CFI with the downturn

[cessna_driver2]

Need some opinions.

With the down turn, is it even worth getting the CFI right now? Local FBO has a bung load of CFI'S right now?

I'm thinking it would be just another little fish in a very crowded pond.

 

[Vik]

Get the CFI unless you have something else to do to build hours.

You'll have to get the CFI at some point, so might as well do it now while the information is fresh in your mind (I'm assuming you just got your comm ticket).

Who knows? By the time you get it (assuming you aren't going to one of those weekend wham bam thank ya ma'am courses), things might change.

At least you will be prepared with it. You could also get your CFII and MEI while you are at it. When in a downturn, go for more education.

 

[BradG]

GET YOUR CFI! Then worry about how to get students. Trust me, you'll find some. BTW, you might finish up the commercial license first, and dont worry so much about the dam n steep spirals. Good luck on the Written this weekend.


Brad

 

[AZaviator]

I agree with the above. Unless you want your flying to come to a screeching hault, I'd go for all the CFI ratings. There are jobs out there if you're willing to move. Plus, it will be great experience, and I know many air carriers like applicants with CFI ratings and teaching experience.

Good Luck

 

[bobbysamd]

Get it!!!

The CFI is a real flying job, too, and the easiest to get. Even in extremely good times, I would have told people to become instuctors and not count on towing banners or patrolling pipelines. The reason being is that every 250-hours pilot and his brother/sister wants to fly airplanes and not instruct, so these companies have applicants coming out of their ears. So do schools, flying clubs and FBOs, but a CFI is a real credential with which you can provide services and go to work faster than without.

Get all three airplane instructor ratings. The MEI is an easy way to build the multi experience you need. Good luck with your training.

 

[MINIME]

Most definitely, GET IT!!!
Get all your instructor ratings..... if anything, for the sake of having something on your resume that most airlines do respect. Plus, if worse comes to worse try to freelance. There is always some rich person at local airports who wants additional instruction or just simply wants to have a proffesional along for the ride during those hardcore IFR days! You just have to be persistant and throw business cards around like if they were candy...

Best of luck

 

[cessna_driver2]

I plan on getting. I guess I was wondering if I should put off till next summer to fall to see what economy was going to do, or jump right into it.

Like I said, It's a very small pond with lots of fish right now.

 

[bobbysamd]

Get it now!!

Why wait? The sooner you get it the sooner you can begin knocking on doors asking people if they need a flight instructor - and the sooner you might go to work.

Good luck with your training now.

 

[TurboS7]

Get your CFI,II, and multi I. It will open up doors that you won't believe. Remember you can teach under Part 91 and on the side apart from a 141 school. You will be cheaper so in a poor economy you can actually do better.