Actually, not necessarily. The multi crew environment can be challenging for the pilot with ingrained single pilot habits. Depending on how long they have flown single pilot IFR, the transition could be very difficult, especially considering they will be taking a position as a First Officer.

That Jet U stuff is despicable. That's why I generally tell up-and-comers to stay away from those big expensive pilot mills and go with a reputable local flight school. I did everything traditional part 61 and, comparing lots of notes, I'm so glad I did.

Have any former students from scams like Jet U had any success in legal actions?

That's low! Should be 50,000

I've been working as an independent CFI for the past 5yrs. I've busted my ass to build up a solid business and have steadily increased my rates as my experience and reputation grows. I'm on pace to have my best year so far and break 85k this year. I'm also thinking of buying a plane to lease out to students and add an extra $1000 a month or so to the bottom line which puts me past the 100K mark. I'm also managing a couple light aircraft and dabbling in brokering. My students want to purchase their own aircraft so why not make some money in the process? Let me know when you hit that mark at the regionals.

I'm not really sure what this thread is about. Obviously if your desire is to make it to a major airline it's not going to happen by flying G.A. aircraft. However, just because you are a CFI it doesn't mean you have to do pattern work in a 172 all day and make $15/hr. You have to treat it as a business and work for yourself. You also have to go where the money and weather is good.

That being said I too have been weighing going to the regionals to "fly a jet" but I can't walk away from the business I've worked so hard to build. Luckily I've recently got some SIC time in a biz jet to satisfy my craving and break the monotony. I think I could keep doing the instructing thing for a while if I could switch things up once in a while.

Unfortunately, I won't get 15 days off every month. I usually take every Sunday/monday off. Next week is the 4th so I plan on hanging out with my friends and having some beers. I'm working this Sunday to finish recurrent training for a student in his twin cessna. He's a semi famous tv actor and pays me a lot. Plus his plane has AC. I plan on taking the last week of July off for a little summer vacation and the best part is I don't need anyone's permission.

This conversation sounds just like the stay at a regional vs. go to mainline debate.

Sounds like youve done really well-congrats.
I wouldn't teach again for all the whiskey in Ireland.:eek:

Sorry I double posted

That's great! There are some instructors, such as yourself or Rod Machado, that do exceptionally well. But let's get real here, most CFIs aren't in your position. This thread is about the $35k/yr CFI that snubs their nose at regionals, totally neglecting the fact they would be ahead by year 2 or 3.

I started a fast track flight school program almost 6yrs ago. I don't know anyone who I went to school with that has made it past the regional FO payscale. I know several classmates who are now starting over at their 2nd or even 3rd regional airline at year one pay. Others have given up after working for colgan and pinnacle or stuck trying to figure out their next move.

So I'm thinking about these poor souls who've been bouncing around for 5yrs and now at a "good" regional like skywest or eagle and are several years away from an upgrade. Maybe things will pick up or maybe there will be more consolidation in the industry. It's such a crapshoot.

I don't think I'm anything special. I'm no rob machado, I don't even have a gold seal. I'm not a "master CFI" or up for any awards. I think I work hard and genuinely care about people. Most cfi's are just sitting there adding up their hours each today until they meet the minimums to work for ABC regional and get abused for the chance they might make it to a major airline.

My advice to the 35k a year CFI is there is another way to make a decent living. It requires hard work and dedication to make a name for yourself. You have to have a business mind and treat it as such. There's also more than just doing steep turns in a 172 all day.

Good luck and follow your dreams. And don't go in debt and be on the hook to sallie mae for the next 20yrs.