What is the primary purpose of a flight instructor?

The primary purpose of a flight instructor is to teach flight students the knowledge and skills necessary to become safe and competent pilots. This encompasses providing comprehensive instruction in both the theoretical understanding of aviation principles and the practical application of flying skills. A successful flight instructor not only explains the required maneuvers and concepts but also ensures that students understand the importance of safety, regulations, and decision-making in aviation.

While preparing students for the written exam is an important aspect of flight training, it is only one part of the broader goal of developing overall pilot competence and safety awareness. Similarly, supervising flight operations or conducting aircraft maintenance are responsibilities that fall outside the scope of a flight instructor's primary role, focusing instead on ensuring that students are ready for all aspects of flying, from pre-flight planning to post-flight analysis.