Making the move.

[Joseph II]

I may have an opportunity to move back closer to family. It would be a job instructing part time. I've been a CFI for a year now and haven't instructed yet (no jobs in the area).

My question... Should I jump ship working a full time desk job with bennies and free school this spring to take a part time job that *should* lead to a full time job?

I have an associates degree and need a bachelors degree to make it to the airlines so I'll most likely be stuck with no "free" education and no health benefits. I'm married too, but my wife would be happy to move closer to our family.

Or, should I suck it up "flying the desk" and get a free education?

 

[chperplt]

I guess it depends on what you want to do in life.. Fly a desk or fly an airplane.

Most of us became working pilots by working hard and somehow balancing a 200 to 1 debt to income ratio.

Do what your heart tells you to do.

 

[Joseph II]

I like the 200-1 debt idea. So true, so true.

The thing that's holding me back is the notion that if I don't go for my degree on the company's dime, it's going to be 10 times harder to pull it off making less money as an instructor.

On the other hand, am I being decieved into thinking a bachelor degree is a must for a pilot to advance in today's economy?

 

[banned username 2]

On the other hand, am I being decieved into thinking a bachelor degree is a must for a pilot to advance in today's economy?

Well lets put it this way, in today's economy there aren't hardly any pilots advancing anywhere... as a matter of fact there are thousands out of work...

With that being said... You only really need the 4 year degree if one of the large majors is your only goal... If you plan on making any other flying your career goal, than the degree would be nice, but not necessarily a requirement (some large Corporate operators require a bachelor degree but not all do)...

Now as far as getting to the Majors... it will most likely be many, many years until they are hiring people off the street again... So plan B (depending on your age, etc...) may be a more realistic choice at this point anyhow... which might not require the degree...

If you have a solid job offer in this economy, that is a pretty good deal... But no one can answer this question for you... You have to do what will make you happy...

Hope this helps...

Good Luck!

 

[bobbysamd]

B.S. v. A.S.

I don't think that you can go wrong with the extra education at any time. Bear in mind the (distant ??) possibility that aviation doesn't work out or you can't hold your medical (or if a clown like Frank Lorenzo guts your airline and you can't ever find work again). So, with your four-year degree, in something, you have your backup plan in place.

You know what they say about a bird in the hand being worth two in the bush. True, you didn't train to be a desk jockey. But, from the way things appear, quite a few pilots might have to be desk jockeys for a while. Moreover, you know what they say about always getting someone else, i.e., the "company," to pay for your training. Therefore, I'd consider very carefully if it is worth it at this time to give up good benies and free school for something less certain.

I recall that you work for a pretty good company at Inverness. I dunno if I would want to give that up so quickly.

Best of luck with your decision.