Turnbase

I currently have a pretty good job (aviation, non-flying). I fly SE Cessnas (getting pretty expensive) and SE experimentals from time to time. Every now and then I get to fly a Navajo (not sure how much longer that will last).

I am kicking around the idea of starting my CFI after the holiday hoopla is all finished. I feel like I’m halfway decent in the flying department, pretty good w/ people, and I love flying. I know that I have forgotten a ton as far as regulations and book knowledge.

Here are my questions;

What will I be into financially for my ASEL CFI?

What about time to complete (I know it has a lot to do w/ wx, mx, and how well you do individually)?

OR

I can buy a half share in a really nice experimental and just fly my #$$ off for fun!!!

Pilotpip

The CFI is all about how much work YOU put into it. You already know how to fly the plane, do the maneuvers, what makes it work, etc.

What you're working on with the CFI is how to teach these items, how to find information, where to look, etc. It's a lot of prep time and study on your own. If you do this, you go teach a few lessons to the instructor you're working with, take a few flights in the right seat while explaining what you are doing, and take the checkride. If you don't put the time in studying and preparing you'll spend more time with an instructor which will cost you more money.

I'd say for every hour I was flying with an instructor I spent 5 hours on the ground with him creating lessons, teaching lessons to his other students under his supervision, etc. Probably cost me about $1500 to get my initial. The CFII cost about $600 as a friend signed me off and I only had to pay for a few hours of flight time.

DamonMeyer

I'm heading in the same direction (toward CFI, then maybe Multi, turbine...fractional) I highly recommend doing both, just not at the same time unless your budget can stand it. What kind of experimental?

Turnbase

It's a really nice, well-built Van's RV-6A. I just know that if I buy into the aircraft, I'll be flying it, having fun, and not progressing w/ my ratings. Getting my CFI/II MEI has always been a goal of mine. I don't necessasarily need to get them right now but, if not now, when?

I know my wife and I would have a blast flying the RV around, I just think that it should be second on the priority list to continuing my ratings. I just remember the effort required when pursuing a new rating. I'm not lazy by any means, it's just nice to enjoy flying w/o being evaluated all the time.

I think my mind is pretty much made up. I'm going to start hitting the books, diving back into the PHAK, FAR/AIM, Airplane flying handbook, etc. I want to nail down my IP ratings.

I know my flying is sound but, I have become sloppy w/ flight planning, IFR stuff, etc. Getting my CFI/II will force me back into the books and sharpen the skills that have dulled over time.

The RV will be there when I'm ready.

Thanks for the input fellas,

TB

spartanpilot

all your initial cfi is, is being able to explain what you are doing while you fly and the rest is allllll knowledge. when you go up with an FAA examiner be prepared for a 6-8 hr oral. know every regulation, aerodynamics, weight and balance, how to teach maneuvers, every little thing about your aircraft, and weather. Not trying to scare you off or anything but be prepared to study hard, but the flight training should be no sweat.

AndyJ

Why not do both? Get into the RV, and train for your CFI as well. You could be in a position to offer niche training to potential RV or other experimentals down the road.

Turnbase

Well, due to the aviation budget in my hosehold, I really couldn't do both (at the same time at least). From the sound of it, I wouldn't have time to do both. All the studying required would probably prevent me from flying the RV on a regular basis anyway.

Thanks for all the reponses.

t-cart

Depends on what you want out of flying. Career,,Better go get all your training done.Fly for fun,,,Buy the rv,and be happy with your decision. ---Will you really be happy with that?Good luck with yur decision. FLY SAFE T.C.

crjterrehaute

The CFI rating should not be that expensive, its mostly getting ready for the oral. Just get the CFI PTS from the FAA Website (For Free) and go through every question , in writing,from front to back. Have a lesson plan for every maneuver (If its too much work, you can buy these on the cheap), but know every maneuver. Its no secret what you will be asked.,it's in the PTS : This method will make your CFI a very easy checkride. You should not need much time in the airplane to prep if you can already fly to commercial standards........