Independent CFI?

[Vik]

What is required to become an independent CFI?

I was just alerted to the fact that the school I am working on my CFI at is probably not going to hire anymore instructors for awhile. Normally, I've seen instructors get their CFI rating and then get a job but not a single instructor has left for the regionals in over a year. We've had CFIs leave but to get other jobs to make ends meet.

So I'd like to know what it takes to become an independent CFI. I remember reading about insurance being expensive. How much is it actually? I've never had anyone quote me a figure.

Can you take students to any school you are checked out at and use their planes?

How does it work?

I don't plan to CFI full time. I have a well pay job right now working 7am-11am daily. I don't plan to give that up.

I've cruched the numbers and buying an airplane doesn't seem like the best idea.

I won't have my CFI ticket for another 2-3 months but it doesn't hurt to start looking ahead. I've already started contacting some other schools where I know people to get head start on finding a job.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[phishn@daves]

You should have started your post with " CFI Bar" it would have gotten more responses!

 

[avbug]

I do some independent instruction right now on a limited basis. You can do it, but you need to be even more agressive in finding and keeping students.

I take very few students; usually only one at a time, and I am careful who I fly with. That isn't possible if you're doing it as your primary source of income, however. You need to do a volume trade.

Most employed instructors see independants as a threat. You need to be aware of that as you start looking for work. Many schools won't allow you to instruct in their aircraft, unless you are an employee. This is very different from the way it used to be, when many instructors were independant.

I tried doing that with several local FBO's and schools, as a form of supplementary work. Not one bite. I was welcome to bring them students, but only their instructors could teach them. I began looking origionally because I needed a complex airplane to finish up an instrument student who wanted to go on to the CFI. Not a single airplane available.

Since that time, I've been offered an opportunity to independently instruct with one local school, and to have my name put on one of their cards. Frankly, I was rather surprised that this was so problematic...it certainly didn't used to be that way. I instruct primarily for the enjoyment, rather than the income, so it's not such a big deal for me. I've always thought that picking up extra work instructing wouldn't be a problem, and in times past, it wasn't. Right now, it's a different matter (which I'm sure will vary depending on location).

There's plenty of flight instruction locally; four colleges here have flight programs. It's just very tied up, and if you're not employed by one of the outfits doing the training, you're out of luck.

I'd suggest picking up a copy of Greg Brown's The Savvy Flight Instructor, now. You'll get a lot of good information there.

 

[Vik]

Thanks for the response avbug.

CFIing will not be my primary income. I've got a 7am-11am job that pays very well. It'll pay the bills and then some.

What I am worried about with being independent is liability. Do I need insurance and how much does it cost?

Thats my main concern.

I think I can find the students once I work out the airplane and insurance issues.

 

[typhoonpilot]

Vik:


The best way to do independent instructing is to join a flight club. Most major metropolitan areas have a club that is separate from any FBOs. The club can consist of anywhere from one to twenty plus aircraft. Once checked out in the club aircraft by the club instructor(s) you can teach whomever you want. I did this in both Santa Barbara and the San Francisco Bay area in the mid to late 1980s.

Good Luck,


Typhoonpilot

 

[mike]

Vic,

I agree with the flying club idea. Check the clubs in your area and offer your services. The more ratings you have (CFII, MEI) the better.

I would also approach your flight school. Offer to bring in new clients. I started by sending an introductory letter to all pilots in a 50 mile radius of my home airport. I offered my services and billed them directly. another idea is to get your advanced ground instructor - instrument. Teach an instrument ground school at night for a modest sum and let the students fly with instructors at your school.

Yes, you do have liability. Your goal is to have the school view you as a self-starter. A job will follow. Good luck.

Mike.

 

[Mickey]

Insurance runs around $900/year. You should also check with the city, state and county to see if you need a business license. Getting your first student is the hardest, after that it will start to snowball. Good luck.