Instructing vs. Time Build
 

Hey guys -

Looking for some opinions on which route you thing would be best for a brand new CFI...

There are some CFI (single engine only and 70-90 hrs/mo) positions available in my area right now that I've interviewed for. I've also found an opportunity for a time build job (150 multi engine/inst hrs/mo) that I'd be working as a 'mentor' logging pic/dual x-c. Only problem is that there is no salary for the time build job. I see the benefits of both - just not sure which is best right now.

Thanks in advance.

just an update...

the time build requires you as the 'mentor' to ride in the back seat of the aircraft while two 'students' fly upfront and you monitor the flight. the owner claims you can log dual given pic/x-c (as a MEII). Any way this could be true?

I am not a CFI yet - But I would say - for free I ride in the front and one of the students rides in back...

What I guess I am saying is he who has the highest ratings get violated first if there is an incident or accident - be careful - the guy who asked you to do that sounds slippery.

"the owner claims you can log dual given pic/x-c (as a MEII). Any way this could be true?"

That's a stretch. I can see the guy's point based on the verbage of the FAR's. But, I see this as highly, highly, unethical. I'd talk to the "owner" and see how he feels about you contacting the local FSDO to get their opinion. If he hangs up on you, don't feel bad about walking the other way.

Flight school in Florida got smacked by the FAA recently for allowing this to happen. You can not do it! Do not risk your ticket and FAA action, doesn't this sound fishy to you?

It sounds really fishy to me. I would take the CFI position and earn some cash on the way. Is there any possibility to get some multi-engine instructing in your area or no chance at all?

No, this is not legal. Any respectable employer would give you zero credit for this time, and fire you if they found out about it after the fact (aviation is a small world, don't assume they won't find out).

Any clown can twist and interpret the wording of the regs to his advantage, but the reality of law and regs is a combination of the language and the past interpreation. I can guarantee you that the FAA (and the admin law judges) have not interpreted it the way this guy does.

There is a way to sit in the back and legally log PIC. It applies in 141, 121, and 135 where you have two pilots (or one pilot and one instructor) up front and a check-airman sits in the back (or jumpseat) in order to do a required flight check on the instructor or pilot(s).

But even if it's a 141 school, you would still have to be a 141 certified assistant chief pilot, one of the pilots up front would need to be a 141 CFI, and you could only do this once a year (for each 141 CFI).

I'm with you guys... i think it sounds pretty sketchy... going to look for something else in my area (probably instructing).

thanks for the advice!