So as I'm looking for work, I'm coming across an interesting trend..

CFI jobs a plenty.. Sierra Academy is paying, an order of magnitude above what I made only 15 years ago working for them.. now with relocation packages, paid housing, set your own schedule, bla, bla, bla.. I think it may have FINALLY hit the average joe that this career isn't what it used to be. This "may" be the first sign of a real pilot shortage that will take some time to hit.. right now, we're far (VERY far) from a shortage, but if this trend of no new entrants continues there just might be hope for this profession.

 

I got two emails.
1. 36k+full benifits, with in 3 years 55K
2. In china for some training school starting 2000k monthly +$20/hr (all taxes taken out already). Full insurance etc... Figured that would put me close to 50k/yr. Salary goes up every 500 hrs of dual given (1 yr of experience 2300 month +22 hr, maxing out at 3000/month +32/hr OT is also an option)...

 

I thought you made it to VX?

You could ride out this fuel bubble in the right seat of trainers, and provide valuable experience to the neophyte aviator...

 

No, both myself and the other Airbus type rated guy as well as 5 others didn't get on.. and 6 others did. It wasn't meant to be I figure.

But at the pay they're offering, I wonder why anyone today would leave a CFI job making $40K+ to go to a regional and make $20K?

It's interesting to say the least.

 

I saw a blurb on some board about $55K instructors in Miami, I just forget where. I think I also clicked a few links and it was the same old story, foreign airlines hurting and sending their new hires here to learn because of the better conditions and MUCH cheaper costs. Miami might not be too bad, how's everyone's spanish?

 

Hell, the school I worked at in DC used to pay 33.00 and hour for flight and ground! We made our own schedules and got to fly very nice planes. Unfortunately after 9/11 it slowed a little and the pay was reduced to newbies to 21.00 and hour. Keep in mind though, to get 33.00 and hour you had to bill atleast 30 hours a week of flight and ground, not hard. It was a rolling payscale. I knew guys billing 200+hours a month! Multiply that by 33.00 and hour, and they are making out!

 

Hey CE750,

Hang in there! I went from Oct. 30 until April 30 to get back into an actual airplane seat, with alot of other mini emergencies going on in my life. It does get better.

I thought that the low point for us was when my Wife and I pooled our remaining pocket change to buy milk and diapers, while waiting for her first paycheck after we relocated for her new job. But actually, the low point came when we sold just about everything on eBay... including her engagement ring (We kept the pre-engagement ring as it was actually nicer... the deal being that she gets a BIGGER one when and if things improve). Carrying that in to the shipping place was definitely a "head down with shame" experience.

I don't know why I am telling you this other than the fact that I want you to know that you are not alone. Keep up your posts and let us know what you are doing. Avantair is hiring and they have treated me with the utmost kindness and respect. It's a quick upgrade, working for nice people..., in a great plane. I could care less about flying the "big ones" anymore. For me, it has become schedule first, pay second, size of airplane last.

Good luck to you and all those pilots searching for a good job.

Take care,

B727DRVR

 

B727DRVR thanks for sharing... misery loves company they say!

I'll check out avantair, do they home base?

 

Seirra Academy didn't pay that good 15 years ago when I turned down the Chief Instructor interview and went to the regionals. I'm glad I did.

 

that's my point. 15 years ago things were a bit different.. it's upside down today.