Over the years...

Being an IA/CFI, it's interesting how few people I sign off (for good reason). Generally most people are raised to adorn themselves with gifts and praises from those around them. Given enough time and money it's easy to create your own "Flying" world. There are untold text book examples of aviation adornment with little skill (or to much ego) which killed innocent people, required millions in tax money (SAR) and possibly adding more useless FARs.

In contrast there are people that evolve into safe pilots/owners and it's an honor to serve them. A few of my primary students are airline pilots, work for the FAA etc. it's not about numbers with me, it's enjoying the process. It's great to walk into the FSDO and the inspector is your former student.

Flying and maintaining powered aircraft has been in our society about a100 years. I have a well evolved inner aviation circle in which we sign each other off. It's full of criticism, admonishment and some arguments. It's working and it's dynamic as it should be.