JBELL954

OK guys I have felt very guilty about the path I already walked down after reading most of your opinions on college and flight school. I am a graduate of Embry-Riddle majoring in aeronautics and minoring in safety as well as another minor in management, I have also completed the Delta Academy up to my multi-engine rating (including private instrument and commerial). I am now at a point of lingo, I have no direction and have let my licesnse laps as far as recency and currency. I am leaning towards going back to Delta Academy and getting my CFI and CFII to start to teach build hours and make some money. I am looking for some advice. Am I doing the right thing by going back to get my CFI/II? Does it matter what flight school I get it with? Any feedback would be fantastic, my brain is overloading with all the possiblites...

Lori Clark

JBell -

Unequivocally, yes, get your CFI, II, MEI. This will do several things for you -
1. add ratings to your resume.
2. you will learn so much about yourself and flying when trying to teach others, which in turn makes you a better pilot.
3. gets you flying.

Do your research on schools. While doing your research find out what it would take to get a job with that school when you are finished - that could be important. Be realistic about whether or not landing that CFI job would be there. Remember, schools are in business to make money - they may offer "pie in the sky" to get you as a student. Take the time to talk to other students already enrolled and talk to the instructors. Do they like it there? What is their take on your plan?

I wrote an article on choosing a flight school that you might be interested in - I know it must be in the article archives of this site somewhere, but you can also find it on my website here: www.flytheline.com/articles

Good luck!
Lori

SkyHigh

I would only get a CFI if you can afford it and if the flight school is promising you a job upon completion.

I would hold off until they actually put you on the line before getting the IA and MEI ratings.

Skyhigh

heckler45

If you plan on working at DCA then I would recommend going though their course. However, I don't believe they are holding a STANZ class for another five or six months. They would be happy to take your money and send you through CFI/II but you would have to wait awhile for a job there. I completed DCA's program same as you but decided to choose another school to get my two instructor ratings. It saved me a ton of money and in the end, coupled with your knowledge you already have, your are a CFI all the same.