Retired and would like to get CFI
 

I am a retired Airline Pilot, who has never held a CFI. I am prior Military . Instructor Pilot, Prior Check Airman, 20,000 hrs + Lots of time in the training department etc;

I live in a small town with a small airport and no CFI. I would like to get this rating so I could help out a lot of the locals, and also keep my hand in flying.

What schools offer a class that really fit my qualifications, that I could attend and knock out all the ratings.

You are the exception to my rule, in which I would say go to one of the Pilot Mills and just get it done. You obviously have the experience and knowledge, so it's just a formality. Shop around for who's cheapest/quickest. I've heard Scheble(sp) isn't terrible, you have American Flyers, ATP, and a few others I can't think of.

MM,

I'd suggest you go look at "www.sheppardair.com". Read up on the Military IP to FAA CFI/CFII/MEI FAQs. There's a program that you can transition your military instructor experience to civilian ratings for the price of a single FAA [written] exam. Even if you left the military long ago you still qualify.

If you're not comfortable flying SE pistons anymore, get the ratings on the cheap through this program, then go fly with a CFI to get yourself comfortable again without taking three more checkrides etc. and paying the "full price" just to knock off the rust.

Good luck,
Cubdrick

If you what you want is the common and complete list of typical civilian teaching certs (CFI, CFII, MEI) to be able to teach all the common tickets (sport pilot, private pilot, instrument pilot, commercial pilot, multiengine pilot) and you have plenty of money throw in, I would rent a room near an AllATPs location and go knock them out in a month or two. It will be expensive but you will get a lot done and counted by the rating rather than by the flight hour, it is actually not very expensive doing it this way.

On the other hand if money is not as free or you do not need all the certs, or you do not want to leave town for several weeks then I would suggest self-teaching yourself the CFI material using a locally rented airplane and a mentor pilot located in your region. This way you would save some cash and since it is highly unlikely you will ever use that multiengine certificate anyway living in the sticks, this may be the better option for you. A third advantage to this approach would be networking among the locals.

Your problem is NOT that you need an quick-and-dirty training program. As an ex-IP you will be entitled to an FAA CFI cert with instrument and airplane single or multi ratings (maybe both single and multi, depending on what airframes you taught). Definitely do the paperwork drill and get your CFI certs.

Sheble, ATP, etc. are designed for people who already have general aviation skills and knowledge and just need to punch their CFI ticket. You are the opposite...your ticket is already waiting for you, all you have to do is file the paperwork but you need to make sure you get the general aviation skills and knowledge before you go try and teach.

Since you were an IP long ago, and you probably don't know much about FAR part 61, I would suggest that you find a local school or CFI who can walk you through as much of the ground and flight training as you need to prepare you for the type of instruction you wish to do. This will not be legally required, so you can be very flexible, but you really do need to get trained on piston maneuvers and part 91 and 61 rules...especially part 61 as it pertains to flight instruction. You can do this at your own pace.

I don't see a need to attend a full-time formal training program, unless you have the time and money.

I thought the self-administered approach would be the best way for him and since he qualifies for exemptions from all the FAA practicals and writtens, that would tip it toward self-study for sure. There are short courses aimed at prepping pilots for their FAA writtens he may want to avail himself of those in lieu of home study. It would just be a way of getting the study part done faster, and they only take a few hours apiece. GA flight familiarity might still be accomplished with a local instructor unless he is current in GA aircraft.

re:
 

See if you can get a hold of Dennis Pearson at mach 5 aviation. He had the same situation as you regarding getting the civilian ratings. He was my CFI during my own CFI training and is an F-15 instructor. I can't think of anyone better than him to give advice on this.
www.mach5aviation.com

I just finished my CFI at Shebles. One on one instruction with the checkride on the 10th day. Studied a lot before going there but with your experience you shouldn't have any problems whatsoever.

Please let me know if you would like to get more info on Shebles.

Good luck.

Have you thought of going to a nearby town where the is a CFI? It might be worth considering as a means to make some connections with a flight school that is a going concern; might make it easier for you to become better known locally.

Also, what about looking up the local examiners and asking their opinions? They may be interested to know who you are, and may be able to offer some good local suggestions.

Thanks everyone for your help. I am studying the Military Competency test from Sheppard right now. I'll take that test in a week or so, and take my paperwork to a FSDO in Jan. After I have, what we all know is nothing but a paperwork shuffle, I'll go somewhere and see if I can get an experienced Teacher to give me some training, before I actually get in an airplane with a student.

I really like your idea of meeting the local FAA reps. I think if I could get some mentoring from a FED that would be a huge advantage... My past experience as an examiner and designee was that with the proper deference most if not all feds were very very courteous and helpful.