tomderekc

I am a new CFI with only about 350 hours. I am laid off from my job as a plumber and wish to pursue flying. I know it's not a good economy for either right now. I live in Atlanta but I will travel for work. I have even been looking in the mid-west.
I am looking for anything to help get my time to an acceptable level.
Thanks ahead of time.

cruiseclimb

The only thing I can think of with 350 hrs is banner towing. Just search it on the web and you will find some operators.

edznaz

Exactly when will economic conditions impact the need for a plumber? Dude, you could make serious cash in a stable position doing that, or you can choose to get raked over the coals in a dying industry. Find another shop and get back to work!

In answer to your question: IF you can fly 1000/hrs a year, it should only take you about 5 years to match the average pilot also on the street right now. Also, you will need 3-4 type ratings.

Really

flyguy37

One of our pilots just started his plumbing apprenticeship. He is in Texas I think but it is a more stable career than aviation

cruiseclimb

This was an add on another site.. sometimes these guys list these to try and get you in and charge for training before you get hired. It might be worth a call though. Also, go talk to your local skydive company.. they may need someone to fly a few runs during the week. Usually the weekends are flown by their higher time pilots...

BANNER TOW PILOTS: Sunny Myrtle Beach, SC. Fly and log 700-900 hours towing banners. Good pay. Call SC/(843) 272-5403

tomderekc

I am a commercial plumber, kind of the same as residential and a service but not really. Plus or really not I am a union plumber, try going to an open shop and telling them that before you get a job.

I just paid 40-50k to get a pilots license (CFI, MEI, CFII) and there was plenty of jobs when I started. (I know the same old story, I am not crying). This is what I want to do, starve or not, steep down to the lowest thing, I want to fly.

Recently I have driven over 1000 miles and 30 airports, 50 resumes. The law of averages must work some time, right? lol I have one interview with a company no one likes and I even try to talk companies into hiring me as a flight op intern. Oh well something will come around or the wife will kick me out.

I breed pits for a hobby and that has declined too. The market for anything is bad right now. dogs that were selling for 5-6k are in the 1-3k range right now.

Thanks for the input though.

Davenkourt

I would recommend finding a busy flight school and instructing until you build more time. Banner towing isn't considered as good time by many employers. Don't be willing to work for less than market value. The more guys are willing to work for peanuts, the worse our industry will continue to get.

AtlCSIP

Tom,

PM me. I will give you a phone number in Atlanta. It is very part-time, and no guarantee, but it might be worth a shot for you.

SkyStormer6

Why isn't banner towing considered good enough time and by what employers? Just curious since I towed for almost 1000 hours and just got a job flying a Navajo. Time is time, get your numbers up and look for the next gig. However, if you paid for all your CFIs might as well use em.

esa17

By "most carriers" most mean the airlines. There is a large sector of this industry that don't believe that flying anything else than a 737 is a noble profession.

The best thing to do is network. The law of averages doesn't mean squat in the current market. The only real thing you can do to find work is to make a good impression.