Just scheduled an interview with ERAU in PRC. Are there any current/former instructors from the PRC campus that can shed some light on what it's like working there? The good, the bad, and the ugly, etc. It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

My experience instructing (and partying) there ended about 6 yrs back, but I doubt things have changed too much since then... that I've heard of I guess.

Pros were the equipment was always brand new and kept in great repair. The mechs there were all pretty cool too. They find the students for you, and all you really have to do is teach their 142 syllabus... forget about making another lesson plan, it's a super no brainer. They uniform you and keep them clean/pressed. Weather up there is really good for the student pilot, but not so much for your logbook's actual instrument time. You always have (had) a wealth of experience around you, any student's bizarre question can be answered somewhere in the building without the use of the "PFM" explanation. Decent benie's, 401(k), etc...

Cons, obviously the pay. No need to explain that one, except that work your a$$ off and try to feel ok about cashing out your VAC when you need some extra green. I also despised instructing but that had nothing to do with ERAU. When I left they were using the level D sims more and more and incorporated it into a lot of the syllabi... we weren't fans of this due it wasn't loggable into our total time. The actual town of PRC can be less than desirable, depending on what your social agenda is... but I think once I met enough of the locals it got better. Ie which bars are decent and where ppl "unwind" during the week.

Overall I would do it all over again, and I'd recommend working there if you can stand the town, although it's certainly better than some places I've overnighted lol. Cheers!

 

Thanks for the info! I also have an interview with Cochise College in Douglas, AZ. Starting pay for me with a Master's degree would be $50K, but I'd have to live in nasty Douglas, AZ. I think I'd rather live in Prescott.

 

I think you've summed it up on your own lol. I've only heard negatives about the bisbee/douglas area, although never been myself.

As far as the QOL (PRC) vs pay (Douglas) question, I think it's very difficult to find a good compromise as a pilot. Hell some jobs I hear have neither. My limited experience on this is: the job is usually 40 hours a week, your time off the remaining 128. If you hate where you live, you're going to be in the middle of that 3x as much as behind the yoke.

If I did everything over again, I think I'd waive the shiny-jet-syndrome (way back when) just to stay out west. Ie: live where you want and make the most of your job.

 

Ok taught there in early 90's, The good; great place to fly and continue to learn and develop as a pilot. You will meet some great people both peers and students. Most everyone of my students have made it to the Majors or Regionals.(nothing to do with me I assure you). Same with my flight instructor peers. Maintenance is always top notch. The airplanes are safe and the school strongly emphasizes safety.
The bad; is ERAU politics. There is a disconnect with the main campus due to culture.( At least during the time I was there) PRC in my opinion is the more serious of the two flight schools when it comes to flying. ERAU is expensive, parents tend to get involved especially when you are giving your student numerous "XT's" so he can pass his stage check or FAA ride. Oh, and if he doesn't pass? it's your fault not your students, doesn't matter how well he/she prepares or applies themselves, it will always be your fault. Hence the tendencies for the XT's.
This is what made the place stressfull at times. A very strict standard of performance demanded of the students( a good thing) coupled with the "student is a customer and the customer is always right" ( a bad thing when you are teaching a youngster how to be a competent pro) can combine to make things less then pleasant.
I'm happy I was there for 4 years instructing. I learned a great deal. Met some wonderful people whom I still connect with. Overall it was a positive experience. I highly recommend it and wish you the greatest success.

 

"ERAU is expensive, parents tend to get involved especially when you are giving your student numerous "XT's" so he can pass his stage check or FAA ride. Oh, and if he doesn't pass? it's your fault not your students, doesn't matter how well he/she prepares or applies themselves, it will always be your fault."

Urgh!! Hadn't thought about that. Does that happen a lot... the blame game from parents/students/admin?