CFII and 300 hours...hmmm... what now?
 

Hey all,

I've done some research around the forums here and I've seen quite an indifference in opinion of PFT.

I just watched the Alpine Air FO DVD. I honestly can say it's tempting for someone in my position, BUT it's counterintuitive judging by the bad wrap pay for training has gotten on the forums here.

I've seen some of you announce that you were receiving 100 + hours a month instructing ASEL and AMEL.

May I inquire what schools you were at receiving those flight hours. No one seems eager to hire at this point in time.

Pay for training is not just despised on APC, it is despised by every single professional pilot who has made it past entry level jobs. The reason why those who made it past entry level jobs hate it more than the rest is because they realize that the dream jobs they chased for their entire life has been severely affected by the race to the bottom that pay for training creates.

Now to your concern about getting a good CFI job. The trouble is, they aren’t available right now. There are some schools that do have a lot of students, but they have plenty of instructors on staff and many resumes on file. Many schools that allow CFIs to get 100 hours a month are on either coast and often have lots of flight students aspiring to be airline pilots with many of them being foreign pilots. Look for schools that have a lot of instructors, a lot of planes, and cater to international students. Those are generally signs that they have a lot of students. Also location is important. If the airport is out in the middle of nowhere, there probably aren’t many students. Look for a school located near a large population center with a lot of young people (who may want to be airline pilots) or wealthy doctors and lawyers eager to spend their money on a plane. These are by no means the only places where you can build time quickly, but it is a good starting point for research. Your best bet is to network and take note of any flight school you see that has a lot of activity.

And don’t limit yourself to only schools that fly a lot. In this market, you will likely be there for years, so make sure that you can live with the schedule and pay they give you. Also, look for a place the offers you growth. If you find a school that also has a charter business that could lead to turbine time, that will certainly be better than being able to log an extra 20 hours a month in a 172.

It is rough out there. In the last year and a half, I have sent out over 170 resumes and I only heard back from 8.

Good Luck!

I'm beginning to understand where you're coming from. I've sent out 50 some custom tailored cover letters and resumes in the past three months and have only heard back from the large electronic app screening systems which have stated "you are no longer being considered for hire". It's definitely an employers market.

You bring a valid point in regards to large schools and charter operations. One of my flight school buddies who instructs at a local flight school just got the opportunity to fly right seat in a CJ1+ all the way to San Diego and back last weekend.

You mentioned a flight school on the coast; I suppose Arizona's flight schools would also be good options considering the large airplane capital and the number of older folks wanting to fly on their retirement money.

You should really customize every cover letter and resume for each company. You don’t have to start from scratch on each one though. I have a template and that I add stuff to let them know it was made for them. I would read the “about” section of their website because they usually have a mission statement that can give an idea about what they value. Then try to highlight how you fit their values in your cover letter. Also, call to make sure they got it and if you can try to hand deliver it.

You definitely want to meet as many people as possible face to face. Electronic submissions are easy, but they don't create a lasting impression, especially if you don't call to verify that the resume was received. I was fortunate to pick up some work after sending in 40 resumes, but it was mostly due to luck on my part. Be persistent!

Hand delivering to Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii would be awesome if it were feasible, but good point, connecting by putting a name to a face once is much more valuable than 50 electronic submissions. Guess I'll get back on the networking horse tomorrow morning.

Just do what you have to do, but don't do anything you'll ever have to regret saying you've done. Integrity goes a long way in my book, but unfortunately I don't think it's as strong as a factor these days anymore.

When I graduated from college I had 380hrs and a CFI, 2004. Jobs were there, but you had to get away from home to find them. I lucked out, I do believe it's tougher at this current moment than then, but it's not terribly far off.

Just keep networking, study each opportunity you come across. When something feels right, and good, then hopefully you've found what you're looking for. I just don't think you'll feel either of those on a PFT, but maybe you will, good luck wherever you end up.

It's not impossible, read about this guy: http://www.pprune.org/interviews-job...mbia-then.html

"My advice would to just get a Snugpak Jungle Bag or similar that can be zipped open completely to make a blanket and head out. Spend your money on socialising, getting to know guys, and kip on someones floor/sofa. Or under a table in the bar."

-quote taken from link

Wow, well lucky for me I still have three months left in my college career and all of that time to continue looking for job opportunities. I guess I'll continue chomping at the bit. Funny how that guy ended up in Maun, Africa. I've considered going to Africa many times myself.

About 20 years ago, I worked for a crappy-ass 135 outfit with about 20 pilots.

After I started working there, I saw the Chief Pilot's mail box on a daily basis. Each day, he would get about 50 resumes. Every one of them went directly into the trash, without being read.

He hired everyone from word of mouth, or from those with the stones to knock on his door with a cold call, and shake his hand (like I did).

The perfectly manicured resume shotgun mailed to hundreds isn't likely to get you very far. You've got to network, and hit the pavement and start glad-handing.

Good luck. It will be a long road. You must have the stomach, and the patience.