Flight Instructors and Cancellations: Understanding the Reasons and Seeking Better Options

It is not uncommon for flight instructors to cancel flight lessons, especially if there are concerns about weather and aircraft conditions. However, if the cancellations seem excessive or unwarranted, you may wonder if it is normal or if it's time to find a new instructor. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind cancellations, provide tips for communication, and discuss how to evaluate alternative instructors.

Safety First

Safety is the top priority in aviation. Instructors may cancel flights if they feel conditions are not ideal, even if the weather appears fine. This could include factors like wind visibility or other environmental conditions. It's important to understand that safety comes before all else in flight training.

Aircraft Condition

If there are ongoing mechanical issues with the aircraft, instructors must prioritize safety. However, if frequent cancellations are due to malfunctions, it may indicate a need for the flight school to maintain their fleet better. Regular and thorough maintenance can help minimize these issues.

Communication and Understanding

It's essential to have a conversation with your instructor about your concerns. They may provide insight into their decision-making process and clarify why the cancellations are happening. Here are some factors to consider during this conversation:

Safety First: Even if the weather appears good, instructors may cancel flights if they believe conditions are not ideal. Aircraft Condition: Ongoing mechanical issues must be prioritized for safety. Regular maintenance can help minimize these issues. Experience and Credibility: If the instructor is new or inexperienced, they may be more cautious. Understanding their experience and decision-making process can help you make an informed decision.

By discussing these factors with your instructor, you can gain a better understanding of their rationale for cancellations.

Evaluating Alternatives

If you feel that the cancellations are excessive and are impacting your training progress, it might be worth looking into other instructors or flight schools. Trust your instincts—it's important to feel comfortable with your instructor's judgment. Here are some steps you can take:

Seek Alternative Instructors: Look for instructors with better reliability and communication. Consider Different Flight Schools: Evaluate flight schools that prioritize safety and have a strong focus on maintenance and training. Evaluate Individual Sessions: Pay attention to individual flight sessions and see if recurring patterns of cancellations are affecting your training.

It's important to act on your instincts and ensure that your training experience is as positive and effective as possible.

Back when I Was a Flight Instructor

Historically, as a flight instructor, I can confirm that 20-30 percent of my student flights were canceled due to various reasons. It is not fair to blame the Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) without considering other factors. For me, as a CFI, I got paid based on the number of instruction hours, and canceled flights meant no pay. Therefore, most instructors have a strong motivation to get students in the air.

However, this does not excuse all CFI behavior. Younger instructors, in particular, may lack experience in time management and ethics. Some CFI's may favor certain students and schedule additional time with them, affecting the scheduling of others.

Aircraft Issues and Maintenance

Aircraft used for flight instruction are often treated harshly and can experience issues from time to time, especially if they aren't getting top-notch maintenance. Some schools have multiple planes and can handle one being offline, but many smaller schools cannot.

Assessing Weather Conditions

Assessing whether weather is "good" for a student pilot can be misleading. Just because it's sunny does not mean it's ideal for flight training. Here are some additional factors to consider:

Surface Winds: High surface winds can make the flight challenging for low-time students. Turbulence: Learning in moderate turbulence can be discouraging and challenging. Cloud Cover: Cloudy skies can make it difficult to see the ground, increasing the risk. Haze and Visibility: Even sunny days with haze can reduce visibility, making it less than ideal for learning.

It's crucial for student pilots to be involved in the "go/no-go" decision. Understanding and assessing weather conditions is a valuable skill that all pilots need to develop.

Deepening the Conversation and Seeking New Instructors

If cancellations feel like a pattern or if your CFI has other things to do, it may be time to seek out a different instructor. It's important to have a deeper conversation and debrief on why any particular flight was canceled. Here are some steps to consider:

Discuss Cancellation Patterns: Identify and document any patterns in cancellations. Seek Additional Instructors: Look for instructors with a better track record and better communication. Evaluate Flight Schools: Consider flight schools that prioritize safety and have a strong focus on maintenance and training.

Ultimately, it's important to trust your instincts and ensure that your training experience is as effective and enjoyable as possible. If your current instructor's cancellations are affecting your progress, it may be time to seek a new flight instructor.