ChinookDriver47

Almost done with my military flight school stint and am looking at going back into Fixed Wing teaching when I get done. If anyone has recently been through one of the numerous schools in Western WA, please tell me what you thought of the school as a student and how you viewed their staff.

Thanks!

CD

Bowersbum

I think finding a school in WA that is hiring will be very difficult.

ChinookDriver47

Any particular reason, or is that just speculation?

waflyboy

I get the general impression that most flight schools are adequately staffed. Recently I've been in communication with some folks at BEFA about instructing part time, and they say they're fully staffed. The manager at Crest won't even return my emails.

Although, it seems like Snohomish Flying Service at Harvey Field is always looking for a CFI. You might try them if it's not too far from you. I did my private up there years ago, and it's a neat little airport. Although I've heard more recently the Harvey's aren't much fun to work for.

Pavco at Tacoma Narrows claims to be hiring (according to their website). I sat down and talked with their chief pilot a couple years ago. Seemed like a good operation with decent people. There may be a chance for some charter flying with them. Ultimately I decided on something else, due to the pay. (I think it was like $12/hr billed at the time.)

ChinookDriver47

May I ask what you decided on doing instead of teaching or did you opt to teach at another place?

waflyboy

At the time, I was looking for something temporary - just to carry me through the summer. I happened to find a seasonal position with a company in Corvallis, flying a C206 in support of their Skycrane fleet for the fire season. When the season was over, I went to Skywest.

KJSWA

Was that for Evergreen? If not who was it for if you dont mind sharing that info?

waflyboy

Helicopter Transport Services

ILS37R

I talked to Pavco about this time last year; very good people. Their pay was a little better at the time, but still on the lower end of the instructor payscale. Be sure you have your CFII if you plan on instructing in other than the summer/early fall, though.

ChinookDriver47

Yep, have all the CFI ratings, and teaching in WA isn't new. Nice to know that they got a PA-34...and I enough time in the Seminole to teach ME (thanks ATP)!! I learned in the Aztec, and PAVCO had one a while ago, but it isn't an economical trainer; fun X-C aircraft though!

What were they paying, still 12$ an hour? If that is the case, no wonder they can't keep people on staff.