Instructing at a major academy - hours

[N5139]

Hi guys -

I was wondering if those of you instructing at major academies would mind sharing what an average day entails. When does your day usually start and end? How many hours a week are you flying? Aside from the pay, do you find enough time to live a fairly normal life?

Let me clarify my last statement:

I currently work (non-aviation) three 12+ hour shifts during the week (9AM-930PM) and one seven hour shift on the weekend, leaving me with three hard non-consecutive days off. However, after working three twelve-hour days, three days off really turns into 1.5 (with all the stuff I missed out on while working). The pay is better than CFIing, but that shouldn't be a shocker.

I'm mostly interested in non-accelerated academies, as I've heard that ATPs will work you like a dog. I'm assuming that hard days off might be hard to come by, but do you at least have some time AFTER work to unwind? My current QOL isn't desireable, as I have no time after work and am not flying. I realize that most aviation schools aren't the greatest employers when it comes to QOL, but what do you think?

J.

 

[N5139]

Addendum

I should add that I'm 22 with no dependents and plan on going to grad school in the near future. I have no immediate desire to rack up time and fly professionally....YET. Currently at 500 hours and a C-ASMEL.

 

[wheelsup]

www.flightcareers.com

I worked 8-5 with an hour lunch. Decent $$ for a CFI - in just under 12 months I grossed ~$27k and had a side business that pushed me into the mid-$30's. While I was there the company starting paying overtime pay and paid meetings, something unheard of for CFI's. Also, the benefits are OK with nonrev travel on Mesa and America West mainline, as well as associated ID90/80/70 etc.

There was limited night flying. Although the CFI's could easily trade those flights with other CFI's who wanted the $$ and time. I got about 900 hours there in under 12 months. An average day for me would bill 6-7 hours depending on how much I flew or did ground and sim. Some days I billed over 12 hours (but they were extremely long) if I wanted to work that long, but you're only required to block out 8 hours of availability per day. The students scheduled themselves and handled all their own paperwork (all you did was check boxes on a lesson plan, and handed it back to them) which made it nice. You're guaranteed two hard days off a week, but you can opt to take them or not.

The downside is it's in the middle of nowhere, but it was dirt cheap to live. We had a two bed/two bath 1400 sq ft. townhome with garage for $700/month.

I've heard that the Japanese training facility (IFTA I believe) pays better with better working conditions, but MAPD sure wasn't bad for a subsidiary of Mesa. Heck, if it was in FL I'd of stuck around a bit more with the increase in pay. It was a good, solid, family friendly type J-O-B.

~wheelsup

 

[aviator1978]

I've heard there's a place in Bakersfield that flys bonanza's and baron's for al-nippon. Supposedly pay is 30k +

 

[Iflyamouse]

I have a friend who worked at that outfit in Bakersfield. He said he made about $35K, normal 8-5 type hours. I'll get some details from him and post back.

 

[schoolio]

I've heard there's a place in Bakersfield that flys bonanza's and baron's for al-nippon. Supposedly pay is 30k +

This is the place. This message is old, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're still hiring. Google them for contact info.

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]Minimum Requirements CFII/MEI, Class II FAA Medical, 250 hours Instruction Given, 250 hours PIC to include 30 hours Multi-Engine PIC and 50 hours Instrument PIC
Description
Immediate Openings for Qualified CFII's - Are you interested in an opportunity to instruct and increase your experience in high quality, high performance aircraft? In developing your aviation skills and knowledge in a stable yet diverse environment? In being part of a team that makes safety its FIRST priority? And in earning an excellent salary which includes a generous benefits package? If so, a Flight Instructor position with the International Flight Training Academy should be your next career move! Qualified Flight Instructor candidates should possess CFII/MEI, Class II FAA Medical, 250 hours Instruction Given, 250 hours PIC to include 30 hours Multi-Engine PIC and 50 hours Instrument PIC.[/FONT][/FONT]

 

[jebmei]

I have a friend who worked at that outfit in Bakersfield. He said he made about $35K, normal 8-5 type hours. I'll get some details from him and post back.

I interviewed with IFTA earlier this week. It is a 7-4 job, pays ~34K for the first year and ~40k for second. They want a 2 year commitment. Instructors fly about 50 hours/month in Bonanzas and Barons. I spoke with an instructor there who said everyone really likes the job, good pay/benefits/management.