FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)Planning Instructional Activity and Instructor ResponsibilitiesMedium
A flight instructor notices a student consistently arrives late and unprepared for lessons, causing wasted training time. According to instructor responsibilities, what should the instructor do first?
- AReport the student to the FAA for lack of professionalism
- BDiscuss the issue with the student and establish clear expectations for future lessons
- CImmediately terminate the training relationship
- DReduce the lesson content to match the student's effort
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Discuss the issue with the student and establish clear expectations for future lessons
Instructors are responsible for managing the training environment, including communicating expectations. Addressing the behavior directly and setting clear expectations is the appropriate first step before considering more drastic actions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is not a reportable FAA matter and is an inappropriate overreaction.
- C. Terminating training is a last resort, not the first response.
- D. Reducing content lowers standards rather than solving the underlying problem.
Instructor Responsibility: Student Behavior
Instructors must manage the training relationship professionally, addressing issues like tardiness or lack of preparation through communication before escalation.
- Set clear expectations early
- Address issues directly and professionally
- Reserve termination for repeated/serious issues
Memory trick: Talk first, terminate last