While studying for the FOI written test, I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of terminology and theories I had to learn, most of it through rote memorization. Then I had to verbally explain many aspects of them to the designated pilot examiner (DPE) during the practical exam.
After several years and over 1500 hours in the right seat as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), I’ve noticed how often I recall 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.
This blog aims to simplify the understanding of FOI and make it more relatable. I translate these concepts into real-world training scenarios, many of which are based on actual flight instruction situations. I focus on demonstrating how FOI looks in practice and how to apply it intentionally.
My goal is clear: lessen the feeling of being overwhelmed 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.
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Listen Before Speaking As I have grown older, I’ve learned to stay open-minded, which has become one of my most valuable habits. It has influenced many of my decisions and contributed to my professional growth. Being open-minded doesn’t mean abandoning my values; it means being humble enough to recognize that I don’t know everything and…
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Live Honorably HONORABLE IN CHARACTER AND PURPOSE As a young cadet then officer in the Air Force, I learn that being noble isn’t just a saying; it’s a way of life one actively chooses. It cannot be forced upon you. As I have grown older and strive to live honorably, I have sadly seen many…
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TASK B. THE LEARNING PROCESS Characteristics of Learning Understanding the Characteristics of Learning is fundamental to mastering the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI), a core component of the FAA Flight Instructor training requirements. For proper learning to take place, the lesson must be purposeful, incorporate the results of experience, be multifaceted, and involve an active process…
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Keep Moving, Keep Growing Momentum is the subtle force propelling your life onward. As a young adult fresh out of college, I was driven, passionate about solving problems, and determined to make an impact. But then life intervened. I fell into a comfortable routine, married, had a child, and started my own business. Comfort became…
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TASK A. EFFECTS OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND COMMUNICATION ON THE LEARNING PROCESS ELEMENTS OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR – DEFENSE MECHANISMS The FAA discusses several standard psychological defense mechanisms in the Aviation Instructor’s Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9B) under the section titled “Defense Mechanisms.” These mechanisms—repression, denial, compensation, projection, rationalization, reaction formation, fantasy, and displacement—are explained to help flight instructors…
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R. Maclyn Stringer TASK A. EFFECTS OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND COMMUNICATION ON THE LEARNING PROCESS ELEMENTS OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR – HUMAN NEEDS In Task A of the CFI ACS Airplane, the CFI candidate must discuss the effects of human behavior and communication on the learning process. Understanding human behavior helps explain how and why people…
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Clear Skies or Fogged Thinking? Flying Clear: Avoiding the Fog of Drugs and Alcohol In writing “Flight Plan for Success: Navigating Life: 26 Skills from A to Z”, I highlighted the critical dangers of drugs and alcohol. As a pilot, I understand the perils of flying into fog without proper preparation. Disorientation can easily set…
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The Power to Learn I’m excited to share another excerpt from “Flight Plan for Success: Navigating Life – 26 Skills from A to Z.” This time, I’m reflecting on the importance of communication and how my approach has changed with age and experience. In this excerpt, I discuss learning to listen, thinking before speaking, and…
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Time and Money: Lessons Learned on the Journey to Flight Looking back, I wish I had understood the importance of managing both time and money much earlier in life. For years, I drifted through different careers, each offering something but none fulfilling me the way aviation does. I spent a lot of time searching for…
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The Driving Force Fueling the Journey Back to My True Passion From a young age, I was told that if I put my mind to something, I could achieve it. And so, with a head full of dreams and a heart full of ambition, I set my sights on becoming an Air Force pilot. I…