Numerous thread topics (e.g. the current one of flying after retirement) drift into the concern of not flight instructing due to the potential liability. Perhaps this deserves its own thread.
In our society I agree that anyone can be sued for about anything at any time. It's a legitimate question whether or not it's a great idea to do a time consuming activity with relatively low monetary return that could potentially wipe out all one's assets.
On the other hand do we want our next generation of pilots to only be trained by 20 year olds with basically zero real world flying experience? I know for sure that I would not be the pilot I am today if experienced pilots/flight instructors had not flown with me and taught me and mentored me. Should I ignore the "risk' they took flying with me and say I'm too big, or too important, or too wealthy to give back?
After a lot of years of hard work I do have assets, but I have chosen to use some of my time to do independent flight instruction, including primary students. I feel some obligation to give back to the avocation that has been such a positive part of my life for a long time.
Experienced pilots who say they won't take the risk of getting sued will not see the smile on a student's face after the first solo. They perhaps may not keep their own skills as sharp with basic airmanship skills like slow flight, or steep turns or engine out landings. They certainly won't be taking the newbies beyond the FAA's ACS.
Should we let this potential threat keep us from doing something that is rewarding and very much needed? Or should we just let somebody else do it?
In our society I agree that anyone can be sued for about anything at any time. It's a legitimate question whether or not it's a great idea to do a time consuming activity with relatively low monetary return that could potentially wipe out all one's assets.
On the other hand do we want our next generation of pilots to only be trained by 20 year olds with basically zero real world flying experience? I know for sure that I would not be the pilot I am today if experienced pilots/flight instructors had not flown with me and taught me and mentored me. Should I ignore the "risk' they took flying with me and say I'm too big, or too important, or too wealthy to give back?
After a lot of years of hard work I do have assets, but I have chosen to use some of my time to do independent flight instruction, including primary students. I feel some obligation to give back to the avocation that has been such a positive part of my life for a long time.
Experienced pilots who say they won't take the risk of getting sued will not see the smile on a student's face after the first solo. They perhaps may not keep their own skills as sharp with basic airmanship skills like slow flight, or steep turns or engine out landings. They certainly won't be taking the newbies beyond the FAA's ACS.
Should we let this potential threat keep us from doing something that is rewarding and very much needed? Or should we just let somebody else do it?
