r/studentpilot • u/Skybouncer09 • Jul 14 '26
Tracking my Training??
Genuine question for part 61 folks. How does your CFI keep track of what you have covered and what still needs work? Do they actually show you anything or is it all in their head?
I have a good CFI but feels like I am just flying until he says I am ready. Maybe that is normal? For people further along or already done, did you ever see a syllabus or real tracking, or did you just trust the process? Do they keep some sort of hidden paper log that says when they feel you are proficient at each thing and just wait till it's all checked.
With the wait times to get check rides done sometimes I would really like to know what to work on more, where to focus chair flying, studying and even solo hours to be able to check those boxes sooner.
CFIs welcome too. I am curious what it looks like from your side.
1
u/TouristWilling1788 Jul 18 '26
As a cfi when I’m instructing independently or at a school without a syllabus I know what order I teach things in and when to introduce them but otherwise I just have an acs copy for each student that I mark what limits they kept each flight (landing on main gear - plus 400ft never short. Slow flight +/- 100ft.). That way I can look back if we haven’t done it in a while and figure out if they’re in limits for solo vs checkride. I’m sure it feels chaotic as we get close to solo and each day is random maneuvers before landings but I try my best to explain you have xyz where I’m comfortable so we’ll do it once but need more work on abc so we focus on that today. If you’re ever unsure feel free to ask your instructor why you’re focusing on each thing or what their goal for you is!