I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for everything you do. Your products were a major part of my success in earning my CFI, CFII, and MEI back in 2017, and they've remained an invaluable resource throughout my aviation career.
I am currently an active-duty U.S. Naval Officer and have been serving for the last 21 years. Since 2017, while concurrently serving on active duty, I've also worked part-time as a CFI to gain the experience needed for my post-Navy career goal of becoming an airline pilot. During that time, I've had the privilege of teaching roughly 300 students, including about 20 who went on to earn their flight instructor certificates. Every one of those instructor candidates has followed my recommendation to purchase the "Whole Shebang" just as I did. The clarity and practicality of your material truly set the standard, and I still use them almost daily while instructing.
Your products have helped me far beyond my initial instructor ratings. I relied on them again to refresh my knowledge while preparing for my ATP and 737 type rating, which I obtained in 2021, and that solid foundation made a significant difference.
I'll continue sending my future instructor candidates your way because I genuinely believe in the value you provide to the aviation community. Thank you for everything you do to support pilots at every level.
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Stop reading reviews and just buy it. There is an unbelievable amount of high-quality content in this package. As the description reads, there are Word files, Excel files, PowerPoint files, PDF copies of all of it, compiled Word files with navigation and bookmarks for easy cross referencing, syllabi, extra endorsement plans, etc. I could go on for past the character limit of this review. Consider it this way: the Whole Shebang is $175. I instruct out of a small airport in a corn field so my rate is $45/hr. Is this set of documents more than I could do in just under 4 hours? Yes, and it's not even a close race. Stop reading and just buy it.
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The Backseat Pilot lesson plans are simply some of the best money you will spend in aviation! They are incredibly comprehensive and the ebook is a fantastic format, allowing easy and efficient access on your iPad. These lesson plans have literally saved me hundreds of hours. They are not simply to pass the checkride, I know I'll be referring to them throughout my flying career. I bought the "Whole Shebang", and it was well worth it. The BSP reference card is the best I have seen, and is definitely a permanent addition to my knee board.
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I have been using The Backseat Pilot's products for years now. I passed my CFI and CFI-I check rides using their lesson plans and I continue to use them for my students now. Their VFR/IFR reference card is permanently attached to my kneeboard and now The Holds reference card will also be permanently attached. The Backseat Pilot has great products that are continuously updated. The Whole Shebang package is great for CFI candidates! Thanks Nate, you guys are doing a great job!
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After searching for the better part of a year for a solid 'kit' to start my Initial CFI from, I found "The Backseat Pilot". I can count on one hand the number of product reviews I have written online... I am rarely so impressed with a product/service and its value that I am willing to write anything.
But... "The Backseat Pilot" kits are different - they are all EXCEPTIONALLY well written, well researched and great as a basis for an expanded kit of your own making or as complete standalone options.
The Whole Shebang is without a doubt one of the BEST VALUES in all of aviation!
I used the ASE CFI kit for my Initial CFI and passed without a hitch the FIRST TIME! Just buy them - you won't regret it!
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A few of our most common questions. Find more answers to your questions on our FAQ page.
Definitely! Many pilots have (and passed)! We do, however, recommend that you use our lessons to supplement your own or go through and add/remove/edit the information to ensure you're well prepared for the checkride and are comfortable with the format and flow of the lessons.
And the FAA agrees. Straight from the Aviation Instructor's Handbook:
"Commercially developed lesson plans are acceptable for most training situations, including use by flight instructor applicants during their practical tests. However, all instructors should recognize that even well-designed preprinted lesson plans may need to be modified. Therefore, instructors are encouraged to use creativity when adapting preprinted lesson plans or when developing their own lesson plans for specific learners or training circumstances." (Page 7-9)
Whatever works for you! All content is provided as:
They also work great with Google Docs & Slides.
AND all documents are provided as individual files as well as eBooks with full navigation!
After checkout you'll be provided instructions to create an account on the website. The account is tied to the email address used when you place the order.
Login whenever you need to and access the most current content.
As content is added or updated, you'll receive an email summarizing the updates. Login to your account, click the My Digital Content button, and you're set!
Nope! Leave the updates to us. One cost, free updates for life. The goal is to continue finding ways to add value without adding costs.
