Advice for CFI initial
 

Hello,

Been browsing these forums for a while and thought I’d seek out some advice. I just recently earned my Commercial ASEL and am finishing up my multi add-on. I’m looking for some advice on the best way to obtain my CFI. I’m currently using VA benefits and wish to remain in a 141/VA scenario (for obvious cost benefits).

Right now I’m thinking of continuing in the twin for my MEI as my initial CFI (considering I would have just took the check-ride, and just need to build the PIC time and learn to fly the same check-ride from the other seat). I understand the added FOI and teaching aspect of the CFI ride, but from a practical standpoint, the MEI seems more logical as my initial first.

After that, my CFII (I’m more of an IFR oriented pilot and am quite proficient) with a single-engine add-on. Once I have all three, then look to start teaching part time (I’m in a successful engineering career right now) to build hours and have fun (I actually enjoy teaching). Long term, I don’t know, may just “retire” and teach, or look for a regional/corporate job, but that is years away and lots can happen in the industry.

Does the MEI as my initial sound logical given my situation? Any advice/recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

The big academies do the MEI first. If you are proficient, I wouldn't worry about it. The CFII would be the easiest for an initial, in my view, but I'd go with the flow of whatever your school is pushing. If VA is taking care of a good portion of the high cost of ME flying, then it makes even more sense.

I did part 61 for my CFI, but I don't think that 141 is that much different. I don't think it matters which one you do first. I thought that doing the CFI first would be a lot easier than doing the MEI. It was a lot cheaper for me to do my CFI because I was already proficient in the airplane I was using. If you are CFI and you go to a flight school that will pay for your MEI that a big bonus. But in the end it doesn't really matter.

Sorry about the font. Cut & pasted from Word, and didn't realize it carried the formatting with it.

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to do the MEI first (I have the option of doing the CFI or II first), but since the multi-engine stuff would still be "fresh", I think it's more logical for me (with the VA benefits as a plus).

Thanks again,