Choosing the right flight instructor can make or break your success as a pilot. The right CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) will guide you with skill, patience, and professionalism. But the wrong one? They can cost you time, money, and confidence — and in some cases, even put your safety at risk.
Here are 7 warning signs of a bad flight instructor you should never ignore:
1. They Cancel Constantly or Show Up Late
If your instructor is always rescheduling, showing up late, or disappearing for long stretches, it’s a red flag. Consistent instruction is key to your progress — and a lack of commitment on their part can slow you down or cause you to lose motivation.
What to watch for:
- No-shows or frequent last-minute cancellations
- Always “too busy” for your questions or follow-up
2. They Don’t Explain Concepts Clearly
A great instructor breaks down complex aviation topics so anyone can understand them. If you often leave lessons confused, overwhelmed, or unsure about what you just learned — it’s a problem.
Warning signs:
- They rush through explanations
- They use lots of jargon with no clarification
- You feel “stupid” for asking questions
3. You’re Not Following a Clear Training Plan
Your flight training should follow a logical progression — especially if you’re training under a Part 141 school. A bad instructor will bounce around randomly, or “wing it” each time you show up.
What to look for:
- No syllabus or structure
- You’re not logging lessons toward your goals
- You don’t know what’s next in your training
4. They’re Always Angry, Impatient, or Critical
Flight training can be stressful, but your instructor should never make you feel small or unsafe. If they belittle you, lose their temper, or bark instructions constantly, they’re not just ineffective — they’re toxic.
Major red flags:
- Yelling or sarcasm
- Rolling eyes or sighing when you make mistakes
- Making you feel dumb or unfit to fly
5. They Don’t Focus on Safety
Safety is the foundation of aviation. If your instructor cuts corners, skips checklists, or pressures you to do things you’re not ready for — it’s a dealbreaker.
Danger signs:
- Disregards weather briefings or checklists
- Pushes you to solo before you feel ready
- “That’s good enough” attitude on procedures
6. You’re Not Progressing After Several Lessons
Learning to fly takes time, but you should see consistent progress. If you’re stuck in the same phase after 10+ hours, and the instructor isn’t offering strategies to help you improve — something’s off.
What to consider:
- You’re not soloing after a reasonable number of hours
- The instructor can’t explain why you're not progressing
- No tailored feedback or effort to adjust their teaching style
7. You Just Don’t Feel Comfortable
Sometimes, it’s not about technical skill — it’s about fit. If you constantly feel uneasy, unheard, or like your instructor doesn’t take your training seriously, trust your gut. You’re paying good money for this training — you deserve an instructor who respects and supports your journey.
Final Thoughts: It’s OK to Switch Instructors
Many student pilots feel stuck with their first CFI. But here’s the truth: you can switch. In fact, switching to the right instructor can re-ignite your passion for flying, help you progress faster, and make the experience way more enjoyable.
At the end of the day, flight training is too important — and too expensive — to settle for less than the best.
Need help finding a great instructor or choosing the right flight school?
Check out our Private Pilot Ultimate Guide online course at MyStudentPilot.com to get started on the right path.
