Best CFI Gigs??
 

What are the best CFI gigs out there for a young pilot looking to go to the majors, via the regionals but needing to build hours?

I'm of the opinion that this is the best route to the majors for a non-military pilot. I'm sure many will disagree but, for those who do agree, which are the best flight schools to work for? And why?

Many thanks!

When I was going to CFI, I was kind of set on going to Falcon Aviation Academy in Atlanta...... If i recall. you get around 100 hours+ a month, teaching every day, king air time, discounted time in their planes each month or something of the sort.... Its been 14 months since i was told that.


Ive had friends go to American flyers in texas(my old CFI went there)


All i can really think of off the top of my head.

Find a flight school that has lots of Instrument students and a timely path to ME instruction as those two will teach you the most.
You’ll need a fair share of Private students to get your XC time up.
Believe it or not there are schools out there where all the ME time is hogged by the ‘old guy’ or by the guy that didn’t hack it at the Regionals.
It shouldn’t be your first question at an interview but towards the end I’d ask : ‘ what is your path to Multi engine instruction?’

this^

LOTS of flight schools will get their CFIs Their MEI etc etc.. so if a school doesnt offer a path or something of the sort to additional ratings.. I'd check elsewhere.

Ive got a buddy at Falcon. Not many hour for CFI's.

I lucked out pretty hard with my current gig. Within 3 months of being hired, they essentially covered my CFII and MEI and now at 5 months in, I have about 1/4 of my dual given in the twin already and that's about to ramp up.

Why is that? They have all those Chinese students and a lot of 'civilian' students. I've had CFIs tell me they get 80-100 hours a month there.

I'm curious too. I heard the same thing fairly recently from other CFIs. I also visited the Newnan campus and the average FH / month still seemed to be around there.

Good deal, that’s exactly what I meant.

Anybody have any info on these schools offering fully sponsored CFI/II/MEI for 1500 hours commitment?

I know Falcon Aviation Academy did a few months ago. The commitment was 1400 hours. Not sure if they're still doing it.

If you already have your CFI or get it through them, then there is this. They will help you get CFII and MEI.

https://www.flyfalcon.com/cfi/

Much appreciated thanks! I wonder how many hours instructors avg there in the winter months as compared to FL or AZ

Flight Safety Academy does it for a 2 year commitment, not 1500 hours. Its not worth it, and i advise anyone and everyone to stay away from that program.

Ive taught at one of the largest 141 aviation universities as well as a small 61 school. BY FAR best experiences were with the small part 61. i flew almost 150+ hours a month out of a class C airport and at times had to turn down work due to being so busy.

In my personal opinion I would stay away from pilot mills. I also preferred the freedom of part 61 over the 141 syllabus.

100+ hours per month
 

Many flight schools claim you can fly 100 hours a month or more, and many instructors do. The highest I've heard of is 130 hours. But, may I offer some words of caution to that practice...

At your regional airline of choice the most you can legally fly is 100 hours, and, you won't be able to do that every month either. This is due to part 117, which restricts your length of duty day and flight time limits. Most months you will be flying 80-85 hours. Not to mention those hours will be in a crewed airplane with much more use of automation and standard operating procedures than at your flight school.

Therefore, flight instructing for 80-85 hours likely contains much greater workload. Especially if most of that time is earned during short, local flights, in congested airspace, in summer heat and no air conditioning.

Can it be done legally and safely? Yes, but be careful. Learn your limits and stick to them.

Why so that? Was looking at them

It’s pretty much the same thing isn’t it?
750 hrs flight + 500 hrs ground gets your 1250 billable hours a year.
That’s about $35-$40k/year.

Keep in mind that as a flight instructor your average efficiency is only about 60%.
As in you’re at the school for 10 hrs and 6 billable hours which is about 4 flights a day.
Being there for 9 hrs and having three XC flights back to back is rare.

Yep. Last week I billed 43.5 hours and about 25 of that was from flight. Each day was a 6-9 hour day at the school. At peak efficiency, I would have three lessons back to back. A 10-15 minute brief, 1.5-2 hour flight, 10-15 minute debrief. I’m not getting paid during the preflight or tie down, but I am for all the other stuff. Some days I had 2-3 hours of ground instruction. Part of that 43.5 includes the 0.3 to 0.5 pre/post brief from each flight lesson. I am able to schedule my students each day and have total control over my schedule, and that was my lost efficient and productive week. There have been some very ineffecient days due to lessons ending quicker than expected (student was prepared for the ground so it was shorter, ending a flight for MX problem, delaying for weather) or having students on a checkride and wanting to be available. I also am fortunate to live about 5 minutes from the airport so I can go home during lulls if I want to. And even with all that, maybe high 60s or low 70s percent efficient.

CAE, Mesa Az.
 

CAE had a program where they would pay for your CFI, CFII with a 3 year agreement. I don't know if they still do that. I do know that we have plenty of students here and get paid a salary. Not by the flight hour. We fly 60 - 80 hours a month. PM me if you want more info. We also have relocation allowance and temp housing (30 days) while you search for a place.

CFI
 

Doss Aviation at KPUB pays $94k / yr for instructors for their USAFA flight training contract. Not a beginner job though

My buddy just left there. He was flying about 2 hrs a day CFI/CFII. Not many student's and they are hiring to many CFI's

Ouch, I feel like 3 years is too much based on today's industry! Will have to call and ask them if they still offer this tho. Thanks for the info!