Been working in airport management for the last 10 years. I have 400 hours with Instrument and Commercial, two young kiddos and a wife. I make good money.
I want to give flying a shot again, I am wore out sitting behind a desk. I am thinking of doing the CFI to build time and get a flying job. My dilemma is quit my job and try to survive off being an instructor or keep my job and CFI part-time?
My thoughts:
a.) CFI full time...I get to have fun everyday flying for a year while my family suffers.
b.) CFI part time...family is good, but I am not around as much. This could take a LONG time to build time.
c.) Airlines or Corporate? Leaning toward corporate...better pay in the beginning, better schedule, network of people I already know around airport...?
Thoughts? Am I wasting my time? Is there a better way to get hours?

 

Obviously, figuring out how to prioritize your goals and balance family and work is going to be the biggest challenge! I have no doubt you will find a way. Good Luck and enjoy the journey!

Side note: I never regretted getting the CFI. I sincerely believe the instructor learns more from the experience than the student. It's a big responsibility and the flight time may not build up rapidly but it's a solid pathway!

 

Where are you located?

 

If you live in the right spot, you could build time flying at some Part 135 outfit.

Whatever you do, know that the next 5 years are going to be tough and thin. I never try to steer ANYONE away from aviation, but I couldn't imagine the toll it might have on a young wife and kiddos. (I got divorced about 6 months into my flying career...she was not emotionally stable/mature enough to handle it). But, if you've got the right partner and the right mindset, it will work out.

That being said, I know PLENTY of people like you who do it, sacrifice, and have a long rewarding career with a good family life.

Check into to aerial survey/banner tow/night cargo in your area. Instructing isn't the only way...but it might be the most flexible.

 

Dallas area, east side.

 

Latex, PM sent

 

You won't make good money being a pilot for quite a while.
If your wife works it is probably workable. If you are the sole breadwinner, I wouldn't recommend a flying career because of the poor pay, commuting etc. while being junior.

 

Keep your desk job. Get your CFI and teach on the weekends. Fly as much as you can until you get to 1000 hours. Being a CFI full time gets old very fast. Part-time is the way to do it. You will still love aviation at the end of the day.