Originally Posted by etflies

I'm talking about the night cargo and the Pt. 135 jobs, it is hard for a guy like me to be competitive right now against a guy on furlough from an airline.

I realize I sound like I'm whining, but I understand why things are the way they are right now. Please don't think that I believe I am above paying my dues in this industry, I know that is the standard and to expect to not have to would be downright dumb.

Originally Posted by etflies

Because as CFI's we aren't competitive against guys on furlough from the airlines. It's hard to make yourself seem like the better choice over a pilot with thousands of tprop or jet hours when you have thousands of piston and a few hundred light twin hours. I'm working 7 days a week and I'll be taking almost a 50% increase in pay going to a regional, the pay at my flight school is horrible.

Originally Posted by RichieAshburn

Hang on a minute...you're only talking active duty. Finding a Guard or Reserve slot is the best option and will not put you into a UAV nor will it be an 11 to 12 year commitment.

To the original poster: I'm a product of the mid 90's where the job market was similar. Then, PFT reared its ugly head. Seemed like I could not get a break. You missed the hiring spree of the last few years, but trust me, you will be a better, more complete pilot than those 250 hr wonders hired the last few years. I have more respect for you than those "pilot factory" instant pilots that walked into a job.

Since you actually have to work hard for a job, you'll respect the position more. You won't settle for crappy pay and work rules because you understand the value of the job, unfortunately you'll be mixed in with those wonder kids who had jobs handed to them. There were a hand full of 250 hour newbies that could handle a "shiny jet", but not many. You, on the other hand, will be well prepared from flight instructing and hopefully 135 experience. It may seem boring and repetitive now, but you are learning a lot, take full advantage.

If you have your degree, apply to as many guard and Reserve units as possible. If not, and finances permit, GET IT!!! Find a way, even if you don't have the money! My degree is from a state school and not in aviation, I'd recommend a similar path for you.

Hang in there, this is an industry with vicious cycles. The good times are very good, the bad times are VERY bad, and the time between these cycles is very short. In fact, there is usually no in between, history shows a lot of companies hire right up until they need to furlough.

Good luck! You'll make it, just have the patience and perseverance to ride out the bad times.

P.S. I just noticed your screen name. I take it that you're a WMU grad? if so disregard the "go get the degree advice" since it seems you have it. However I'll leave it in my post for others in your shoes who have yet to finish college.

Originally Posted by The Juice

Average 1st year pay will be aprox 1700/month for a 1st year regional at 75 hours at $22.75/ hour. Dont expect more than 75.

So I assume you only make 1100 a month as an instructor (50% increase statement), and being that you work 7 days a week, you make on average $35 a day as an instructor.

Care to rethink your opinion on the extra 50% you will make at a regional?

I am not trying to be mean, but don't be melodramatic. There is nothing more annoying, as a regional pilot, is reading about a CFI who cant wait to fly an RJ so he can make big money, while the regional pilot is barely getting by.

Some might think that the reason why the regional pilot suffers financially is because the CFI wants to fly the RJ to make the "big bucks."

Originally Posted by pause

I would HOPE the money isn't an issue cuz there isn't much anywhere in this industry. If you don't do it for the flying you're going to be severely disappointed. Good luck. I did my time instructing and flying freight. In fact I have been trying to get my freight job BACK but they, like everyone else are not hiring right now. My freight job was MUCH more enjoyable than this Regional crap. I would leave this job tomorrow for my old job.

Originally Posted by PILOTGUY

Patience is the key. I know that is what nobody here wants to hear. The retirements are going to start up gangbusters in 3 years time. Even if the majors (pax and cargo) do not hire until then, they will eat up anyone who wants to fly for them in a short amount of time. In 2008, there were roughly 1000 pilots in the US who were seeking a Commercial pilot rating, so we are heading for one of those pilot shortage situations.

Keep in mind that this industry is very cyclical. Make sure you have positioned yourself when the upswing starts again.

Originally Posted by LivinTheDream28

I agree 100%. An instructor friend of mine called me the other day to tell me he recently got hired by an airline that is taking flying from my airline and I might be furloughed because of it. He will be making $20 to fly the same routes that I fly at $40 an hour. He couldn't understand why I wasn't happy for him! Its really starting to p*ss me off how these cfis are willing to fly for nothing just to make it to the airlines. This same guy I know is being replaced as an instructor by another furloughed guy from my airline! I don't mean to be mean either but there are too many guys willing to fly for free just to become an airline pilot.