Does anyone have any recent experience of instructing at Transpac in Phoenix or know anyone who does? I'd like to hear some stories? Would it be worth it to leave my family for a bit to do it? How long does it take on average to get the hours required for American Eagle? These are just some questions I have regarding Transpac. I have many more. Any information would be great.

 

Wow. This is a loaded question. I would NOT leave your family for this gig. Take it from someone who has worked there and is extremely glad I don't anymore. Let me put it this way (and as you read my repsonse, don't forget that all of this is riding on YOUR CFI certificate) - you'll get 4 or 5 chinese students who can hardly speak any english. Then you'll teach them how to use the radios and no one can understand what they're saying (especially ATC). Then you'll have them solo and they'll almost kill themselves and other innocent pilots flying as well beause they can't comunicate. Then you'll send them on their checkride and they'll fail and the FAA will come to YOU asking why in the hell you can't teach anyone how to fly. Then you'll start all over again once your students finally do pass their checkride after multiple attempts.

The "pipeline" agreement that TransPac has with American Eagle giving their CFI's interviews when they reach 1500 hours is crap. You're going to be working at one crappy job for a while till you get up to 1500 hours, then you get to go work at a crappy regional who will treat you like dirt until you're able to move up to a major. Nuff said. Take from it what you will...

 

Not to get too personal, but this sounds more like an instructor issue than a student issue. If they aren't ready, then don't sign them off. It cost me my instructing job at a different school when I couldn't get my students signed off quickly enough for this very reason. So be it, it's my CFI/II that I spent lots of money getting, and am not going to risk losing because of pressure from the boss. There's too much at stake.

 

I know they let a student pilot go out on an XC a few years ago when it was IFR. Crashed right after TO. More the culture/organization I'd assume...

 

Hey "MercuryBirdman" - PM me if you want more info. I'd be happy to go into more detail with you regarding the crappy CFI job that is TransPac.

 

You say it's a crappy job but you haven't explain why it's a crappy job. is the instructor pay bad? is the school management terrible? are the airplanes poorly maintained? more info on why its a crappy job would help. i have taught Chinese students who barely knew English and they passed their PPL checkride first try, so i don't think is so much of their English that is the problem.

 

Well Chinese students should be getting English training if they are not proficient enough to speak on the radio. I know all US Aviation's Chinese students first few weeks are spent practicing English (they in theory have learned to speak it decently in college). At one point one of the practices they did was like theater; students on one wall teacher on the other and they had to speak loudly and clearly enough for him to hear. Can't say I know if they do that anymore.

You might check out US Aviation in Denton, TX. They also have a deal with American Eagle. Denton is a pretty cool town to raise a family I think too; far enough out that a backyard is possible but close enough in to have some fun. Its a college town so it has a trendy little down town with lots of cool little restaurants and stores.

 

WX Guru,

Thanks for the info. I've heard similar things regarding Chinese students from other places. So in your opinion, maybe it would be better to instruct Part 61 at a local FBO? It'll take longer to get hours, but better in the long run it sounds. Thanks again!

 

I think he gave enough reasons why it is "crappy". Sounds like pressure to pass these students is put on them and maybe it's their way or the highway. Lots of hours, but not enjoyable sounds like the gist of it.

 

Denton is close to where I live, but I fear it is the same situation with the Chinese students.