Lost job - Would love some advice

[flyf15]

Hey guys, I was just let go from my first flying job (was a Part 61 instructor) as part of a "reduction of workforce" at my school.

Right now I'm a senior in college (and therefore can't leave the Denver area or work full-time), with aspirations of being a professional pilot. I have around 470 TT, 165 Dual Given, and 90 Multi. I suppose that understandably, the biggest lingering question over my head is "Where do I go from here?" I'm not a point where it seems that I have many options.

Although I know this happens every day, I'd greatly appreciate it if anyone had any tips or advice for me. Thanks much!

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Finish school ASAP and move to WHEREVER you can start flying again!

Start making calls now, never hurts to begin networking a year out!

good luck!

 

[Vik]

If you can't find other work in Denver, at another school for example, do BFRs and what not and be an independant instructor.

 

[bobbysamd]

College and beyond

First off, whatever you do, and despite advice given elsewhere on this board, finish your degree. If you are a senior right now, that means you have only one more semester and only fifteen more credits to complete. You will need your degree to apply to all companies, and it will permit you to answer any job ad in and out of aviation that requires or prefers a college degree.

Try to keep instructing in the meantime. I realize there isn't much work in Denver, but try.

After you graduate, you might apply to MAPD as a flight instructor. Your credentials at this time are not far off from their quals, and by the time you graduate you might meet or exceed them. You are also relatively close to Farmington, which might help.

Hope this helps a little. Good luck with your job search.

 

[THE Flying Ace]

Are there any skydiving drop zones around the Dever area? If so, check them out. They always need pilots. Don't pay for darn, but you're flying.

 

[flyf15]

I really appreciate the advice so far guys. I'll actually be in school until next december. I'm considering just renting aircraft occasionally until the summer comes to keep my currency, and try to get a full time flying job over the summer. How would that look on my resume in the future?

 

[bobbysamd]

Summer job

I'm considering just renting aircraft occasionally until the summer comes to keep my currency, and try to get a full time flying job over the summer. How would that look on my resume in the future?

I would see no problems. Most college kids try to find summer jobs. Why would your situation be any different?

But, be sure you finish your degree.

 

[Dan CFI/CFII]

I did the CFI for the summer thing. It got me some hours, but not all that many. And frankly, no matter how well you plan it out, you will screw over a student or three when you go back to school.

Can you CFI while you are in school? If so, just CFI part time when class is in, full time when it's not. Your goal should be to finish your degree with about 1200-1500 hours. That'll set you up at the least for a 135 freight gig, and probably for a regional right seat.

Absolutely get that degree though. If I'm sure of anything, it's that I'm only getting stupider the farther away I get from college. I didn't graduate college with a flying job lined up. In fact, I went back into youth ministry for nearly two years before I took a flying job. At which point I got fed up with it, and went back to youth ministry. Again, I went on the hunt for a flying job, and I got three offers, all with just under 1,000 hours, and all without flying more than 15 hours in the past two years. Not having a flying job isn't the end of the world, it's just a hindrance to some people.

Life is too short to worry about having a flying job or not. I know that they are hiring shuttle bus drivers in Winter Park... You could log plenty of time in the air, if you're EXTREME enough to drink Mountain Dew!!!

Dan

 

[LearLove]

flyf15,

yes first off and I'm 30 years old and sounding like my parents but FINISH SCHOOL first.

Also if it was a reduction at your flight school the current CFI's there will likely move on so you may be able to get your old position back. Also remember its winter, flying slows, in spring and summer it will pick up and I 'd be willing to bet they'll be calling. Try putting yourself out an independant CFI. Maybe traffic watch. How about looking into the Air National Guard. There is an F-16 unit ut your way. Senior year is the time to start.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll be CFIing again soon.