Inspiring Growth in Aviation and Storytelling
While studying for the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) written test, I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of terminology and theories I had to learn, most of which I memorized by rote. Then I had to verbally explain many aspects of them to the designated pilot examiner (DPE) during the practical exam. A daunting task for anyone studying for their Certified Flight Instructor credentials.
After several years and over 1600 hours in the right seat as a CFI, I’ve noticed how often I recall using the FOI concepts while teaching nearly every student how to fly. This includes communication techniques, the teaching process, student assessment, planning, professionalism, and maintaining student motivation.
These stories aim to simplify the understanding of FOI and make it more relatable to the teaching process. I attempt translate these concepts into real-world training scenarios, many of which are based on actual flight instruction situations. I focus on demonstrating how the FOI looks in practice and how to apply it intentionally.
My goal is clear: reduce the feeling of overwhelm by turning the FOI into practical examples, so you can learn it faster, remember it longer, and teach more effectively, producing safe, confident, and competent pilots.
Maclyn Stringer earned his Private Pilot License in the Spring of 1992 and has since accumulated 2200 hours of flight time. He is a Certificated Flight Instructor in both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft, teaching new students and aspiring flight instructors.
He provides flight instruction at Rocky Mountain Flight School, located at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) in Bloomfield, Colorado.
- “Flight Of Understanding”
Task: A: Effects of Human Behavior and Communication on the Learning Process
– Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs - “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”
Task B: Learning Process
– Characteristics of Learning - “Between Two Cells”
Task F, Elements of Effective Teaching that Include Risk Management and Accident Prevention
– The DECIDE Model
- “Steep Turns And Stalls”
Task A: Effects of Human Behavior and Communication on the Learning Process
– Defense Mechanisms - “A Flight Lesson in Risk Management”
Task F: Elements of Effective Teaching that Include Risk Management and Accident Prevention
– Risk Management - “Fresh Start”
Task B. The Learning Process
– The Laws of Learning
- “Answering the Why in the Sky”
Task A: Effects of Human Behavior and Communication on the Learning Process
– Teaching the Adult Learner - “But I Could”
Task F: Elements of Effective Teaching that Include Risk Management and Accident Prevention
– Managing Hazardous Attitudes