Right now I’m AD Air Force (non-flying) and also have my CFI, with which I currently teach part time at a local flight school. Considering separating from AD in the next 6-9 months, and noticed that the IFS program run by Doss out in Colorado is hiring instructors. As a mil guy, the mission here sounds pretty interesting, and a good way to build to 1500 hours, especially since I was likely going to CFI anyway.

Does anyone here have any experience with this program? Looking especially for what the pay is, but also what typical day looks like? I saw a post from way back in 2006 that it was $24 per duty hour, but curious if that’s changed. I should meet their mins before separating and currently teach in an aircraft very similar to the DA-20.

As former AD, Im sure you'll have a leg up. My time there (11 yrs ago) is it is UPT style and you'll work a full 12 hr day. 2 sometimes 3 sorties per day. You'll build time for sure, all single piston though. Not sure of pay or overall QOL, but you definitely don't want to live in Pueblo. Driving up from the Springs is worth it. Good luck!

Been a few years (2014) and my memory is foggy. Seem to recall it was 75k a year starting. Mon-Fri job, 12 sorties a week. Pretty good money for CFI work, not an easy job. Lot of folks drown down from COS each day, were many carpool options.

Good luck

Appreciate the responses! Were both of you instructors? What is it that makes the job so tough? Long hours, or the added ground duties like briefing/debriefing and classroom teaching?

Also I've driven through Pueblo once, and the interstate side of town certainly was not that great looking. Didn't know though if there might be some nicer areas on the western side of the town.

I was stationed at AF Academy. Knew a lot of IFS folks and was considering doing it for a spell in the transition from active duty to figuring out the rest of my life.

It seemed like a fun job that I'd enjoy for a while. To me it was not a career, and a career was what I was looking for.

I knew folks that loved it and planned on staying forever. The "gripes" revolved around the commute from the Springs, and the week in week out unchanging grind of the flying. Didn't know anyone truly unhappy with the gig, it just got old.

If flying 2-3 times a day with pre solo students sounds like something you'd enjoy, it's probably a good job for you.

Almost any sort of flight instruction is going to be a lot more work than almost any airline job. Especially primary instruction.

Also while some folks appreciate the dynamic nature of the job, the fact is that while it's not boring it WILL get monotonous eventually. Once you've seen and done it all a few times, there just isn't much in the way of new stuff to look forward to.

I absolutely enjoyed my CFI years, and am absolutely glad they lasted just about long enough but not a day longer.