As an "older guy" who wishes to move into a professional pilot career, I came to the conclusion that becoming a CFI was best route. Unfortunately, as someone who still has a career, trying to teach part time, in NY and Chicago, hasn't really worked out the way I thought. Not enough hours or opportunities. As a PT CFI I get FR, sight seeing, check outs etc. and I understand why.

I've made a decision to retire (I'm 53) from my current career. I'm looking for any recommendations for quality flight schools where I can CFI full time. (I'm CFI only, no CFII, but with AGI) My goal is to find something in either FL or AZ/TX areas where I can fly and teach full time. Currently, I have just under 700 hours.

Anyone with any experience and recommendations would be really helpful.
Phoenix East in Daytona looks like they may have a program that fits right up my alley and will work with me on CFII and ME/MEI. Any thoughts on them?

Thanks,

If you already have your CFI, and sorta current, you have what you need to easily get hired full time. You will just have to get schooled up on how a flight school in question teaches.

Without skeletons in the closet, take some steps on faith. Once settled, line up an early interview’ start class once required hours are complete. You don’t have to be at a full time CFI job over a year.

If you need certain types of hours, instrument(real or simulated), multi, whatever, you can add them in your off time.

Find a school that fits your plan. If you train with them for CFI add-ons, they will likely require you to sign up for extended time. If the goal is regional then up the ladder, no need to spend an extra year CFI’ing. Not uncommon to have a pilot over 60 in a ‘new hire’ class.