptation: Continuously adapt our training approach based on candidate progress and feedback. This iterative process ensures that each instructor achieves their full potential.
  • Long-Term Support: Offer long-term support and professional development opportunities to help instructors maintain and enhance their skills over time.

5. Commitment to Excellence

High Standards

  • Quality Assurance: Maintain high standards of quality assurance throughout the training process, ensuring that all instructors meet or exceed industry benchmarks.
  • Ethical Practice: Emphasize ethical practices and a commitment to safety and professionalism in all aspects of the training program.

Conclusion

Our approach recognizes that a “one size fits all” method does not work in flight instructor training. By customizing the ACFI Program™ to address individual needs and leveraging each candidate’s unique background and life experience, we ensure that every instructor achieves a high level of competence and safety. This tailored approach not only fills in the gaps left by previous training but also enhances the overall quality of instruction, leading to better-trained, more effective flight instructors.

While the existence of “puppy mill” flight instructor schools is a significant concern, our ACFI Program™ stands as a beacon of quality and safety in aviation training. By choosing to learn at our school, you can rest assured that you will receive the highest standard of flight education from instructors who are thoroughly trained, experienced, and committed to excellence. 

Fly with confidence, knowing you are learning from the best.