I am actually the CEO's son but I did get my private pilot there and it was great.

One way you could get in contact with other international students is to go to the US Aviation Facebook page and contact one of the students that is currently studying there. They post when people get each rating and such.

I'm a flight instructor on the international program at USAA.. I currently have students from Mexico, Ecuador and Nigeria but we pretty much have students from all over the globe.. Feel free to pm me

Cheers!

Has anything been said with the new agreement that they have with American Eagle?

Us aviation is still hiring!
PM me to get resumes in!

Hey Muredhawk, I've gathered that pay starts at 15-17 per hour based on experience, and CFI's fly about 80-100 hrs per month.

How many billable hours do you typically earn as a CFI, including flight time, ground, etc? Or, if you like, what does a typical paycheck look like?

I am trying to figure out the pay vs. cost of living equation. So any opinions on apartments and such would also be useful.

Looking forward to learning more about being a CFI here.

This is a fairly difficult question. Yes, CFI's typically fly 80-100 hours a month but the nature of being a CFI really causes instability that is primarily dependant on the weather. Size of paychecks really is something that I am not comfortable in giving a definate answer on especially if it's going to determine whether or not you are coming. On the "safe side" really I am comfortable saying 80-100 hrs and maybe 20-40hrs of ground. Brief time is very dependant on which side you are on. Chinese side will get you more flight hours, less ground and longer to multi. International will be less flight, more ground and quicker track to multi. However, the amount of multi time you will get on the chinese side will eclipse the international side within the same time frame. An example, two multi instructors that started multi at the same time, Chinese IP has 550+ and the international side guy has ~160hrs.

I wanna say that both sides even up on month to month basis but you'll build time a lot faster on the chinese side.

I know this really didn't answer your question but hopefully it will provide some insight at best.

MHawk,
thanks for all the good info/updates. One question "mjssoar" asked concerned "living" in the Denton area? Thoughts/opinions?
Also, I read the thread but didn't see this "multi track"? What's the path/timeline? I'm a CFI/II/MEI. Again, appreciate the insight.

.......
NattyD

MHawk,
never mind my Q concerning the "Multi track". You already posted info on it here on pg. 3 of the thread - must have skipped it.

NattyD

I understand the instability of being a CFI. I have been a part 61 instructor for almost a year now. Maybe I was hoping a big 141 would offer some stability in the hours department. It seems like I will be getting quite a few more hours than currently (though at a lower hourly rate).

Honestly, I am trying to compare you guys and Transpac. They pay salary vs hourly. Which makes it really apples to oranges. Not that pay is the only factor, but it can make a big difference.

I have heard good and bad about both places in this and other forums. The more info the better when trying to make these decisions.

I guess the bottom line questions is: Can you keep a roof over your head and eat while working here?

Muredhawk,
I saw on US aviation Academy website that they have programs to help instructors earn additional ratings. Can you give us some info on these programs and whether you'll have to sign a contract with the school to get into these programs? and if there is a contract how long is it?