I'm sure this question has been beatin' by now, but for my own sake, is there ANYONE out there where I could essentially sign an X time contract agreeing to work for ABC company if they get me all my certs and ratings? I thought there was place out there like that.


I'm working on my CPL, about 90% complete, I have my IFR as well. To our more salt into the wound, I just lost my job (2/11/2019) as a software developer and I really don't want to go back into the IT world. Ever. I've always wanted to be a pilot in some realm and want to make this time count.


Any tips, advice, or anything would be appreciated.


Thanks in advance,


- JLB -

Don’t do it. I firmly believe it is better to go into debt to get your ratings. This career is hurting for pilots, so don’t give up any options. Take out loans to finish the ratings. Get a job in Alaska with a wet commercial to build your time. Stay there, go to a regional, go corporate as you get your time. I have friends that are making 6 figures, three years after starting their first job. Be willing to move if necessary, work a few days extra here and there, and you should be able to pay off your loans rather quickly.

Dont complain.
Nobody said it was going to be easy and nobody said it was going to be fair.
Most of us have struggled, some more then others.
Buddy of mine worked as CFI 7am-1pm and line service 2-10pm
Mostly 6 days a week, often 7.
Get a job, any job.
Work line service, Uber, anything.
Do not ask for a handout.
Help will come at a time when you’ve earned it. You create opportunity not expect it.
Embrace the suck.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OJn_p9bJYXA

Some of us already have. Plus one lifetime, and in a few cases, more.

I'm sorry to hear about your job. Hopefully you have enough savings to finish your commercial and tide you over for a few months.

Until you hit 500 hours, there aren't many "guaranteed" jobs available at the moment. If you can get your CFI, I would go that route and instruct until you have at least 500 hours. There seems to be tons of people looking to hire CFI's right now. I'm currently working on my CFI certificate in my spare time (I work full time in a non-aviation career), and plan on quitting and becoming a CFI at some point in the future.

If you can't/don't want to get your CFI and/or instruct (it's not for everybody), and you have less than 500 hours, your options are pretty limited (aside from networking your way into a niche gig, but don't count on that). You can tow banners (kind of a flying circus, but looks fun), you can do aerial surveying (but even these jobs are getting competitive these days), you can fly sky divers (but most companies want 500 hour TT or 25 hours in a 182), or you can do aerial tour kind of stuff (like in the Grand Canyon or another touristy area). You may be able to get hired to fly right seat for a 135 operation, but these jobs seem to be getting more competitive, and the rules as to how/when you can log time from the right seat in a single pilot airplane are kind of if-fy. If you go this route, make sure you read up on what's loggable time.

You're really better off sucking it up and getting your CFI. There is no minimum flying time required for CFI. It is "to proficiency", so if you do it right, you can minimize your air time, and keep the costs. Also, passing on your first attempt will save you money as well.

[Banjo music]

The Devil went down to Georgia. He was lookin' for a soul to steal
He was in a bind cause he was way behind. He was willing to make a deal ....

The boy said, "My name's Johnny, and it might be a sin
But I'll take your bet, and you're gonna regret, 'cause I'm the best there's ever been."...

OP - keep debt to a minimum. If the pay of a CFI gig doesn’t pay the bills, get another job and fly your guts out on the side. I agree with the other sentiments that jobs become more available at or above 500hrs. Good luck!

My academy will offer the CFI (and CFII+MEI) if you sign a contract to instruct for (I think) 3 years.

We’ve all had to take jobs we didn’t want to do to get where we need to be.
It’s called ‘growing up’.
Suck it up buttercup.
We all have.....really.

Is that Falcon ? If not, whom?