Hello guys/gals. This is my first post here and wanted to start off by saying hello.
A bit about my situation, I am a commercial helicopter pilot working on my CFI and CFII in helicopter and will be finished up by this fall. My training is covered by the GI bill for handing my ass over to uncle sam for 6 years. After my helicopter training, I will have enough benis left to get dual rated through CFII and maybe even MEI if I really hit it hard.
So the hard part is, deciding if I put my efforts into getting hired as a heli CFI at the end of the semester or would it make more sense to continue my training with airplanes. I do want to fly airplanes as well and I have a feeling that if I get into the industry right now, I will never go back and get the airplane ratings.
As for jobs, as we all know its a craps shoot. My helicopter school is one of the busiest and there are jobs for the right guy. Also, the airplane school that I would go to (unfortunately not the same Co.) is busy and also have jobs for the right guy. Pay is the same, with less instructors at the airplane school (more students and more flight hours) but that can always change.
I know it may sound cheesy, but one of the motivating factors to fly airplanes is to be the CFI that gets my dad current. He is a commercial pilot but has not been current for years. It would be pretty neat to be able to do that with/for him.
I am not the guy who thinks helicopters are better or airplanes are better. I am the guy who loves aviation, and am excited to see where I can get in this industry with zero expectations. I don't WANT to be the airline pilot, I dont want to fly the Erickson Sky Crane... I DO WANT to be the old guy one day with the greatest stories... If you know what i mean. I've got a super supportive wife who loves what I do and is always behind me. We live simple and are always taken care of. I did not chose to fly for money. I do real estate for that. I chose this career because I want to be happy. I really dont want to hear from the guys with their negativity. I go to school with enough of them.
I would love to hear some feedback on if it would be worth it all things considered. Bottom line is the training is free to me, im not hurting financially by being in school etc. Thanks so much in advance and I look forward to hearing from you guys.
Best,
Bob