Is there another way besides becoming a CFI?
 

I've heard a lot of people tell me that I need to become a CFI if I'm going to become an airline pilot. Do airlines disregard/look down on time that isn't instructing time? Banner towing, air patrol, crop dusting? Do airlines hate seeing this as flight time? What are the best time builders outside of a CFI?

Thanks

Check out aerial survey. The season typically runs October-May, and hiring happens before that, but there's a current opening posted on one of the other forums.

With all due respect, I would not consider aerial application (aka "crop dusting") as a time builder. Many, if not most, operators require a respectable amount of experience. Not a low time pilot job.

Have you considered Alaska?

Aerial application most definitely is not a time builder. It's a career, and it's a small industry with few openings; most of those that do occur are filled by experienced hands. Most insurances require a minimum of 1000 hours ag, and most ag pilots have considerably more.

Threads asking about ways to get out of flight instruction are rife on this site. The search engine is your friend.

Agreed.

Pretty much what I wanted to say, but you said it well :D

Are there ways besides becoming a flight instructor: Yes.
Can you become an airline pilot at a major without a degree: Yes.
Can I start off as an MEI instead of a CFI (single engine): Yes.

All things that are possible are not the best method - at least for most. You can avoid a degree and becoming a CFI and a million other hurdles but you may well spend more time and effort avoiding them than just doing it.

Yes I recommend Aerial Survey. Actually I think Survey is better than CFI. You are flying on your own and building lots of cross country and descion making experiences. CFI is a teaching job first, Pilot second. The catch? You have to be on the road for 7 months taking surveys.

+1 for aerial survey. Why not go for the CFI though? it really makes you become a better pilot. You pick up on things quickly and you'll learn a lot from your students.

I've flown with a number of FOs who started out in survey. They're sharp and they built time fast. +1


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