Originally Posted by
JabroniJohn
Hi all,
Full time CFI/II here who will be hitting 1500 hours at the end of September. So far only 1 airline has offered me an interview but there is no set date for it and it's looking like class dates are 6 months out after getting a job offer anyway.
I don't mind instructing but I can not live off the low wages. I am a career changer and I am getting ready to go back to my old career until hiring picks back up.
As others pointed out, and I have observed personally, this industry is cyclical and a "buy low' mentality will pay off in the long. Bank relevant experience by whatever means necessary (aside from crime or scabbing) and when the next hiring booms swings around you'll be well positioned.
Originally Posted by
JabroniJohn
My plan is to continue to fly maybe once a week to stay current. I don't have my MEI so I believe I will be getting that rating as well. Hopefully I can find a way to continue to do some freelance flight instructing.
Will my application be "weaker" since I'm no longer a full time CFI? Any other suggestions on how to move forward? I am pretty much 100% shooting to be an airline pilot.
With 1500-ish hours...
I'd SWAG that the regionals will prioritize these types of experience, in this order...
1. Professional turbine (91/135)
2. Professional piston (91/135)
3. MEI
4. CFI
5. Part time CFI
6. Private pilot recreational flying
Currency via recreational flying might be enough depending on competitiveness, but when things pick up they will initially be looking for the most diverse experience. But you would at least be current and eligible to apply.
I'd say part-time CFI would be better than $100 hamburger time.
It may not be practical to build times as an MEI, they tend to want 50-100 hours ME time for insurance, but if you get the rating that's another box to check (but I assume more debt too).
Also many regionals have cadet programs, my airline's regional is only hiring from that pool at this time I think.