Help getting over the hump.

[scubabri]

Hi,

Just thought I would post here and see if anyone had any leads. I'm no longer flying skydivers (long story) and I am working on my CFI but unfortunatly, there is little hope for a job after. I am currently located in South Florida, and very mobile, meaning I can go anywhere for a job.

I've got about 650 TT (and stuck) and about 30ME

Anyone got any leads on jobs anywhere in the US? I've tried all of the Dropzones for the most part in the US, the banner tow place down here wants 2500 bucks (for training) and of course, no promise of a job, and most of the flight schools are packed with instructors just sitting around.

So, I am just looking for suggestions because I've run out of ideas of places to look and most people don't seem to want to talk to me if I show up or call.

Also, if you are reading this, please keep your comments constructive, I don't want to hear "get a job at burger king" or the likes, if that's all you have to say, then don't say it, because I don't need to hear it.

Peace.

Brian

 

[BRA]

Well if you get that CFI, i know i see CFI jobs on climbto350.com every so often. THey have a free jobs board. You just can't see the jobs that were just posted unless you pay.

 

[scubabri]

I've been looking there, thanks, I was a member, but the number of jobs I'm qualified for couldn't justify the expense (every penny count's when you aren't working) and by the time I can see the jobs on the free side.. they are either filled or have 8 gazillion resumes.

Brian

 

[BRA]

Well something that looks good is you have commercial flying experience. I would think that you at 600tt look better then the fresh 300TT CFI. At that level an extra 300 hours means alot. 2100 hours vs 2400 hours isn't as big of a deal...everything else being equal. I think CFI work is the best to pursue, best chances to get something. Even may be if you started someplace answering phones. This of course is all easier said then done.

 

[52vincent]

I feel your pain Scubabri, I am in same boat with you, been looking for quite a while myself. I even flew out to So Cal to visit some FBO's and look at doing the cfi thind independently, there are some in the San Diego area, but a little slow. They are expecting things to pick up soon due to summer coming. Currently in CO. and it is dead. Please let me know if you hear anything as well.

Brian

Times are Tough.

btw: nice name

 

[scubabri]

actually, this wasn't the banner tow place up north, I know to stay away from them. This is the one in Hollywood, they look like a much better operation and I looked at the planes and they look ok.

But for one, I couldn't afford the 2500 training, and two, I'm of the opinion that either you hire someone with the experience, or you train them for the job. This whole paying for training thing just rubs me wrong, especially now when I don't have the cash to be paying it out.

Brian

 

[IfIHadABoat]

I have seen ads for banner tows where you pay 2000 for 25 hours of training in a super cub. But then over the summer season you can expect between 500-700 hours. Is this still a ripoff? Should you never pay for training even if you get that many hours in return?

 

[AZaviator]

I'm of the opinion that either you hire someone with the experience, or you train them for the job. This whole paying for training thing just rubs me wrong, especially now when I don't have the cash to be paying it out.

First of all you are 100% correct on what you said about the banner towing company. For a few thousand more dollars you could get a type rating somewhere!

I don't know of any specific places hiring CFIs, however, I do have a friend who just got his CFI/CFII, with about 275tt, and 0 hours of dual given. He faxed out about 75 resumes in a period of one week, and ended up getting 8 calls, and 4 interview offers, which eventually led to a job. The majority of the flight schools he applied with, he found on the internet and just sent a resume, not knowing if they were hiring or not. So, that might be something you should consider, since you are willing to relocate.

Best of luck to you!

 

[scubabri]

thanks for the info, it's hard to stick to pricipals when you have no cash (of course having no cash does make it a bit easier I suppose)

I'm working on my CFI, and I am gonna be able to work at the flight school I am at, unfortunatly, they have very few students.

I'm gonna do my best to drum up my own students, but since I know few people, that's gonna be tough. But I'll do my best.

B

 

[busdrver]

If I were in your position I would head to Alaska. Especially this time of the year. Or at least try to make some contacts up there.

Good luck.

 

[scubabri]

Yah, I was thinking about that. I did have a dialog with a flight school up there, but I don't have my CFI yet. I'm gonna finish it up and then see what I can do. Any recommendations on who to contact with my low time?

Brian

 

[busdrver]

Sorry. I can't give you any leads. Honestly, I have never worked up there. Always wanted to but never have. I just threw that suggestion out as another place to look.

There are people that have posted on this board that HAVE worked up there. Maybe one of those folks could chime in. You might even start another thread with "Alaska jobs" or something similiar in the subject header.

Wish I could be of more help. Very best of luck to you.

 

[PBRstreetgang]

Bri,
You answered your own question, thousands of pilots from the airlines are out of work, and more to come. The Burger King thing sucks, yeah!. How bout a job in construction, or another trade?
The industry is not going to get better any time in the near future. If you were to get a construction/trade job you could restore your fininancial position and be prepared to be employed as a newhire at a regional or freight gig. Starting this job(not career) in aviation with a high debt load is almost impossible. I know everyone says senority is everything but realize, if no one is hiring or you are not quite competitive, you will not get the senority anyway. Do yourself a favor and do your own research off of this board and you will see that you are competing with airline pilots who more than likely have done the job you are trying to get.
Oh yes, I am currently employed at SKYW 4+ years, Trans States 1+ years, A&P mechanic 11+ years, 135 Freight pilot 2+ years, 135 charter pilot 2+years, delivery pilot 2+ years. Some or all of these mentioned overlap. I have paid my dues and this is not my first career, I am 45 years old, and a realist. If you keep running into a brick wall all you will get is a bloody forehead.
Be smart and take care
PBR