Hi everyone,


I currently work as an independent flight instructor in SoCal. I've been doing this for over 4yrs now and have built up over 4300hrs TT with about 500 multi. I've been trying to find a part 91/135 job or corporate job. It's proven to be tough with no jet time or type ratings. With most of my time in single engine airplanes I feel that any additional hours aren't really helping my career at this point.

The problem (which isn't a bad problem) is that my CFI business has been doing great money wise. It was tough for the first year or so but I've built up my business now to the point where I'm earning a lot more than most regional airline captains. I'm home every night and I can make my own schedule. I'm my own boss and my clients pay me directly versus a school taking a cut.

I like flight instructing more than I thought I would. I've meet some really cool people. I've made friends with people in other circles of life who I would have never encountered if it weren't for instructing. But, I'd be lying if I said that I have no desire to fly larger and more complex aircraft. I'm getting a little tired of the long hours and working my ass off with little time off. I don't get paid vacations. Also, I'm tired of people asking me "what I plan on doing with my life" all the time. It seems like everyone thinks why would you be a CFI when you can wear that cool pilot uniform and fly a shiny jet around.

A couple weeks ago I finally decided to send a couple applications off to the regionals. I've already scheduled two interviews this month. Neither airline is that great but I don't want to get into the debate of whose regional is better because IMHO they are all about the same in terms of pay. I'm sure some offer a better QOL but I don't want to make it career there anyway. My goal would be to collect some turbine time and get a type rating since those are going to be required now along with an ATP to sit in the right seat. I know it's SIC time but I'm not trying to get to that magical 1000hrs TPIC time so I can apply to the majors. I think with my total time now plus some jet time and a type I'll be more marketable to a part 91/135 operator. At least I'll get my ATP and show that I'm trainable.

My real dilemma is how do I afford the salary at a regional? Now most CFI's I know are starving so it might be a bump in pay for some. I was doing some calculations and I'll make less than 25 percent of what I make now. Second year pay is still less than half.

My other issue is my fiancé works here and has a decent job. If I got a job at a regional it would be based somewhere on the east coast. She's from the east coast and both of us have family on that side of the country. Obviously we would have to move but I'd either have to commute or stay with family there until she finds a job. The only way I could even think about taking this job is with her helping financially. Honestly, even with her pay I don't know how we are going to do it given our current debt load, student loans, etc. At least neither of us have a car payment.

My other big fear is what if I don't make it through training ? One of the regionals I'm applying to has had a pretty high wash out rate. Both of these potentional companies have also furloughed every year the past few years.

I've worked really hard to build up my little business and if I leave then its gone. I won't be able to come back to it or start over again. I'm doing ok now but I feel like I'm stuck in a hamster wheel going no where with my career. I thought about opening a flight school but after seeing the numbers it's just not worth it with the legal and financial risk.

I just want to fly for a while and not critique someone all the time. Is that so much to ask ?