I use the Sporty's Courses. They include a syllabus, as well as a complete ground course. I do not do stage checks for 2 reasons. One, I train part 61 and it is not required. Second, I am the only instructor there, so I don't have anyone to do a stage check.

 

There are even some people who are happy with prison life. I can't help it if someone is on a self destructive path.

Often the best vantage is from a distance.

If your goal is to be an airline pilot then your time as a CFI is near valueless, unless of course you are instructing in modern transport category aircraft.

I remember not to long ago companies wouldn't accept time as a CFI towards the minimums.


SkyHigh

 

"If your goal is to be an airline pilot then your time as a CFI is near valueless"

LOL. I think you post this stuff and then sit back and laugh.

People. Don't take Skyhigh seriously.

"I remember not to long ago companies wouldn't accept time as a CFI towards the minimums"

Source? I've been flying since 78 and I never heard that one before. Now I think you're making stuff up as you go along.

 

Yeah, gotta throw the BS flag on this.

 

Gee.... wonder how I got a job then? Better call my airline and let them know my time is "valueless" and they should really re-think their decision to hire me!

 

Can you get the same or even better flight experience w/o being a CFI, yep. Normally, to do that however, you have to be really lucky, if you fall into some 135 type stuff or business style twin flying, then you're probably set, and will gain some very practical real world weather conditions, along with great instrument skills.

Truth though, is that most people aren't overly lucky, and as a result, they have to go get a job somewhere to gain this experience. CFI'ing is probably the most direct way to do this.

I say, CFI, enjoy it, and take your pick of what company you want to go work for. That'll keep you from getting stuck at a company that you won't be happy with.

 

Guys, there are individuals that do not want to go fast or have "Been There, Done That" and like seeing someone else get that high we first got. I have lost four flying positions due to restructuring or bankruptcies. After the last extended furlough, I went to cube land. I am now back in the chase for a seat in the pointy end. Why do I do it? Because it is a passion!

Some guys thankfully like to share that same passion. Also, it is part of being a professional. Giving back to your craft, by mentoring or teaching makes you better!

 

Just a question not insinuating anything or taking sides!

What is the difference between a 500hour cfi, and a 1000hour cfi?(besides the hour difference) and how can all those single engine hours and part 91, 141 rules and reg's help me at a air carrier operating under 121?

Like I said, just a question still a student!

 

Kinda off the topic but I think this ties into the conversation.

I went to a smaller 141 college where the whole mentality was to do an internship with XYZ airlines, buy your 100 multi and when you get 500 TT your out the door to the airline (AKA SJS). Almost to the point of feeling entitled to a job when they get 500/100. I didn’t buy into the whole do an internship for a semester and work full time for a company (for free) just to get lowered minimums. Go out there and get a job to build up your time, then go get some good experience flying freight or whatever you want to do. When I voiced my opinion about wanting to work at a place like airnet, everyone thought I was crazy. OMG, single-pilot IFR, are you crazy, you won’t get to fly a nice, new jet!!!! But all they hear are stories of people who never had jobs like that, just went straight from instructing to the regionals. They talk about how dangerous it is and my favorite quote, don't they fly props! All from people who have absolutely zero experience with that type of flying. But, if that’s what they want then I am more than happy for then, I'm just one of those people who don't need to fly a jet to be happy, especially at the pay rates of some of those places!

I would be interested in hearing some of routes guys took back in the 90's as far as how many hours they instructed before they moved onto their next job. How many hours did it take to find a job in 135/121 back then?

 

Those who can do the rest flight instruct.

Flight instructing does nothing to prepare the instructor for a life as a transport category airline or jet charter pilot other than giving him something to write in his log book. In both the civilian and military world the instructor is the bottom rung of the pilot ladder. Instructors move on as soon as possible dropping their certifications as fast as they can.

As a flight instructor little can be gained from working with a pool of similarly low time instructors/pilots and students. True advances in knowledge and experience come from situations that offer more experienced peers and leadership.

Flight instructors become experts at part 16 and 91. Both of which have little value to the airlines or charter applications. They will have to relearn entirely new parts of the regulations, rules that often contradict what they so painstakingly learned prior.

Flight instructors sit idle helping students to develop skills during basic maneuvers while their own skills fade.

If offered a choice one should jump at an opportunity to go strait to an airline situation and will loose nothing by skipping the CFI scene altogether. If one really likes instructing and gets a personal ego boost by soaking up hero worship from neophytes then perhaps they should stay as an instructor. The evidence however is in, real pilots dump instructing as soon as possible or work diligently to skip the entire experience. Regional airlines hire a large amount CFI's because that is what is being offered. I guarantee however, that if two pilot of equal flight time and education were sitting in the interview room together, the one with real experience will get hired first.

Pilots fly, instructors teach. If your real desire is to get out there and fly then you will find a way.

Skyhigh