Those darn academies...

[acaTerry]

Is anyone else out there noticing it is getting nearly impossible to keep current as a CFI because these "big schools" are stamping out the regular flight schools and only using their grads to instruct? They'd rather have the 300 hour CFI's than one who has experience and insights that would be helpful?

 

[Goose Egg]

Huh, that's funny. We have a fairly significant instructor shortage where I am.


-Goose

 

[bobbysamd]

In-house hiring

Is anyone else out there noticing it is getting nearly impossible to keep current as a CFI because these "big schools" are stamping out the regular flight schools and only using their grads to instruct? They'd rather have the 300 hour CFI's than one who has experience and insights that would be helpful?

That's been true for years, e.g. FSI and Comair, but if you hit these places at the right time you can be hired from the "outside." I know; I was a flight instructor only when I was flying and I was hired from the "outside" at each of my jobs, including FSI. I interviewed at Comair.

There are schools that do not have in-house CFI programs and hire only from the outside. Examples include MAPD and the foreign airline schools in Arizona and California.

I cannot determine if you just want a few instructing hours here and there or are actively looking for full-time instructing work. If it is the former, you might be able to contract out to a local FBO. If it is the latter, there are opportunities for outside-hires at the bigger schools.

 

[acaTerry]

Let's just say that its in the PHX area, north side....somewhere that I spent many thousands getting my ratings when it was an FBO, but now that it's a big academy, suddenly I'm not good enough despite my 4000 dual given and advanced industry experience.

 

[IP076]

Let's just say that its in the PHX area, north side....somewhere that I spent many thousands getting my ratings when it was an FBO, but now that it's a big academy, suddenly I'm not good enough despite my 4000 dual given and advanced industry experience.

hmmm.....I'd guess that it has 5 letters in its name....Hey, if you're in the Arizona Area and looking for full time CFI work...check out ERAU....I know they hire from the outside....I think they'll probably be looking for more people come December or January, maybe even sooner. check out www.erau.edu for more information. (I'm talking about the PRC campus)

With 4000 Dual you will start out at the max CFI Pay level, which, IIRC is around 19/hr.

It seems like many current CFI's are leaving for the 18k/year wonder job and movement there to the twins is pretty quick. (But, it doesnt sound like you are in desperate need of twin time!)

Any questions, feel free to PM me. You planning for the ACA Furlogh?

 

[bobbysamd]

A T C A

Let's just say that its in the PHX area, north side....somewhere that I spent many thousands getting my ratings when it was an FBO, but now that it's a big academy, suddenly I'm not good enough despite my 4000 dual given and advanced industry experience.

You sound like a perfect fit for Lufthansa, my friend. Get in the car tomorrow and drive to Goodyear:

Airline Training Center Arizona
1658 South Litchfield Road Building 104
Goodyear, AZ 85338
623-932-1600

A Rich something or another may still be the contact. Aside from your credentials, being local gives you a major advantage. Facilities and equipment are first class, and pay rivals many commuter airlines. Students are motivated. I interviewed there and was offered a job, and I had at least three friends who worked there.

I second IP076's Riddle suggestion. As I wrote above, I was hired from the outside at ERAU in Prescott in 1988. It turned out to be the best aviation job I had.

Good luck with your CFI job search.

 

[User546]

You might also want to try Sabena over in Scottsdale also.

They require 200 hours of dual given to even give you an interview, so you might have some more luck there. They seem to value their instructors, and everyone I've talked to seems to be real happy. Also, they're an all Piper fleet - with a really good maintenance program.

I JUST SENT YOU A P.M.

 

[acaTerry]

Thanks guys,

But I'm a happy line pilot at an airline. I just want to keep current while I am home, I live in PHX and commute to the midwest.
I used to work at Lufthansa. It was a good job, and they only hire guys who want to be career CFI's. Besides, they are fixin' to lay off abou 1/3 of their CFI staff.
DVT has the unnamed places I am talking about. The place in question is not the five letter place, that place (well' both of them actually) did not even exist back in 1992 when I was training. I just want somewhere to instruct, peferably as an independent. It used to be so easy. But now unless you have a goatee and dress up like an airline pilot...forget it.

 

[Goose Egg]

What do you mean by "staying current?"

-Goose

 

[de727ups]

Free Lance

Put up some flyers offering free lance instruction. Why deal with FBO's? Guys that own planes would rather fly with you, someone with experience, than an academy geek who wears a uniform. You could do BFR's, ICC's, and advanced ratings. Also, consider buying your own little plane to instruct with.