kdoner...you do what you have to do. College isn't cheap...but keep in mind, the price will only go up. You shouldn't be paying for your training with the new flight school...there are way too many flight schools that need instructors and will pay for your training. If you have to drive a little further to work, then do you. You really do need to finish college now if you can...don't make the mistake a lot of people do - say they'll go back in a semester...which turns into a year, two years, then three...etc.

However, after having done 8 years of college...I do fully understand what's involved financially and it doesn't get any easier. If you really can't afford it, and you have an offer with an airline...then go for it. BUT, somehow...force yourself to not be one of those that never finishes their degree...you are too close to not finish. Either do it locally, or finish it online...either way...finish it! That would be the ONLY way I'd say go airlines.

But back on topic...no you shouldn't be paying that much for OJT.

I will 3rd of 4th that. The end result of finishing school will save you much more than $180/hr for 4 hours. I agree with everyone else that you should not have to pay for that, however I see your situation. Stay in school whatever you do. Are they in need of instructors? If so, firmly say that paying for the checkouts will be a sticking point between taking the job or not. Maybe try making your flight school a deal. You obviously have RG time, so maybe offer to pay for the G1000 and have them pay for the 172RG checkout. The G1000 training will be pretty sweet.

I'd imagine that those airplanes you're washing have owners that could use a BFR, or maybe they're interested in getting an instrument rating. If there's only one option within an hour's drive why don't you start freelancing? Spend $30 for some business cards at a printer (or make your own) and give them to the people you're washing planes for. Chances are if they don't need any training, their buddies might.

flight schools need instructors more than ever, the only leverage that place has is that they are close to your school. Tell them it's either they pay for the check out or they can keep looking. CFIs aren't as common as they used to be and they will be doing good to get you since you have another year of school left and you won't have to leave anytime soon.

I wouldnt pay it.

Well the planes i'm washing are the flight school's planes, and i'm trying to instruct for my university's 141 program... Recently I did strike a deal with the owner of the place,( that the university uses for their planes) so now i'm just kind of washing them to show that i WANT/appreciate his help.

The man who told me i have to pay for my training flat out told me he doesnt need me... but all the instructors are overloaded, and are asking if i want some of their students when i get checked out... so i KNOW they need instructors... its just the guys said that to take the upper hand....

GEEZ LOUISE!!!!!

If they are this chintzy about a couple hours of check-out time, what else are they chintzy about? Maintainence? Payroll taxes?

I understand your pain

I'd tell him to stick it, and find somebody else to wash planes. I've never understood why flight schools think they can get away with this garbage. Let's see, you want me to make more money for you, yet you want me to pay you in order to do it.

Seriously, I don't think I would be too concerned with logging a few hours during the semester. Get a job that pays better, save some money and buy a little time during the summer or get a job at a school closer to home where they won't make you pay for a checkout.

so i have agreed that this is total BS... and I am going to march in there tomorrow and lay out my certificates and ratings on the table and just say... "Could you use me in this flight program or not?"

It's simple, its a growing program and you think they'd try to get as much help as possible... i have cfi cfii mei... ???? its not like i'm not qualified... i could point fingers, but obviously that would get me nowhere.

hay carumba.. !!

You might want to be a little more subtle, after all, you are trying to become an employee of this school. You may want to interview them to see if it's a good fit for you, and if offered a job make it clear that your not interested in financing the standardization flights. Also, make sure they can define the expected duties of the job (this would fall under the interview them heading).

As many have pointed out, training a new employee is a cost of doing business and one could argue that's why there are interviews - to make sure a prospective employee is a good investment.

Make them want you so that when you tell 'em it's going to cost them that they can justify the expense.

Good Luck (& don't cave).