I've been reading on here that instructors at the "Pilot Mills" have been getting about 20 - 30 hours a week. Is this untrue, or more of the exception?

 

its possible, my instructor at one of the mills in jacksonville flew 4 hours a day with me. I think he flew with another student too. But they all seemed burned out. Since you are in SE wi, there is one of these mills in Chicago, Dupage i think. Might want to consider it... Not sure if they have 141 programs though.
At the end of my CFII/MEI add on, they told me to apply for a job, but HR sent me an email within a week saying they were only picking from the pool of students who did the 90 day fast track. I dont know why exactly, but my guess is they gave priority to those who spend more $$$ at said puppy mill when a slow down in hiring happend. This was last jan/feb and the new ATP rule was 7 months away so most regional required 1000TT. Thats why i think they only offered it to those specific students.

 

You hit on my only worry about getting my training at Wisconsin Aviation. That I would have trouble getting a good instructor gig afterwards. It seems like to instruct at one of these big schools where you can build hours quickly, you need to have been a student there first. If I don't get a good instructing gig, like what others said on here, it may take me 4 years or so to get to 1500TT.

 

Reality Check!

 

Yes indeed

 

Well, to be honest, no brand new CFI has a "good gig" right away. Those pilot mills have you do the call center the first then you get asigned to a location somewhere.
I cant promise anything, but chances are you would have CFI gig at the end at Wisc Av, but its up to you to get students (hours) kind of. From the few years I spent there, most guys who went all the way through to the CFI had that option for them at the end. Its not like a pilot mill where they have a marketing department set purely on finding students. They do of course to some extent, but keep in mind its a local FBO, that sells hangars, fuel, charter and stuff as well, and its not a nationwide network of schools. Of course there are some walk ins like yourself that are dead set on flight training, but you also do introductory flights and sell it. maybe 1 of 5 or 10 who came in to learn about flying because they arent entirely sure if they want a license actually end up doing it. But the art is really in selling it to them on the intro flight. Dont make it complicated, show them how "easy" and "rewarding" your "investment in flight training is". <- useful words to use on a would be pilot.
Took me 4 months to fly about 10-20 hours a week with regular clients, some weeks pushed 30 but you know that wisconsin weather.... But some other CFI's had a full schedule right away. Its part luck part skill. I was there during the bad economic times of the past 5 years or so. So i had less than average hours, but still pulled in 350 in 6 months working part time.
If you can find a pilot mill that is 141 id say go for it if you want to be done as soon as physically possible, but the quality at Wisc Av will be higher, and if you get a CFI that can work with you every day for 4-8 hours it will be just as fast.
Most those mills are in the South, South west and West coasts. A few out east and one in chicago. But like I said, ATP isnt 141 as far as i know, but I could be wrong.

 

Hey all, sorry I've been away. Family crisis. Basically I hear what is being said, and to clarify a few things: I am divorced with no kids, so no family to support. I'm going this path alone, since most my family and friends think flying is a dream. I will be paying for flying as I go, probably 2-3yrs to obtain through CFI. And yes, the idea of taking 2-4 years to reach that 1500TT mark instructing makes my time period total ~4 on the quick, yet unlikely end, or ~7 on the "reality" pace. So yes, I wonder about interviewing and starting with a regional just before 40.

On a side note, I've been considering finishing up my engineering degree as an alternative career, as I enjoy that as well. I know, having been here reading for a few years now, that a common theme is "work a good-paying day job and fly your own plane on the weekend." I'm not opposed to that, and even found a thread on here titled "Pilot or Engineer?" I just fear that one day I will wake up in my mid-40s wondering if I should have given an aviation career a shot. But I am reminded of the quote "fear is the greatest incapacitator," so, as said above, I'm trying to make a decision quickly that will affect the next decade of my life. *phew* I appreciate all of your thoughts and advice, really!

 

I couldn't tell you to go or not to go without knowing more, but I can tell you this: If you can get to the end of your life without the regret of not flying then run as fast as you can the other way. On the other hand, if you will regret not pursuing it, always wondering what if, then GET MOVING! I'm mid-40's about to start the CFI thing, total career change, but excited about the future because I'm chasing a dream I've had most of my life. People can say what they want to about not being able to get to the majors, etc... but I believe in a God that can open doors that leave most people saying "impossible." I guess the question you need to ask is "How big is my dream?" (if it is your dream) If the dream is big enough, the facts don't count!

 

Everyone seems to focus on the airlines...there are a lot of sweet federal gigs. Customs, DEA, sheriff, etc. Another gig is direct entry National Guard, but you have to be through upt before 30. Also know people who have gone to other countries, Emirates, China...

 

Im 29 and in the same position as you..... I'll race you to the regionals.