Freaking Out
 

I am completly freaking out and I would like some good advice from someone who has been through it. I will be graduating from the University of North Dakota on August 5th with a degree in commercial aviation. The reason I am freaking out is because I don't want to make a bad decision when choosing a flight school to instruct at.
First off, I want to go to a flight school where I can stay very busy flying and not recruiting and soliciting students. Second, if I start sending out resumes and getting interviews/job offers, do I have to take the first job offer? What if I want the job but I have an interview next week with a company I might like more? How do I tell the first company that?
Also, anybody have any insight on flight instructing in a place like midway airport. How difficult is it to train students in a busy airline enviroment like that?
Finally, I (my wife) wants to stay within about a five hour drive of Detroit, Michigan. (Our Hometown) Right now I am looking at a flight school at Midway called Midway Aviators and Lewis University. If anyone can give me advice on anything about this it would be greatly appreciated. Anyone that could recomend a busy school that needs an instructor that is ready to work hard, please throw them out there.

Thanks, UNDGUY

Just a few thoughts. The best flight school is one where you can get as many hours ASAP. It is also very important to be able to move up to teaching in multi-engine aircraft. Turbine is even better. Ideally you would want to be working at a school that takes students from student through ATP and even jet type ratings. The larger schools will also let you meet many people. You will run in to these people off and on again for the rest of your career. They will likely be in a position to help you get your dream job in the future. Don't burn any bridges.

When It comes to jobs other than teaching, don't freak out until you have some offers. They can be hard to come by. Generally go for the place where you can upgrade the fastest. You will need PIC time in turbine aircraft (the heavier the better).

Handle multiple job offers by honest diplomacy. Again, don't burn a bridge but don't be made to feel guilty and pass up a better job.

I sent out over 300 applications before I took one of the offers.

If you can, try to instruct at a Flight School that's attached to a university. That way the university does your recruiting for you and you always have a set student base. When I did it, I built 1300 TT and 225 Multi in about 14 months (that's subtracting what I already had when I started). I know we got 2 UND guys that work down here right now that like it. However, Florida is definately not within 5 hour driving distance of Detroit. If you PM me I can give you details about the school.

CFI at allatps if you can
 

Instruct at a allatps location if you can. You'll meet plenty of people from different areas of aviation and get plenty of hours.

The previous post about the best CFI job is the one where you build the most hours...

Don't end up like the CFI I had - 6 years at it just cracked 1,000 hours with maybe 20 ME. He is now a cop.

-LAFF

Find a big part 141 school in the metro area. I moved back to DC after UND and taught at a big school that was local to the area... I spent about a week filling up my schedule, then after that, was so busy I couldn't keep up!

Average summer month was about 120 hrs of flying/month. I'm sure there are similar outfits to find in the DTW area.

Thanks for the response, I definately do not want to be that guy. I went on the website for allatps and seen that they have a location in Chicago. Is there a way to find out about individual locations, or do they just refer to everything as a whole. I'm wondering how many airplanes and what type they have in Chicago, and what programs they offer there. I'd also like to know if there is a way I can get information as to whether or not they are hiring, and what the process is to apply. Any information on allatps someone could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Sharky, thanks for the response. Unfortunately, I am not cool enough to PM yet. I'm not sure how many posts I need to have before I can PM. Anyway, 1300 TT and 225 Multi in 14 months! You must have been a busy Guy/Gal. If I could get that kind of time I (my wife) wouldn't have a problem with moving to Florida. Thats exactly the kind of job I am looking for. If you could give me the name, hiring information, and anything else you would like to share about the place I would really appreciate it. If you don't want to post that information on here you can e-mail me at [email protected]. Anyone else that would like to e-mail me is welcome to. Please keep it constructive and on the subject if you choose to e-mail me.

Thanks, UNDGUY

UND,

There is someone on here that currently CFIs at ALLATPS. Lets hope he sees your post. Call them and see what is going on up there.

It might be better if you were more flexible in locations - at least while you get the hours needed. Your wife should understand this is a critical phase in your career progression..

I would try for a location in the south - more students and better weather. I plan on going to Atlanta for my training.

Also, I was a member of the ROTC at UND. Nice town - Grand Forks. I liked the Frozen North..:-)

-LAFF

I actually responded to one of his posts so hopefully he will have some information for me. Actually, since I made this post a couple days ago my wife has kinda come around on the issue of moving further from Detroit so that's good. I've been trying to explain to her what you just said for about 6 months. I think she is starting to get it.