J2092

Wondering if anyone here is a CFI for Aerosim Flight Academy in Sanford, FL. Toured their facility and looking to get my PPL through them, (eventually getting all of my ratings as well). However, the man I toured with said "Our CFIs average $60,000/year". This number seems VERY unrealistic to me...just looking to see if this number is correct, or if someone made that much once, so now they say that...thanks in advance.

deftone

Im also interested in Aerosim. I have my PPL but was considering going there for the Career Track. Do the CFI's get plenty of hours? I worry about going to one of these programs and getting stuck taking several years to get to 1500.

J2092

One thing that seems to remain consistent on these forums is the amount of students that go through Aerosim. They see many international students that come to get their certifications then go back to their countries to fly. Because of that, the majority agree that their CFIs have plenty of hours. I believe the man I toured with said they get paid a minimum of 35 hours per week, of course getting more if they fly more. But if they fly less, they still get paid the 35 hours regardless. I did not get an hourly rate, however, just the quote of "$60,000/year", which is what I'm questioning. Also, they partner with many regional airlines that will come and hire their CFIs, sometimes before reaching minimums (which I assume is under a conditional offer)...but as of today, it seems if you have your minimums and a pulse, most regionals will hire you (of course that assumption is also based on the, feels like hundreds, of threads I've been reading on this site, so results may vary!)

Midhgardhsorm

If you need any info, PM me. 60k is most definitely unrealistic but the pay is definitely above average.

UhOhItsTheFiveO

Hey guys, First time posting on APC. I have my Instrument checkride coming up, and will be doing an accelerated Commercial. I have been looking into the American Flyers CFI/CFII 30 day program in anticipation for obtaining a CFI gig and getting to the airlines at 1500. I am looking at some of the Regional Airline Cadet locations and Aerosim FA is an option for Piedmont Cadets. I was curious as to the most recent Good Bad and Ugly for Aerosim as well as the quality of life for family members... I saw the post from 2015, but understand a lot can change over the past 2 years. Also the wife would be relocating with me and was curious if while i'm working would there be things in the area to keep her busy and not bored out of her mind. Thanks in advanced for any and all feedback.

BarbaPapa

Besides the hot summer, constantly sweating, AC always on, the school is located in a very nice city to live in. Most recent, cost of rent went very high in Orlando area and double check housing before moving with the wife. The only word of advise is that Orlando has a few Outlet Malls geared toward the international shoppers. If the math makes sense you're looking at a stay of 1.5 years before reaching to the regionals.

UhOhItsTheFiveO

Thanks BarbaPapa! I appreciate it!

goldenpilot

Hello, also considering Aerosim. I live conveniently about 20 miles away from SFB so it would be very easy for me to get there daily. Don't have any hours yet, just looking to get started. I have contacted them and am about to set up a tour. Have also visited Flight Training Professionals (more of the mom and pop pay as you go flight school is what I think) and Sunstate Aviation. Aerosim and Sunstate seem very similar in timeframe. Has anyone else gone through Aerosim? About how long does it take to get from no time to CFI? I was also considering just going for my PPL at a place like Flight Training Pros just to get a feel for it first before I drop all of that money. Would it be easy to transfer into a place like Aerosim with a PPL and then continuing with them for instrument, multi-engine, CFI?

ZippyTWS

35 hour min a week is untrue, who told you that (they need a smack in the head)? You are paid for what you bill. If you don't work you don't get paid. There used to be a bonus but who knows if that still happens. Most start at $22 per flight and ground brief hour. As far as getting lots of hours it depends on you (you can cover other people's flights who call out sick but you gotta hang around dispatch all day for a chance to pick them up). Right now there is a bit of a bubble with more instructors and less student's and the 172 fleet is stretched very thin so private course flights aren't happening a lot maybe one flight a day per student.

Not really any instrument students right now either and no word on when or if more students are coming. Lots of talk about growth but nothing of substance to discuss.

With all that said Aerosim has a lot of guys and gals come from other flight schools to teach here and like it at Aerosim more than their previous employer so good and bad I guess

J2092

How much would you say on average a CFI makes per year (or month) at Aerosim? I'm making a career change and looking for the best way to support my family and build hours ASAP to get to regionals and, eventually, beyond. Would a full-time CFI position there be enough, or what other avenues could I look into?