LAX FSDO

PHASE I
Stefan Schlamp
William Smidt
Walt Lewis
George Jacob
Michael Marchand

PHASE II
Glenn Franke
David Trinkle

PHASE IV
Donald Rubin
Hovannes Sarkissian

PHASE V
Gilbert Hum

PHASE VI
Paul Renick

PHASE VII
Philip Moynihan
Penny Moynihan

PHASE VIII
Ralph Riffenburgh

LGB FSDO

PHASE I
Hendrick Rhett
Paul Burns
Raymond Harrison
Patrick McKernan
Daniel Lindow
Santiago Montoya
Shawn McLean
Nadine Duval
Edward McCormick

PHASE VI
Pete Mazzagatte
John Porter
Paul Lagreek

VNY FSDO

PHASE II
Brian Thomson

PHASE III
Michael Mattes

PHASE V
Ramin Moghadam
Fred Carr

PHASE VI
Ramin Moghadam

PHASE IX
Sheldon Simonovich

PHASE X
Rudy King

SAN FSDO

PHASE I
Eric Bogden
John Fowler
William Freese
Luis Santos de Almeida
John Seguin
Donald Steinbeigle

PHASE II
Robert Finnin
Daniel Greenberg
Fran Strubeck
Vern Strubeck, Jr.

PHASE III
Allan Riker

PHASE IV
Michael Weinrick

PHASE V
Patrick O'Day

PHASE VI
Charles Buckley

RAL FSDO

PHASE I
Rolfe L. Moss
Edward Taggart

PHASE II
Willfred Rathbun

PHASE III
Clifton Vough

PHASE IV
Walter Gester

PHASE VI
Bryan Rosen

You are a conscientious pilot and want to stay current or improve your airmanship, so you engage the services of a local flight instructor. "Caveat Emptor" you might be buying a lawsuit. Whether an aircraft owner or renter, hiring an instructor can affect your legal responsibility should an accident occur. The flight instructor you hire may be your best or worst asset, from a liability point of view. How do you protect yourself?

Before selecting the flight instructor or flight training facility, consider what your relationship will be with the flight instructor. You are hiring an independent, contractor to provide a service, and, perhaps supply the airplane. Generally speaking, and there are exceptions, you are not liable for a misconduct of the flight instructor and/or training school. But wait minute! Don't forget you are doing the hiring and could be liable for your own failure to adequately check the flight instructor's credentials. Always check the CFI's qualifications. Does the instructor have the appropriate rating on his or her certificate to instruct in that category and class of aircraft? A typical example is that an instructor may have a CFI-ME but still not be able to give dual instruction in a specific aircraft unless the instructor has at least five hours PIC in that make and model of aircraft, by Federal Aviation Regulations. So, check whether the instructor is current, depending on the type of instruction you desire--day, night, single and multiengine, tricycle or tailwheel, VFR-IFR. The instructor may not be in compliance with FARs, if he or she isn't current in the type of aircraft in which instruction is to be given

Other considerations are how the instructor's credentials might determine who winds up as PIC and whether you will be covered by insurance. In the event of a Federal Aviation violation during the training, the PIC would likely bear the brunt of any FAA enforcement action. If you are the only qualified or current pilot on board, who do you think might wind up being PIC should something happen?

Now, let's think this instruction thing through a bit. If you rent the aircraft and have no renter pilot insurance, will the independent flight instructor you hire have any insurance? If you have renter pilot insurance, will it cover you with an unqualified or non-current instructor? Should you hire the aircraft and instructor from the same training facility, be sure the instructor you use is signed off and has permission to give dual in that aircraft by the flight school from which you have rented. You can bet if something happens, insurance coverage under the policy will be a serious question. If it's your own aircraft, an instructor who doesn't for any reason meet the open pilot clause of your aircraft insurance policy may void your coverage should damage or injury occur in an accident.

Experience tells us most well run flight schools only allow their CFI's to give instruction in aircraft which they are qualified and current to fly. This not only assures you of quality instruction but limits the liability for you and the flight school. Most established flight schools have insurance for their rental aircraft and will also have non-owned aircraft insurance to cover them while you are receiving instruction in your own aircraft.

When it comes to checking the credentials of the flight instructor, common sense also applies. How can you expect to get a quality education from an instructor who doesn't have the experience himself in your specific aircraft.

Lastly, ask if the instructor has a current business license to operate on that airport. Many airports require that people conducting business on the airport be insured, providing coverage to the airport in case of an accident. Confirming your flight instructor is licensed to conduct business on the airport can provide additional assurance that you are hiring a reputable person who has the qualifications to stand behind the training which you are hiring them to do.

Don't be put off by these considerations when it comes to hiring a flight instructor, and don't put off checking the flight instructor's credentials. As a pilot, you know that a little preparation goes a long way.

Consider these important points when hiring a flight instructor. Don't forget it's your responsibility to verify your instructor's qualifications and currency. As a pilot, you know that a little preparation goes a long way.

These suggestions are general in nature. For specific advice, consult your insurance policy or agent.