Low Hours...what To Do??
 

Recently graduated from a flight school and have picked up a left seat flying job. Pay is next to nothing...but time is experience. Have close to 300 TT with 50 multi. I know CFI/II is not for me because of past experiences with teaching. What should I do or anyone have any personal references/advice to offer?? Thanks all.

With low time you pretty much have to do what comes your way, especially if you don't want to instruct. What type of plane is this new job?

I didnt think that the CFI and CFII was for me. I was forced to get it due to the flight program that I was in and I loved it and learned a lot. Plus, having a CFI and CFII, the airlines and PART 135 companies love it. Depending on where you live you could also do Fire Patrol, and Pipeline Patrol to keep you busy and build your time.

Get your CFI. It's not the end of the world, you will learn a ton, and you might discover you have more patience than you think. I never thought I would be good at teaching either but with some practice and help from senior guys I think I turned out some good pilots. Hey, some even continued to talk to me after they got their tickets!

4 hours a week, or 6-8 a day flight instructing. Hmmm...let me think. Do you want this or not? It's a tough world out there now, better take what you can get.

The new job is right seat for a cheyenne and a navajo..and its here and there, like I said, maybe 4 hours a week.

The CFI process is as much about teaching YOU as the students...

You learn more details about aviation fundamentals, and rehearse them frequently enough that they become second nature.

You learn to manage competing priorities.

You get some command experience. A CFI is in command, and students come in a variety of flavors, broadening your interpersonal and management skills.

What's your long term goal? Airlines? Corporate? 135?

What is the job? Is any of this Cheyenne/Navajo time even loggabble?

Does anyone have a thought on getting the CFI at a fbo or doing the accelerated route (I got my commercial and multi the accelerated route). I started my CFI at my fbo last year before stopping 1/2 way through due to $ problems. I now have got a loan from my parents and want to start again. My instructor (also the chief pilot) is a great guy but I think to laid back for me and I had a hard time learning from him....if thats possible. On the other hand this is the place I would like to work once I get my CFI so Im wondering how he would take it knowing I got my CFI somewhere else. Has anyone else gone through this? There are a few other FBO's in the area so if push comes to shove I could try those. I think I may go talk with him to see what his thoughts would be on this matter.