No mo $$ 4 training
 

After having just finished my Commercial and Instrument 2 months ago, I am so broke from that training I can't afford to start my CFI or any other certificates, and it will be a few more months before I have the funds. I have 300 hours, a lot of places say I don't have enough flight time to be hired or its late in the season to start, so I'm in a rut. Any suggestions to build time (volunteering my services) or other ways with out having to pay for it? I need to get back into the air....BAD! I live in the Phily area. Thanks-JSF

300 hours doesn't qualify you to do much other than CFI. I'd suggest you take the time off to work, or whatever, to raise the money to get your initial CFI (ATP is back in the game). Once you get that done, many doors will open.

Since you live in the Philly area -

Hortman Aviation at PNE is a good FBO where you could get your CFI ratings as DE suggested. You could even just get the initial CFI and go from there, adding on the CFII and MEI later on.

wingshare.com and pilotsharetheride.com , split costs... honestly though that aside you can wait tables at night to make the money to get your CFI's at a 61 school... if you want it bad enough you can get it done... a CFI is honestly not that much flight time. I waited tables/bartended at night to pay for flight time/ratings during the day without needing a loan... I'm sure you can do the same.

Do you want to stay in Philly, or is moving an option. There are some flight schools that provide "free" CFI and II training. "Free" means usually a training contract. But it's no money out of your pocket. American Winds Flight Academy in Akron Ohio is one of those schools. You can check them out at American Winds Flight Academy Home Page. Just a suggestion, if you're not rooted in Philly.

You want this person to not work to earn money?? What needs to happen is to tighten your budget and scrap pennys together to save money. Work overtime if possible or don't go out and drive excessively.

Read what he wrote again real slow like and it will make more sense to you .lol:D

There isn't much you can do to "volunteer" your services that wouldn't be considered holding out to the public.

Get a job at an FBO. Make friends. If they have a flight school you might be able to work something out with the instructors to save some money.

Hey buddy, give the local Civil Air Patrol a call. They are always looking for young up and coming pilots who will volunteer a little of their time, and it might get you some FREE flying to boot. They are a terrific bunch of people and will help you keep your feet OFF the ground. I knew a lot of them that only had a couple of hundred hours, so at this point you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Good luck!

I would highly recommend Keystone Aerial Surveys. They are out of PNE. Outstanding job that was challenging and paid well. I worked for them for two years and got a thousand hours of multi-engine. In fact, my avatar is me flying one of their Cessna 320's over North Dakota. I had a lot of fun at that place. I know they were looking for people in the spring. PM me if you want some more info.

this is exactly what you are looking for: Civil Air Patrol Online

you can continue your training for free, only need to pay a nominal charge for the aircraft/fuel. i think it is something like $47 per hour for a Cessna 206. CAP instructors cannot charge for instruction in CAP aircraft.

missions will be free flying, as will things like cadet orientation flights.

Running out of money for flight training?? Gee...that NEVER happens!!!

It took me about 3 years to earn all my ratings..only because I had to pay for everything out of my own pocket.

Work for a few more months and acquire the funds......be patient. Finish what you start, earn the CFI/CFII/MEI.

Just don't give up........

If you don't mind the drive, try looking for Fire Patrol positions. Check out Stroudsburg, PA. A buddy of mine used to fly their C172-RG. He built up roughly 300 hrs. doing that part time over the course of about a year. And it was a paying position. It's worth a shot. If you are interested, PM me and I will see if I can dig up some info.