RomeoSierra

Have my CFI initial check ride coming up with a DE next week and was wondering if any one knew of flight schools that are hiring new CFIs in the Seattle area. Graduated from a 4 year university with a bachalors degree in aviaiton. Any advice from any one on how to get hired at a place that dont know and they done know me.

Riverside

go to the hiring news page and click on Seattle flying. There is a list of flight schools in there. Hope this helps and good luck.

rickair7777

The best way to get the CFI job you want is to train at that school. At least do your CFI there, since they prefer to hire their own customers (who also know their procedures).

There are several things to look for in a school to work at...

1) Close to home if possible
2) Good reputation as an employer...ie no jerk managers or pressure to break FARs.
3) Conducts ME training so you can get your twin time without paying for it.

If your training is already done, the best way to get a job would be to network with whoever you know in your local GA scene. Otherwise print out some resumes, put on slacks, shirt, and tie and go door to door at every GA operator in your area.

If that doesn't work, find out what the experience requirements are to freelance at the local clubs and FBOs. Freelance requires initiative because you have to find up your own students, but you can charge more. Once you get established, additional students will usually find you by word of mouth. Of course you have to withold your own taxes each quarter, and maybe get a business license.

FlyingGuide

Wings Aloft and Pavco are hiring just by word of mouth.

SkyHigh

Like RickAir7777 said. My advice is to hold off on getting any CFI training unless you can be somewhat assured of getting a job where you are being trained. It has been my experience that most places prefer to hire their own.

If you are the stranger who is walking off the street it is difficult to get hired especially during hard times. In the last few years companies were loosing CFI's left and right now however it will be difficult.

I graduated right into a recession. Most of the guys from my graduating calss never even got their first flying job. The CFI training is your ticket into the door. Do not waste it at someplace that will not offer to hire you once you are done.

Skyhigh

proskuneho

Make sure you take a really good look at a school's reputation before you even consider joining their team as a CFI. There are some shady schools that are notorious for stretching the truth about what they will give a new CFI for pay and benefits. Also find out if they have a reputation for good or bad mx too...

Moonwolf

I would try Acu Wings, in Renton. I just quit about 3 weeks ago, so they might need another instructor, ask for Baha Acuner. I was basically in the same place you are right now, the ink was still wet on my temporary and I went to acuwings two days after my checkride. I didn't do as much flying as I thought I would be doing. I had three students that wanted to get their pvt, but only wanted to fly every two weeks or so. Its a pretty laid back place, which has both pro's and con's. Anyways, hope that helps.

MEMpilot

I'm considering instructing up in the Seattle area as well. During my commercial training at BFI, I had a hard time scheduling due to weather. Can any PacNW CFIs provide some info on how they managed the overcast and rain in order to maintain a living?

rickB

you drive to california and start working... WA is bad especially heading into the winter months... freezing levels will put you on the ground constantly

ChinookDriver47

Stay the bloody hell away from Wings Aloft. You have to pay for your checkouts in the aircraft and then "work" it off. If you leave, then you owe them money. Last I saw, they were having serious cash flow problems and were having their staff put gas on their own credit cards and then being slow about reimbursing them with no regard to the interest rate of the card.

Wings has good people, but no one that I knew really liked it there. PAVCO is good, but I think the new toll bridge is going to effect business. I didn't think they were hurting that bad for CFI's.

If I had to pick, I would go with PAVCO, assuming you can get along with Mike, the owner. Check out the comments on him on airnav.com then make your decision.

CD