How's the life of a CFI
 

Seeing how airlines are slowing their hiring, how's the life for a cfi? Did you guys notice any "shortage" of students? Also, does CFI's get paid tax free?

Haha I wish we get paid tax free :)

I'd imagine that a lot of schools are seeing a shortage of students due to rising oil prices... fortunately for me, we have a contract with the naval academy to do their initial flight screenings, so as long as the navy needs pilots, we keep getting students :)

If you're looking for a CFI job, I would probably suggest finding one of the bigger schools who can spend the money on advertising. The mom and pop FBO schools are going to start to suffer. :( imho

I second the above. Fortunately we have alot of government contracts as well. Though interestingly, we still have people coming in wanting to start up a hobby, career, etc.

Alot of the academies are going the route of foreign contract and our economy here doesn't seem to effect that too much. Of course I don't work at them, but they still seem to be going strong.

No shortage of students at all, we deal mostly with foreigners.

I had a friend who was a CFI at one of those flight academies for an Asian airline and he worked pretty hard. Lots of students and quite a bit of ground instruction as well. The nice thing was that if he told his students to study up on a particular area they sure as hell did it! Always nice to have motivated students who work hard.

It is also due to our Airspace structure and amenities. We are the best in the world when it comes to services available to the every-day pilot.

Some foreign students are motivated....some are not.

But, either way, there are PLENTY of them over here!!

If you teach in the state of FLORIDA, they DO NOT have income tax! I can refer you to the flight school that I used to work for. If you are not interested in working at a FBO, there are plenty of pilot factories down in FL that are looking for CFI's. Some offer free housing, or discounted housing, a meal plan, etc. PM with questions.

Lax

im teaching right now for atp and not a single slowdown in students... two career pilots start every week just about and im just at a small location too.. phoenix is insane with students

Just to clarify, that's for every worker in the state, not just CFI's...neither does AK, TX, WY, WA, SD, or NV.

To add to that you still pay FEDERAL tax. There is no STATE income tax in those listed above. If you don't want to pay taxes get some investments that you can write off. For example, rental property. Otherwise Uncle Sam will always get his cut.

Which location are you at?

Do you get much mult time?

I agree....my school is bursting at the seams, with not enough CFI's to be found.

or TN .

i'm at ATP BWG. going down to JAX on sunday for CFI school! i can't wait to finally get it over with and start instructing/making money

It's a good time to get in on the market.........

Just FYI-Stay away from Professional Flight Training in Ft. Lauderdale! Chaotic, confusing :confused:, unorganized, and don't expect them to put the customer first. Customer being "YOU".

Soft shilling is one thing, but knocking the other guy down is dirty pool.

Mods? Please review the posting history.

I work at a flight school that specializes in Asian students also. As a whole, I would much rather teach Asian students than American. They never show up hung over, unprepared or unmotivated. They struggle with learning the motor skills but never give up. As for life as a CFI, I am salaried at almost twice what I would make at a regional. I have full benefits(health, dental, life, matching 401k and two weeks vacation). I have zero fear of being furloughed and am building on average 90 hours a month. I figure ill give it another year and see where the industry is at and reevaluate.

I agree.....Asian students are highly motivated, disciplined and serious about their training.

You have to respect that alot.

So, um, where is it that you work? :rolleyes:

You're right!
Asian students work really hard, and very serious about their training.
How do i know?

Because, i'm one of them!hehe~

Looking to join the brotherhood of Instructor Pilot!

Well, just like anything else get the ticket cause you want it... but remember whatever aviation flying job you get or attempt to get there is always people out there with more time and experience! do you want to be that person, well then you will learn so much more application to flying and have such a greater understanding if you become an instructor. It is like one of those things you should do to better yourself! You need to put in the time. People think that the should go blow $30K or whatever on ratings and they are a pilot. Well I can tell you what right away, do you want people to be impressed by your abilities??? Well, flying is an art I don't care what anyone has to say for that...it is the truth you have to constantly prerform and practice and do your homework to make yourself that much better! You might make beans for awhile, but the progress and knowledge you get will surpass anything, not to mention the networking and people you will meet. Always remember that there is somone out there with more experience... be that person!