To be a CFI or not to be a CFI?
10-30-2014, 08:15 AM
#1
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Joined APC: Sep 2014
Posts: 36
To be a CFI or not to be a CFI?
I have 600 TT with 300 ME. It's not that I despise the idea of instructing, I just don't want to fork over the money it will cost for the rating. Also, the flight school in my area only pays $9 an hour.
BUT, Ive hit a plateau and can't find a way to build anymore hours.
Would you hold out for something or get the CFI rating and instruct?
BUT, Ive hit a plateau and can't find a way to build anymore hours.
Would you hold out for something or get the CFI rating and instruct?
10-30-2014, 08:58 AM
#4
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,433
It's hard to find non-CFI entry-level flying jobs. That's why most people get the CFI. You could network like crazy and beat the bushes for work.
Or look into banner-tow, pipeline, parachute ops, or traffic watch jobs. The downside to these is lack of IFR experience. The regionals are desperate so you'll get hired as long as you have the ATP mins, but you still have to pass training...
Or look into banner-tow, pipeline, parachute ops, or traffic watch jobs. The downside to these is lack of IFR experience. The regionals are desperate so you'll get hired as long as you have the ATP mins, but you still have to pass training...
10-30-2014, 09:12 AM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2011
Position: Volleyball Player
Posts: 3,982
Originally Posted by aviatrixsteff
I have 600 TT with 300 ME. It's not that I despise the idea of instructing, I just don't want to fork over the money it will cost for the rating. Also, the flight school in my area only pays $9 an hour.
BUT, Ive hit a plateau and can't find a way to build anymore hours.
Would you hold out for something or get the CFI rating and instruct?
BUT, Ive hit a plateau and can't find a way to build anymore hours.
Would you hold out for something or get the CFI rating and instruct?
Get your CFI.
Move somewhere else.
10-30-2014, 09:13 AM
#6
Need More Flight Time!
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Flight Simulator X
Posts: 400
Get the CFI. If anything, it'll add new life into your aviation endeavors.
Local flight schools might pay $9/hour, BUT, you could go freelance and set your own rate. I'm pretty sure these flight schools are billing out CFIs at $50-80/hour and paying the $9. You can do better on your own as a freelance instructor. Find local flying clubs to get involved with. Spend time at the local airports and be seen. Meet people. Word of mouth will drive enough business your way.
Local flight schools might pay $9/hour, BUT, you could go freelance and set your own rate. I'm pretty sure these flight schools are billing out CFIs at $50-80/hour and paying the $9. You can do better on your own as a freelance instructor. Find local flying clubs to get involved with. Spend time at the local airports and be seen. Meet people. Word of mouth will drive enough business your way.
10-30-2014, 09:30 AM
#8
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Posts: 36
Originally Posted by Yoda2
Curious how you managed 300 ME with 600 TT?
10-30-2014, 09:36 AM
#9
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Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes
Get a job (not as a pilot).
Get your CFI.
Move somewhere else.
Get your CFI.
Move somewhere else.
Move elsewhere (incurring rent that I don't have now which would eat up most of my paycheck)
Get a job
Get CFI
Which I suppose I have to do becuase other options look few and far between lol. There isn't anywhere to get a CFI in my area except the collegiate 141 program where it's a year long program.
10-30-2014, 09:39 AM
#10
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Joined APC: Sep 2014
Posts: 36
Originally Posted by Flying Ninja
Get the CFI. If anything, it'll add new life into your aviation endeavors.
Local flight schools might pay $9/hour, BUT, you could go freelance and set your own rate. I'm pretty sure these flight schools are billing out CFIs at $50-80/hour and paying the $9. You can do better on your own as a freelance instructor. Find local flying clubs to get involved with. Spend time at the local airports and be seen. Meet people. Word of mouth will drive enough business your way.
Local flight schools might pay $9/hour, BUT, you could go freelance and set your own rate. I'm pretty sure these flight schools are billing out CFIs at $50-80/hour and paying the $9. You can do better on your own as a freelance instructor. Find local flying clubs to get involved with. Spend time at the local airports and be seen. Meet people. Word of mouth will drive enough business your way.
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