Being a CFI builds both hours AND experience. It will get you your first few hundred hours where you'll be able to find another opportunity at even better experience. I do agree with Burke's premise that quality trumps quantity.

That depends entirely on the individual.

There are many colleges in Texas for Pilot training to provide aviation education for the Student who want to pursue the career in aviation. You should visit the aviation colleges nearby your location & ask for the review or experience from the students.

There are also MANY flight schools that are hurting for CFI's at this time. Lots of them are willing to 'sponsor' someone who has completed their pilot program. Most will require a contract that you stay on a certain amount of time, say a year or so. You can build several hundred hours in a year at busy flights schools. Just call one and ask them. They aren't exactly advertising this yet, but you can work a deal out.

1- Where does one look for those types of jobs?

2- How much do they typically pay?

3- What is the expected monthly amount of hours gained?

Jetcareers forum is a good place to start. Pay is dependent on company but generally enough to live cheaply on and that's it. WX is the big factor when it comes to hours. I've never flown less than 75 and usually average 120 per month.


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1. Jetcareers is the spot for these jobs. That's how I found mine, and it seems to be a trend with other guys I've talked to. Keep an eye on the "jobs available" subforum because, if there is an opening mid-season, it'll pop up there.

2. Pay varies by vendor in amount and model. I'd recommend going with a vendor that treats you as a W-2 employee, preferably salaried, rather than as a 1099 contractor (tax reasons, etc.). As an example, my vendor pays a daily salary, non-taxable per diem, Foreflight pay (works out to covering the cost+), and opportunities to get incentive pay for flying hours. On top of that, I get paid single occupancy hotel and shared rental car. On an annualized basis, I'd say one might make around $30k when it's all said and done. If you're a single guy who isn't paying for an apartment, etc., it's a good package.

3. Like another guy said, hours vary largely based on weather. I've had as low as a 60 hour month, and as high as a 140 hour month. I'd say, on average, expect 100 hour months. You've got a set daily window, and if the weather holds, you hustle hard, the hours are there for the taking. Expect to be all over the country, btw.

How many hours could a CFI expect at US Aviation Academy? Also, I'm willing to relocate anywhere in the US, what are some other flight schools that are great to work at? I'm looking to build over a 100 hours a month.

The fastest way? Trying instructing at a busy international school in AZ, TX, CA, or FL and rent a cheap 172 or equivalent on your days off

Is it all flying at 1500 AGL and in absolute straight lines within 1 degree? :confused: