Bingo! ....

CFI's
 

I work at a flight school in Chicago and we are losing CFI's left and right. We had 7 on staff when I was hired this past October. We had one get hired by Eagle, one at Comair, and two at Mesa. Another just got hired two days ago at SKW. Because of the lack of instructors our school will be closing soon:( I think this is a continuing trend nation wide. During my search for another CFI job I looked at ATP in chicago, they said they are losing instructors there about once every 2-4 months from the time they start untill they go to the regionals.

As for AWAC, I grew up in ATW and worked line service there all through H.S. and summers home from college. I'd love to work for them but I dont know if it would be worth the commute to the east coast or if would even be possible. I know there are alot of senior AWAC guys that are still living here in the midwest...any insight into that type of commute?

I wouldn't try it. I've flown with too many CA's that still commute from ATW. Most go to PHL, some are starting to come to DCA, and it might be a 3 legger to ORF. I'm not saying its impossible, but I wouldn't do it. Think long and hard about QOL with that commute.

There were some posts a bit ago about pilots at AWAC not flying very much on reserve. Is it looking any differently now? How much are the reserve guys/gals flying in PHL and DCA? I know some people said here that the overstaffing problems have been basically solved, and I just wanted to see what it would be like for a reservist there in the current environment. When I start working at a regional, I'd rather be working 75 hours and getting paid for it than working 25 hours and getting paid for 75....at this point in my career I need time, and money the more money the better, but its still a side benefit in my eyes.

RSV pilots are starting to get used more. There is definitely some activity now after a year or so of stagnation.

As for the ATW commute, it ain't easy. I also grew up there and get back at least every couple of months. I like it there and could easily imagine living there if not for the commute. But the 50-seaters on the United routes are very often full and if you are on the jumpseat there is a ballast problem. Skyway out of ATW is on the often weight-restricted Dornier jet. Same problem with the SAAB 340 of Mesaba. I have been bumped off of both of these airplanes because of weight issues. Many simply drive to MKE and commute to PHL or CLT on us.

ORD-PHL or ORD-DCA are pretty easy commutes.

ATW-PHL or ATW-DCA are not easy, but doable and if things go well actually not bad via ORD. But it can be dicey.

Your saying that money is a side benefit.....what the he!! is wrong with you. That statement sums up why this career will always be in the sh!tter.

You disgust me.

FO

Hopefully some of you guys on reserve in philly will get my flying this month. Im out! A 2000 mile commute for two years is enough for me! Oh...and if you do get my flying this month...I really hope you enjoy LGA and BUF.

Congrats on making a move - where ya going?

I like LGA... so what if they don't have their stuff together all the time, and its wayyy overcrowded... we're getting paid. I don't mind sitting in like for 30 mins to takeoff. And the NY attitude... its fun to mess around with... not to mention, one of the best airports to fly in/out of as far as scenery!

Buffalo on the other hand..... nothing good to say :)

I agree with 4everFO---what a jacka$$ you are man. I bet you'd rather fly 90 people around for 50 seat pay too...because a bigger jet will look better in your logbook, right?

Last month I worked about 50 hrs and got paid for 93.... but that extra $$$ is just a side benefit I guess... I love flying so much.... I should give all 93 hrs back to the company (sarcasm)