You know, if a CFI wants to help someone (read: 1 person, not anyone) save some money by not charging, that's fine to me. But don't advertise it!!!

When I was getting my private in high school, I didn't have much money and I only worked a part time job so everything I made went towards flying. My instructor was kind enough to not charge me for my flight hours (I still paid for the plane) so that I could afford to fly. He realized that by forgoing a couple hundreds bucks, he was offering the chance for me to achieve my dream. He didn't need the money anyway. I have since payed it forward and have been training a close friend for his private, and no, I'm not charging him. I feel satisfaction in knowing I can provide the same opportunity that was given to me. As far as I'm concerned, doing this for 1 person is not an issue.

Just my .00000012 cents.

Aviation jobs are some of the only jobs that isn't done only by people looking to make money, it's also done by people who do it as "recreation"...

Please keep your recreation out of my profession.

I did send the instructor a email him about my issues with him posting an ad for free instruction. For some reason I have not heard back from him. I guess he probably disagreed with me. I am new to this forum stuff and was just wondering what you all thought and am glad to see your opinions.

I agree that supply and demand is a major factor. I am an optimist and believe that things will get better, yet I also believe we are going to have to be proactive as a whole for things to improve. The status quo does not look like the path we should be taking. I am just wondering what we can do to fix it. You make great points and educating the people coming into the field makes perfect sense. It would be nice if companies like AOPA would stand up and implement what you have suggested.

"companies like AOPA would stand up and implement what you have suggested."

AOPA, the outfit that owns "flight training" magazine? The place with the ATP flight academy and Gulfstream ads that promise a super career if you just write the check? Sorry, I canceled my AOPA subscription a while back. Still getting the junk mail, but I can't really blame them.

Agreed. Doing a buddy a favor is one thing, but saying that you don't charge for your time is another. I'd be very suspicious of getting into an airplane with somebody whose time is worthless.

Where was this post at? I've seen them on craigslist a lot.

Free Instruction
 

I have been helping out a kid at my church who's dad was locked up. Kid wants to be an Air Force pilot or a missionary pilot. He only pays for gas in the 150. My wife and my daughter get the instruction, plane and gas for free. Everyone else pays!

Here is the link
ksl.com - Classifieds for Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming

Exactly why this is a senseless argument. The "it's not a problem if I do it" rational is repeated thousands of times, and as a result, we have the pilot glut. Worse still, these folks don't see how this is a problem. Market forces work folks. Want to be paid well? Do something that is in demand.
:(
Z