RJtrashPilot

I'm not going to start an argument, but I never said my ultimate goal was to fly a CRJ. I ultimately would like a mainline job somewhere along the line. Not too sure how you guys deduced from my statement that my goal was a CRJ. I was merely standing up for an aspiring airline pilot that was being hounded by someone with egomania. Relax! Besides, I think my username says it all.

Nightsky

I instructed for 3 years to get the time needed to move on, back in the day. At 500 hours, I was barely getting comfortable as a CFI, let alone thinking of moving on. But - I realize times change, and this industry is all about timing (and who you know). So, just hang in there, realize the industry is in shambles for now, and most likely will be for a long while. Remember that many of those ahead of you had to instruct for a long time to get a shot at a turboprop or cargo!

PS - I know folks kid about the 'truck driving school' number, but those guys are getting hammered by fuel as much airlines. If one is truly looking for a backup career, making sure it's not in the transportation sector would be a smart move.

stp84

why do these threads always turn into these absurd debates. people can think for themselves when it comes to the point where they have enough time to fly for a regional. apparently thats a new concept to many people on these forums.

Wildflyin

Actually I want to fly an ultralight with a handhold underneath for one passenger and roller skates so they can travel down the runway. Air Wildflyin! Delivering People to their Destinations 400 Feet at a Time!

N261ND

Its going to be hard to save off of 16K a year.

johnpeace

Why would anyone flight instruct for $16K/year?

In today's market that's easily a $40K/yr job.

patton33

Random question but where do you get 40k+ as an instructor?

rickair7777

Freelance instructors easily make that and more...I have several former students who never left the instructor ranks because they didn't want to take a 70% pay cut to regional FO.

In some markets you will need to be a self-starter and drum up your business at first.

Freelancers who specialize in something other than ASEL PPL can command higher fees. (MEI, certain TAAs, CFII/GPS, etc)

Also I have seen numerous ads for CFI's offering $40k+ salary and benefits. Schools which teach asian students will probably not be affected by oil prices, since asia is drastically short of pilots.

Someone suggested fractionals or corporate...

Fractionals are not going to happen with your times, anybody you want to work for only hires experienced corporate, regional, or military pilots.

Corporate with your experience is a long shot, and depends on you knowing someone. Try to CFI at an airfield that has some corporate operations and network...you might luck into a right-seat job, although insurance is often a problem below 1000 hours.

johnpeace

I made $40K instructing during 2007 at a small pt 61 school in NE Georgia.

My experience didn't seem out of the ordinary as compared to other CFIs I spoke with at conferences and on the internet.

I think the first step is to become unwilling to work for $16K...from there, it's not that hard to get into a higher paying position.

seattlepilot

You know, this all post 2005 or so generation wants me to puke. When i started flying in 97 this was the regular path to the airlines:
1. CFI for two years or so to get to P135 mins
2. Go fly some sh!tty equipment at night, IFR, etc. etc.
3. Sign a training contract with XYZ commuter to fly J31s, B1900s, etc. for $14K/year
4. Get lucky and move to majors in 10 years from the day you started your training..

Thank god that the industry is going back to 'normal'..