I’m trying to “think out of the box” here, but need some information from inside the industry. I’m too old (41) and too used to my six figure salary to consider a mid-life crisis, career change to poverty, pay to play, whatever. But I think I have a unique situation, and just want to fuel my passion for flying while still working toward retiring at/around 55. And I’m too fiscally conservative (call it cheap if you want) to hand over huge chunks of money to anyone to add to my certificates/ratings. But I am intrigued with this situation that is developing: Shortage of CFI’s, Hiring blitz in regionals, etc. And that has me thinking: how do I capitalize on this. Back when I was Jr. Flyboy with stars in his eyes (early 90s), the Air Force in their infinite wisdom let me fly around their T-37s and T-38s such that I accumulated about 300 hours of turbine time. Then I was allowed to leave! I spent the next 10-12 years in a pretty lucrative IT career, of which I still participate. So here’s the rub: I have some 700+ hours, Commercial ASEL, AMEL, and Instrument. And- I live right in what may be considered the Mecca of flight training- Central Florida. I am the boss at work, so I make pretty much make my own hours, and our company is a firm believer in telecommute. I have already spent many hours in the pilot lounge doing conference calls, being online, and then when I’m done- walk out the door and go flying. In addition, my work takes me around the state of Florida and General Aviation has proven a pretty good way to get around, and get reimbursed for it! What I want to do is this- tap into all this flying activity around me, and unlike some, instructing actually sounds like fun to me. I don’t want to shell out a bunch of cash (if any) to get the CFI and CFII, and I would want to do it efficiently (141 maybe?)- and I don’t want to be buying my way into a track to the regionals. Anybody have any input/suggestions?

 

Man, I don't envy the load you're about to undertake. Becoming a CFI has a LOT more involved than flying around learning to teach people. It is a bear, and the most commonly failed checkride in the USA. It think it's like a 75% fail rate.

Not only is it a lot of money and flying, but the biggest load is the studying and memorizing the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOM) stuff. The FOM test is a joke, but the FOM stuff you must know for the checkride is a lot and it's BORING.
Plus the gigantic CFI notebook that most candidates need to compile is a pain too. Mine was about 500 pages long of work I had to research, type, and transcribe.

If all that didn't change your mind, then you probably have what it takes to juggle being a CFI and another job. I would suggest going down to your local FBO, one with nice, new airplanes, not the old beat up ones you find in most Florida flight schools (those are better for time builders headed toward the regionals). Learn from them, and before you pay any money, ask them if they will hire you once you get your CFI (given your unique schedule and situation). Many flight schools think they can make their CFI's do anything and will expect you to be available from 4am to midnight 6 days a week.

If you really want to instruct on the side, you'll definitely want somewhere close to where you live/work so you don't have to drive 45 minutes each way to get there. Also you'll want nice, new, comfortable, well-maintained planes to fly since you might be there for a few years. The fun stuff wears off after about 6 months, then it becomes a job and you'll want to feel safe and comfortable doing that job. The new planes will cost a little more than the old ones, but they'll still be cheaper than going through one of the academy or university programs.

Make sure the school as a high percentage of newer planes too, not just one or two with 5 planes from the 1970's. You'll probably be stuck flying the older ones 90% of the time since the career oriented students want to save money on their flight training.

 

Get your CFI/II/MEI at some FBO... buy a 172RG plus a used Seminole... hire an extra instructor.... and teach. I don't think any of the local flying schools is going to hire you on a part time schedule, so you will have to start your own school. You will get lots of business since ATP quit doing CFI initials for the most part and CFIs are on the upswing as far as demand. I am looking to do the same thing at an existing FBO. If I can't find one willing to allow part time work I will buy a 172 and teach in it.

 

The motive to get into flight training just to tap into the latest uptick in demand is not really a good one. It has never been a very profitable business, more like a labor of love. The only exceptions that I know of are the high dollar academies and the few lucky DE's who they send people to.

There is a DE who shall remain anonymous who has reportedly given over 8,000 checkrides since 1993. At $350 a pop, you can do the math. He can knock or three out in a day and apparently does, every business day. I flew with him, he filed an instrument plan on my checkride so the show could go on. A major flight training school sends him endless business.

 

One thing about being a CFI, is you will learn more than you were taught, just from the observation etc..... It's not probably going to be "cheap" per say to get the rating, and on the same note, it'll take awhile to pay for the loan or however you pay for it. Having the desire to teach and share the experience aviation gives you is the key. As far as getting the ticket, I see nothing wrong with the add-on through a 141 like ATP. Every new instructor is going to have problems teaching and working with students, it'll take 200+hrs of dual given in my opinion before you really start becoming solid in your teaching skills, and techniques. I've modified mine as I go, and with over 1000hrs of dual given, I still keep my mind open on differing techniques and ways to pass on the knowledge. The last thing I'll say is make sure you(and the student) are having fun, because yes it can be work, but flying for 99% of the people out there is for the enjoyment factor, so as soon as they stop having fun, they are more likely to drop out of it. Good luck, hope it goes well.

 

He is going to have to find some other way than AllATPs, because they quit offering CFI initials for anyone not in their career pilot program. This could represent a chance to pick up some of their business though.

 

Besides that.

ATP is part 61, not 141.

 

Hi Daytona Flyer! Thanks so much for the input.
I've heard that the CFI checkride is a royal pain in the @#$, any others out there with opions for or against that assessment please chime in.
I picked up a copy of Gleim's PC based FOI and CFI written- because I am a computer geek- and at work I can sneak off, be plodding through the test questions, and nobody knows
But OH MY GOD- you are right- how BORING!
The notebook I assume is for lesson plans or the like, correct? That to me doesn't sound to bad- again because I am a computer geek and have tons of resources at my disposal- and again- could work on it while at my job an who is going to say anything- thay all work for me!
Close- no prob- I live on Left Downwind 9L SFB.
Thanks for the tip on the age of equip- had not thought of that. I see lots of SR-20s showing up around here, maybe that's a good thing.
Thanks Daytona!

 

Thanks Cubdriver!
Sorry if I mislead- I don't care if I make any money doing it, because yes- it would be a labor of love. I'm just trying to find "path of least $$$" to get there, and the uptick in demand seem to be an opportunity.

 

That school at SFB with the new SR20's need instructors bad. Being a business man you should be able to talk to mgmt there and work a deal which they have worked for instructors off the street, the idea being they pay for your CFI and in exchange you give them so many hours of insruction. Seen this many times before.