Originally Posted by
flightlevel270
I agree with you about Rod Machado, kaly. The aviation world needs as many dedicated and experienced CFIs as it can get. No offense to those who are just instructing to build time, of course - I'm in that position myself. To be a CFI, especially a liftime CFI, shows true dedication to aviation.
In response to GetErDun, to call the life of someone like that "a waste" is an insult to all instructors and aviation professionals out there! We all should give back to the aviation community in some way, and Mr. Machado has found a way. And a successful way, at that! My hat's off to him, and even moreso to the career CFI at your local airport who doesn't bring in the big bucks.
It's not just about logging hours or getting rich - and if you've lost sight of that I feel sorry for you.
I've asked some "lifers" why they didn't go fly a cool jet, and most simply bring up the fact that they get to see their families every night, get weekends off, and are paying the bills. Doesn't sound like such a bad deal to me.
Machado is considered one of the best at what he does and he's entertaining to boot. Book sales alone are probably bringing that guy more than any senior captain. How many airline pilots are allowed or even given the chance to do something that sets them above the rest?