Questions about CFI
 

What is the hardest part about getting your CFI. I hear there is tons of paperwork also what are other special requirements. For example, I know CFIs must complete spin training. What is that like, because I have never imagined doing anything like that. Also, do CFIs get paid the same rate for ground and flight instruction?

I'm just finishing up my CFI right now. I'll answer the questions as I've found them.

Paperwork: You have endorsements and things like that. Those are all outlined in advisory circulars. Other than that, it's just knowing how to fill out the time in the logbook and what requirments must be met for ratings.

Hardest thing: For me, it was going through what you're doing step by step. It's been a long time (5 years) since I learned ground reference manueuvers and to be honest, they're pretty automatic. However, it's not that way for your student and you need to explain what you're doing as you do it.

Spin Training: It's fun. The first one we did was like slow motion. I just did what has been pounded into my head for all those years (neutral ailerons, opposite rudder, then break the stall). After that they got really fun, much like a rollercoaster.

Pay will vary by flight school. Some pay the same regardless, some pay only for flight time. Some pay more for one than the other. It really varies.
Good Luck!!

When I did my Spin training, I was told that it would take 3 times to get it - the third time for me to actually be able to teach the maneuver - which was exactly right. Our Spin profile was:
first - GEE WHIZ!!!! What just happenned?!?!
second - COOL!! Ok, now I'm seeing what's going on.
third - able to talk through the maneuver, explain what the heck was happenning.
It was fun, nothing to worry about.

The hardest thing in becoming a CFI is being able to talk and fly at the same time. Practice explaining your maneuvers while you drive your car. One of two things has to happen: either your explanations have to become second nature or your flying does. After awhile they both are second nature. Been a CFI for more than 2 1/2 years and I can say from experience that if you are looking for the best opportunity for a flight instructor, instruct at a place that has a charter operation. You'll usually be able to work your way into that.

Also the FOI
 

All that boring Fundamentals of Instruction FOI junk was the hardest for my CFI ride. The FOI written is a piece of cake, but the book you have to study for the FOI portion of the checkride is long and boring. You have to memorize hundreds of boring definitions and teaching methods. The examiners usually dive pretty deep into FOI for your initial CFI, so make sure you know all of it very very well.
I was nervous for my spin training too, but it was so much fun. It is so over-hyped. There was nothing scary about it except for my own anxiety. I was nervous for the first one and then I loved each one after that. I had so much fun, I went and did 16 more with my instructor that same flight.

Talking and flying at the same time was probably the hardest thing for me. As a student, you're used to sitting there in the left seat in your own little world. Now all of a sudden you're in the right seat trying to talk your head off and oh by the way, looking for traffic, keeping track of time, and making sure your student doesn't kill you. A CFI has a very high work load, especially in a high traffic area.

When you're a CFI, you're running the show. You're going to find that time management is going to difficult. You'll go up on a 2 hour flight and before you know it, you're out of time and you didn't get everything done you wanted to. At a Part 141 school with a syllabus, this becomes challenging. What helps is reviewing your stuff the night before and having a plan.

Spin training is no big deal. I got myself all worked up about it too, but afterwards, I thought it was actually fun. I would bring a few sick sacks just in case!

Depends on where you work, but I was paid the same whether I was in the air, on the ground, or in the Frasca (sim).