Best way to get CFI
 

Hey guys!

I'm looking into getting my CFI's because I have a couple friends who are interested in taking flying lessons from me and paying!

Unfortunately money is pretty tight as it is with most of us starting out. I was just wondering if any of you have any creative ways to get it? I was planning on doing all the ground courses that I can myself to save costs and preferably stay away from flight schools as they tend to be super expensive... I have looked at ATP though which is tempting, but I believe I can get them much cheaper then that.

I'm also only looking to get my CFI/CFII. I'm planning on waiting to get my MEI until I start to make a little bit of money instructing and have more than just a couple friends wanting to take flight lessons from me.

Thanks for your time!!

Ox

Oh, by the way. I live in Texas (DFW area). If anyone knows of any flight schools that are hiring, or might be hiring if you could let me know. I'm trying to make sure I can make the money I spend on my CFI's back. =)

Thanks

How sure a thing are these *friends* of yours?
If the only reason you are thinking of getting your instructor ratings is to teach them, and then after a few lessons they back out due to financial concerns, are you going to still be interested in finding other work or are you going to be able to pay back any debt that you might incurred during your own training?

You were asking about all instructing opportunities in the DFW area so I am assuming that you would like to get your CFI/CFII whether you had these *friends* to instruct or not - correct?

USMCFLYR

Correct. I've been wanting to do it for quite some time now, I just need to make sure I can get a job after I get them. These friends are a sure thing. The only downfall is since they have full time jobs, they are only able to go flying a few times a month.

So I'm looking to teach them and others once I get my ratings. I love flying and throoughly enjoy helping other people so I think I would also really enjoy instructing. =)

Thanks,

Ox

Any suggestions?

IIRC you only need 3 hours with an instructor to get signed off. There's no way around that so you have to have that much money. My instructor told me to fly with another cfi in training and get teaching on the ground/in air down pat before I went to him. BTW you could do you CFII in the same check ride if I'm not mistaken. I spent bare bones on my CFI/II....good luck.

How much did you spend on both of yours? Eventually I'd like to get my MEI, however I'd like to start instructing before I take that step. Also, are you in this area? (DFW)?

Thanks for the help!

Ox

Have your friends pay for your CFI in exchange for free lessons. Sure beats everyone asking for free lessons once you get your CFi;)

Cheapest way is to study like crazy on your own, and take a few flights right seat to get the maneuvers down. Find a instructor at a FBO that will allow you do the studying on your own, and spend a few hours with you getting you ready for the check-ride. If you prepare by yourself, cost should be pretty cheap.

I know there are some mixed feelings about ATP; however my experience is all good. I got my commercial in a university setting and then went to ATP for my CFI about 2 years ago, and I have nothing but good things to say. I am employed by a university and all I have to say is study on your own and I did about 60 hours of ground training when I was at ATP. You will also learn a lot with you first few students. You can't beat about $5000 (price when I went, not sure about now) for all 3 CFI certificates, but I do agree it can probably be done cheaper.

Alright, I'll keep that in mind thanks!

Just curious if anyone in the DFW area in TX are flying for any flight schools. If you are, are the schools busy/picking up? Do you think them might or are they looking for instructors? I'm trying to figure out if there's a possibility of getting a job with one after I attain my ratings.

Thanks for all of the feedback guys, I really appreciate it!

Ox