The latest governmental intrusion into our flight instructor lives is the FAA is to begin rolling information letters out to instructors whose former students have been involved in pilot deviations. These FAA letters can arrive at a CFI's mailbox up to 12 months after he/she signs off a pilot for a flight review, IPC or checkride.The FAA claims these letters are not punitive in nature, but informational only.

How many of you feel this is just the beginning of an effort to provide a lawyer more ammunition to use against a CFI in a lawsuit if a student or rated pilot screws up well after they get signed off? It is getting to the point where not only is it difficult to make a living in this tough economy as a flight instructor, but now the FAA is providing more reason to not provide our services to he public.

Tom, I would look at it a little bit more positively. Myself I welcome such an initiative. First of all it will allow me a better contact with my students, with less work and good reason to call him for more training. Second of all (and therefore) it will increase safety. As far as business in general - I am not only not complaining but growing with more students. So to summarize – I like it and I think it would benefit everyone. As far as lawyers – oh well! – They will be there regardless and if they want to - they will find instructor anyway – regardless. So just make sure you write everything that was done in your student’s logbook. Just my opinion! Feel free to disagree ;-)

That is an interesting take you have on this new rule by the Feds, Radek.

Are you sure you want to get a slap on the wrist by the FAA for your students judgement that causes a deviation for up to twelve months after you sign their logbook? Also, what is the definition that the FAA will use for a "deviation". Accident, runway incursion, flight into IMC, etc.

My opinion is that this kind of oversight is unwarrented.