INSTRUCTOR REPORT A good instructor is always learning INSTRUCTOR REPORT offers insights for students and tips for CFIs. Six great ways to motivate and retain flight students » By J.J. O’Neill Jr. NURTURE THAT DREAM The ongoing discussion about declining student pilot enrollments, retention, and the need to do something to improve these numbers prompted some reflection. Looking back, motivation was always an intrinsic part of our flight training experience, along with anticipation for what the future could possibly hold for us. Here’s where the fog of passing years might be clouding the reality of discouraging late nights spent trying to understand the E6B or the confusing reference points of a lazy 8. Recollections always seem better than what actually occurred at the time, for better or worse. So what can we instructors do to make today’s training experience relate to our I REALLY DISLIKE talking about “the good old days.” Those usually exaggerated recollections become more inaccurate over time—which is not necessarily useful when we’re trying to relate to today’s flight students. On the other hand, these accumulated experiences often bear a lot of relevance when students are having trouble maintaining enthusiasm and commitment to their training. OBSTACLES ARE EVER PRESENT, BUT THE MANNER IN WHICH YOU CONFRONT THEM MAKES A SUBSTANTIAL DIFFERENCE IN OUTCOMES. DECEMBER 2012 FLIGHT TRAINING / 55