El Pilot

I have my days where I read the Instructor handbook, with motivation to become a CFI. Then reality sinks in, and I question weather I can be a CFI. I have anxiety over public speaking and presentations. I don't mind studying all the knowledge required, but I know this will be a factor when it comes to doing ground. Is there any way around this? Could I get excused by the CFI to just practice in a private room 1 on 1? If I decide not to teach, can you still have a ok Piloting career? I don't have high standards, and would be happy making enough money to live well( 40-60k is fine) I really wouldn't mind doing like 135 frieght. How hard would it be for someone to build time without instructing and would I be limited to non Airline jobs? Thanks in advance.

Fly FDX

There is not that much public speaking involved, but you need to be able to relate to your student and verbally communicate one on one. Instructing would be a good start for a career in aviation. If you have a problem with that you might want to find another career field

El Pilot

Another career because I don't have good oral presentation skills? In high school I had several bad experiences, that is why I am in doubt.

USMCFLYR

Yes - it you can not adapt and overcome this perceived shortcoming.

You don't have to be an instructor to have a successful flying career.
You do need to be able to communicate effectively if you are to be a safe pilot.

El Pilot

I can communicate fine, I just freeze, and get very nervous doing it in front of a class for example. Chapter 4 in the Instructor Handbook talks about lectures, and it reminded me of my bad experience in HS.

usmc-sgt

Out of curiosity...

How do you do in high stress environments?

dogismycopilot

This career is about overcoming and adapting. Using all available resources and thinking outside the box is a necessity whether in the cockpit or navigating the ups and downs of this industry.

Have you asked yourself what it might take to overcome this phobia? Have you seen a counselor or a school advisor? Have you seen a psychologist? Have you taken a public speaking class? I can assure you that working on your CFI in a professional environment amongst fellow CFI candidates will be a positive experience. Constructive critique should be welcomed and expected, but you will also certainly find some support and comraderie as well.

RampFlyer

To the OP....

I am working on my CFI and discussing things is not my best attribute as well. I too was wanting to advance in flying without having to teach. However, after quite a few ground school lessons practicing teaching subjects to my instructor I began to realize that it's not so bad. With each "lesson" that I gave the more confident I became. As they say practice makes perfect. Don't sell yourself short, you never know you just might like it. I've had many friends (including my instructor) tell me how much of a better pilot it will make you...and how it improves you as a person as far as speaking to people goes. I can kind of see that now. Good luck to you.

JamesNoBrakes

No may not have to teach a classroom full of people, and there is no requirement to do so to get a CFI certificate. You only have to essentially be able to teach someone one-on-one. A certain curriculum may have you teach in a classroom setting, and that's just part of their curriculum.

On the other hand, if you aspire to be an ATP pilot, you do have to teach, it's one of the things that is expected/required in that role. Maybe not in a ground setting so much, but being able to teach and be involved is something you'll have to do throughout much of your flying career.

rcfd13

To answer your actual question: yes you can have a career without instructing but it takes a lot of networking. I have friends who have built hours banner towing, flying skydivers, crop dusting and doing aerial survey and then ended up at the airlines. CFI jobs are easier to get so most people go the CFI route.

I also want to say that what you're feeling about being a CFI is totally normal. I think I was more nervous during my first meeting with my first student than I was during my CFI checkride. Everyone has anxiety about it, and you're going to absolutely suck at ground discussion with your students at first. The best part about being a CFI is the fact that you learn so much from it. You start to become comfortable with the things that made you nervous before. You find your own flying weaknesses by realizing what areas you're bad at teaching. I am absolutely a better pilot today because of the fact that I was a CFI.

It's possible to have a good career without having your CFI, but it sounds like a person like you could seriously benefit from it. I think you should try it out. I've been at the airlines now for a while but being a CFI is by far the most rewarding job I've ever had. I still try to instruct on the side once in a while on my days off not so much for the money but because I actually enjoy doing it and it keeps my flying skills sharp.