Originally Posted by JayMahon

Might as well keep updating this thread as my story continues.

So, I love the work of training people to fly. I enjoy doing BFRs for pilots. What do I dislike? The pay. Even with FT availability, CFI work is absolutely poverty wages. Ignoring cancellation issues connected to PX, MX and WX, putting in maximum hours would barely have me clearing 30k annually. This low pay barely covers my expenses in driving to/from the airfield, especially on days where a full schedule turns into 0-2 flights. While instructing I made sure to collect enough hours to meet the 135 VFR PIC minimums (25 night XC hours seems to catch a lot of folks off guard).

It took me 3 months of actively pursuing positions that could offer better pay despite my low time (>600 hours) before I found a part 135 job in Alaska. Looking forward to taking that big step into part 135 operations and enjoying decent pay for my skills. I'm still staying on part time as a CFI in the lower 48, as my 135 gig runs a 2 week on/2 week off schedule and I do genuinely enjoy the work of instructing. Since my hours are low, I will likely be in this role for 18+ months. No complaints, as there is a lot of opportunity for growth into larger aircraft with even better pay with this same company.

Here's a brief summary of the timeline to get here: (Split time between acting as a Stay-at-home dad of 7 children and flight training.)
Feb '19: Started making plans, doing research and getting ready to switch into aviation career full time.
May '19: First month of flight instruction, solo.
August '19: PPL complete
Sept '20: Instrument complete (thanks covid, black swan events DO happen)
Jan '21: Commercial complete
June '21: CFI complete, FT job as CFI started
April '22: Start 135 position in Alaska (hope to be in ATP territory by 2024)

Originally Posted by Not2old2fly

So to the OP, how hard was it after getting PPL and building hours to get Commercial?

Originally Posted by JayMahon

Might as well keep updating this thread as my story continues.

So, I love the work of training people to fly. I enjoy doing BFRs for pilots. What do I dislike? The pay. Even with FT availability, CFI work is absolutely poverty wages. Ignoring cancellation issues connected to PX, MX and WX, putting in maximum hours would barely have me clearing 30k annually. This low pay barely covers my expenses in driving to/from the airfield, especially on days where a full schedule turns into 0-2 flights. While instructing I made sure to collect enough hours to meet the 135 VFR PIC minimums (25 night XC hours seems to catch a lot of folks off guard).

It took me 3 months of actively pursuing positions that could offer better pay despite my low time (>600 hours) before I found a part 135 job in Alaska. Looking forward to taking that big step into part 135 operations and enjoying decent pay for my skills. I'm still staying on part time as a CFI in the lower 48, as my 135 gig runs a 2 week on/2 week off schedule and I do genuinely enjoy the work of instructing. Since my hours are low, I will likely be in this role for 18+ months. No complaints, as there is a lot of opportunity for growth into larger aircraft with even better pay with this same company.

Here's a brief summary of the timeline to get here: (Split time between acting as a Stay-at-home dad of 7 children and flight training.)
Feb '19: Started making plans, doing research and getting ready to switch into aviation career full time.
May '19: First month of flight instruction, solo.
August '19: PPL complete
Sept '20: Instrument complete (thanks covid, black swan events DO happen)
Jan '21: Commercial complete
June '21: CFI complete, FT job as CFI started
April '22: Start 135 position in Alaska (hope to be in ATP territory by 2024)

Originally Posted by youngmd

I am making a career change even later in my life.

I am 49, turning 50 in three months. I have been a pediatrician for the past 23 years. I have a good job, but my work environment is getting worse over the decades. The pandemic has a lot to do with it. We all thought it would be over in a few months when it started in 2020, but obviously that's not what happened. Doctors are leaving the practice in droves, and I may be next.

When I heard a story on NPR that there will be a 15,000 pilot shortage in the US annually for the next ten years, I decided to sign up. My grandfather was in the first Chinese naval air force (he was a bomber), and both of my uncles flew fighter jets in Taiwan. It's literally in my blood to fly.

I visited the Tokyo aeronautical museum in 1995 with my dad, and I was the only visitor in the group who landed the plane in the simulator. Granted, I veered off to the lawn from the runway, but it was in the airport. All the other pilots landed in the ocean. Of course, none of us had any flight training.

I plan to start my training in 2023, as I wrap up my medical practice. My class 1 physical is scheduled in two weeks, but I can run a mile in less than 7 minutes and I can do 20 pull-ups. I think I'll pass.

Originally Posted by OscarRomeo

Hopefully you are doing this as a semi-retirement gig and not expecting to be making doctor money anytime soon (if ever). You’ll be looking at 5ish years before you make 6 figures with 3 of those likely making less than $50k. You’ll be close to 60 before you can expect to crack $200k and then you’ll be forced to retire at 65. This is all assuming the industry stays on its current unprecedented trajectory.

Also, a First Class Medical has nothing to do with running or doing pull ups. I run 40+ miles a week and get nervous every time I go in for a new medical.

I’m not trying to be a Debbie Downer but just wanted to share so you can manage your expectations accordingly. Best of luck to you!

Originally Posted by Fat Old Tired

Read between the lines. This is his semi retirement gig. This type of person is the perfect example of someone who can give it a try. He is wrapping up his practice, maybe selling his share and getting a nice chunk from it in addition to what he has saved up. He can give his dream a shot and if it doesn't work for him, either hang up his pilot and doctor hat for good, or maybe go back into medicine but at his pace...when he wants to!

Having options are good. Most pilots do not have options, so they are bitter. The career changers I worry about are the 30 something year olds with a wife and young kids who burn out from their 9-5. These are the types of people with even more to lose than the 50 somethings who have always wanted to fly but did something else.

The older guys with a few million in the bank and kids already launched and out of the house have pretty much nothing to lose by giving flying a shot.