Seeking Advice
 

Hello, I am working towards becoming a professional pilot and I know that the next step for me now that I have my private pilot’s license is to go for Instrument, Commercial, Multiengine, I am also planning on completing the follwing licenses CFI, CFII and MEI. I was wondering if I could skip CFI, CFII, MEI since my job with the military would require for me to go on deployment at a moment’s notice and so I wouldn’t be able to keep a student(s) if I was to become a flight instructor. So my question is could this hurt me in the future? I was also wondering about my age and if it would be a factor, since I am 28 years old and I know that a lot of pilots are working for commercial airlines by this age. I wouldn’t want to spend the time and money on something that I’m really not going to be able to use or that I don’t really need in order for me to become a professional pilot.

Long term, lack of CFI rating will not raise too many eyebrows. However...that assumes that you can get a non-CFI flying job with low flight time. This is normally very difficult, which is why most folks do the instructor gig. In the current economy, you might as well get the ratings...it's going to be hard enough to find even a CFI job.

Also if you end up working in general aviation or corporate, they often expect their pilots to be instructor-rated so as to be able to do certain types of training for other pilots.

You are not too old by a long shot, but don't waste any time.

There are some flying clubs on some bases. I heard you can build some time there before and after deployments. I was also told that some of those clubs can help you get a CFI for a great rate. Met a few guys that did that in the military.

get the cfi. and if u dont use it. just do a checkride and get current later on

lopram-

Whether or not having the CFI, II, MEI ratings will hurt you in the future remains to be seen (although I seriously doubt it.) It really depends on what is happening within the industry at the time. Obtaining these ratings however WILL benefit you several ways:

1. add ratings to your resume.
2. you will learn so much about yourself and flying when trying to teach others, which in turn makes you a better pilot.
3. gets you flying.

I wouldn't worry so much about not keeping your students if you are deployed. There will be other instructors for you to hand them off to.

Just like Rick said, your age is not of concern in the slightest. But... you don't have time to waste either.
My opinion is that obtaining your CFI is not a waste at all, given the reasons above. And lest we forget that even though you might be working on those ratings or instructing, what would stop you from applying with the airlines simultaneously? Fact is, it doesn't or wouldn't. That is still a ways off and who knows what the hiring market will look like then.
Press on... do what makes you grow and become a better pilot.

Lori