Originally Posted by
PhilipTexas
Well, I'm fairly new but I'm having more fun now than ever as an instructor.
While often grueling, CFI is probably the most enjoyable phase of an aviation career. Lot's of flexibility, you have something to do while flying aside from burning a hole in the sky, and you and all your buds can hit the local pub together when the day is done.
Originally Posted by
PhilipTexas
And I've got some good friends at SWA who would do what they do for minimum wage.
My ten years in commercial aviation says BS to this...SWA is a good company as far as airlines go, but the schedules are hard and nobody who has put in the requisite time and effort to get a job at SWA would do it for anywhere near minimum wage. Minimum wage for those guys is six figures.
Airline flying gets old after a few years, only bush flying, military tactical, or maybe law enforcement stays fun.
Originally Posted by
PhilipTexas
There are many people in between who are not enjoying it so much though. I don't see any reason to not continue with an instrument though, even if you don't become a pro pilot you will still use it if you ever fly recreationaly.
Unless it's going to break the bank, yeah get the IR. If you like aviation as much as you say you will probably keep flying GA...the IR can get you lower insurance premiums and will make you a better pilot.
It's hard to recommend this career at this point...there are too many things gone wrong and any possible future improvement is strictly speculation. There are no obvious industry conditions which would indicate improvement in the foreseeable future.