Best CFI jobs to build hours quickly
#11
Line Holder
Joined APC: Sep 2015
Posts: 35
Both of these are probably solid choices.
You'll hear mixed reviews on Transpac -- keep in mind you'll be "salaried" there, which was probably a solid deal in 2008-2012, but nowadays with all the CFI demand, no way. Why do that when you can get all the hours you want elsewhere?
I hear good things about CAE -- pay and otherwise.
Don't forget about UND - Mesa/Phoenix. Pretty good benefits/pay once you get additional ratings (which they will pay for, with conditions). Safe operation, lots of hours. Chinese contracts.
You'll hear mixed reviews on Transpac -- keep in mind you'll be "salaried" there, which was probably a solid deal in 2008-2012, but nowadays with all the CFI demand, no way. Why do that when you can get all the hours you want elsewhere?
I hear good things about CAE -- pay and otherwise.
Don't forget about UND - Mesa/Phoenix. Pretty good benefits/pay once you get additional ratings (which they will pay for, with conditions). Safe operation, lots of hours. Chinese contracts.
There is a contract and that is just starting pay. You'll increase your pay rate if you have your MEI, every 500 of dual given and every 6 months of employment among other things. Bonuses are also given for first time passes and having students complete the curriculum within the allotted time. We've also had a competition between instructors the last three months with the CFI who has flown the most hours in each month receiving a $1,000 bonus and the overall winner an additional $1,000.
Don't underestimate the salaried gigs (I think both have paid vacation and sick time), contrary to popular belief we actually do get weather sometimes out in Phoenix in addition to some other things that might prevent you from flying. It's nice knowing you're going to get paid even if you decide not to fly due to weather, personal or other concerns. Being salaried doesn't really have an effect on how many hours you can fly; I still flew in excess of 100hrs several months out here. In fact, I would make the argument that having a contest centered around flying the highest number of hours for a financial reward is at best a little irresponsible for a flight school and maybe even borderline dangerous... my 2 cents.
Last edited by atpcfi; 12-09-2016 at 07:47 AM. Reason: add quotes
#12
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2014
Posts: 280
Here's where I work. Salary at $43,000 for starting CFII (depends which location you're at, though). Also $1500 - $3000 hire bonus (depending on if you take the 3 months free housing or not).
They'll pay for your CFII upgrade if you don't have it (you gotta pay for the checkride costs).
Employment | Careers at IASCO Flight Training, Inc.
Was shooting for 100 hours this month, but this week has been cruddy for flying (Low IFR/freezing levels, and our ILS is inop). Probably get closer to 80 hours, like last month.
Assistant Chief position currently open in the Washington location at $60k I think, though if hour building is what you want, I imagine you don't have the experience.
They'll pay for your CFII upgrade if you don't have it (you gotta pay for the checkride costs).
Employment | Careers at IASCO Flight Training, Inc.
Was shooting for 100 hours this month, but this week has been cruddy for flying (Low IFR/freezing levels, and our ILS is inop). Probably get closer to 80 hours, like last month.
Assistant Chief position currently open in the Washington location at $60k I think, though if hour building is what you want, I imagine you don't have the experience.
#13
New Hire
Joined APC: Jun 2016
Posts: 8
Don't underestimate the salaried gigs (I think both have paid vacation and sick time), contrary to popular belief we actually do get weather sometimes out in Phoenix in addition to some other things that might prevent you from flying. It's nice knowing you're going to get paid even if you decide not to fly due to weather, personal or other concerns. Being salaried doesn't really have an effect on how many hours you can fly; I still flew in excess of 100hrs several months out here. In fact, I would make the argument that having a contest centered around flying the highest number of hours for a financial reward is at best a little irresponsible for a flight school and maybe even borderline dangerous... my 2 cents.
#14
On Reserve
Joined APC: Aug 2016
Posts: 15
You get scheduled by a scheduling department. Steer clear of the salaried positions. Benefits? Paid vacation time? Who cares..you're there for 1-1.5 years to get your time and get out. Yeah salary sounds great until you factor in taxes and the fact that they are going to work you like a dog. It's a business for them just as much as it is for you, so don't think you're going to come out on top of that deal in the end. Go somewhere where you decide your hours, income, and has good maintenance. Being forced to sit in a sim at 3am not building flight time making a "salary" because the scheduling department told you to isn't something you want to be doing to get your 1500. Do some research, good schools are out there.
#15
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2014
Posts: 280
You get scheduled by a scheduling department. Steer clear of the salaried positions. Benefits? Paid vacation time? Who cares..you're there for 1-1.5 years to get your time and get out. Yeah salary sounds great until you factor in taxes and the fact that they are going to work you like a dog. It's a business for them just as much as it is for you, so don't think you're going to come out on top of that deal in the end. Go somewhere where you decide your hours, income, and has good maintenance. Being forced to sit in a sim at 3am not building flight time making a "salary" because the scheduling department told you to isn't something you want to be doing to get your 1500. Do some research, good schools are out there.
There are certainly benefits to an hourly job. If you're willing to work more than 8 hours, 5 days a week, and the hourly rate is good enough, you can make more than a salaried position...though the hourly rate is important. Weather also plays a huge factor. Salaried, rain or snow, you're getting paid. Hourly, you might go a month with half the hours that you usually get (depending on location of course!)
I know that at my previous hourly instruction job, there is no way that I would have made as much as I'm making now salaried, and I was working 6 days a week there. Now I work 5, make more, and generally get more hours too. I also have the opportunity to work longer/extra, if I so desire, in order to build hours faster.
#16
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2014
Posts: 280
Instructors here generally have 4 students. I have 5, since we're taking in a lot of students right now, but not everyone has 5. If you have 4, you generally fly with each student every day. If you need to do a cross country, depending on its length, you of course might have fewer students that day.
Generally, my work days fit into a 8.5 hour period (thats including the 0.5 hour break. If you take that out, its an 8 hour day).
Happy to answer any questions you might have. I've worked at both hourly and salaried locations.
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foothillspilot
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07-21-2010 08:00 PM