If you were me (restarting career advice needed)

K

KALudwig

Well-Known Member
I know there are threads every day about career changes and getting started, but I would love some quick feedback on where I should begin on restarting my aviation career.

Basic stats: 33 y/o, unmarried (with serious gf), NYC metro area (not willing to move for extended periods), have generous amount of $$ saved and willing to spend

Flying stats: have MEI, CFII and CFI and about 350 hrs TT, last logged time about 2 years ago

Top ideal goal: corporate aviation

Bottom line goal: flying for a job

Nothing dramatic happened in my getting waylaid in the career. Just drifted away and made the most of it.

This was probably horrible, terrible timing with everything that has changed in the industry and I am kinda overwhelmed by the different scenarios. So, in your friendly and honest opinion, what's the best path to achieve my goal? Where should I even begin to get the ball rolling again?

Let me know if I can shed anymore light on the situation for better advice.

THANKS!
 
mshunter said:
Get current, get comfortable, then get instructing. And be prepared to move, or commute.
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Yeah, I guess I should keep it simple at this point. I guess the next steps will take care of themselves. But is there anything else on the horizon I should plan for?
 
mshunter said:
Get current, get comfortable, then get instructing. And be prepared to move, or commute.
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This! Instructing is a great way to build time, get good experience, and run into some great networking opportunities at local FBO'S. As for the moving thing, I'm sure there are some great gigs in that area, but remember not always will your first gig be the one you stay with forever. Get started and enjoy the ride.
 
You're in a great part of the country for both CFI and corporate opportunities. I believe there are flight schools at both FRG and HPN that can't keep instructors around due to the absurd cost of living. Which seems not to be a problem for you.
 
Lot of second career guys come on here asking for advice, usually with a goal of 121 airlines. My standard answer is your starting fresh with no exp whatsoever 28-30 is about the max age I'd say is safe when you consider how crazy this industry is.

In your situation, being 33 with all of your basic ratings and wanting to do corporate I'd say do it! I know you said your not willing to move for extended periods of time, but if that changes I'd recommend South Florida. Good flying wx almost every day, much cheaper COL for probably the same pay as a CFI in the NYC metro area. You'll probably get your flight time faster. After that there's probably just as many if not more corporate jobs as in NYC, lots of awesome networking opportunities. A backup plan is that there's quite a few regionals with bases in NYC and they usually go pretty jr. You'd have to suffer through the crap pay, but at least you'd be based at home and get the jet time you need to move on to something better.

Good Luck in the job hunt!
 
If you're looking for a CFI job, and willing to move, my school is currently hiring. I work at a flight school on the southwest side of Atlanta, GA. You would be working with mostly Chinese flight students, but will have the opportunity to fly 100+ hrs a month. We also have a hiring agreement with Expressjet. As long as you receive a good letter of rec from my company on departure, you are guaranteed a job. Expressjet has an LGA base I believe. PM me if you would like to know more.
 
mastermags said:
Take your ATP written.
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This, seriously, ATP written, make it your priority, this month, don't wait. I second others too in saying get current and start instructing. You can easily build time and network while spending time at the local FBO. It's not too late, and your opportunities in the NYC metro are probably plentiful. Your road may be easier if you're willing to move. I left a poor climate to flight instruct and I'm glad I did. I had the hours I needed when opportunity knocked. Poor winter climate can be frustrating for instructing, but it's certainly not the end of the world if the rest of your world is in NYC.
 
I can't stress enough not just to get current, BUT GET COMFORTABLE too. Students do stupid things, and if you've been out of it for long, you need to be prepared. When you get current, do it from the right seat if you plan on instructing.
 
mastermags said:
Take your ATP written.
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At 350TT, what is the benefit to doing the written now? It has been a decade since I did it, but at the time it seemed more prudent to be a little closer to ATP minimums given the 2 year expiration on the test. I see folks are supporting that recommendation, so what is the reasoning? Not doubting, just wondering because it could easily take 2+ years to build the 1150hrs instructing in New England.
 
Acadia said:
At 350TT, what is the benefit to doing the written now? It has been a decade since I did it, but at the time it seemed more prudent to be a little closer to ATP minimums given the 2 year expiration on the test. I see folks are supporting that recommendation, so what is the reasoning? Not doubting, just wondering because it could easily take 2+ years to build the 1150hrs instructing in New England.
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It's about to get a lot harder and more expensive.
 
Acadia said:
At 350TT, what is the benefit to doing the written now? It has been a decade since I did it, but at the time it seemed more prudent to be a little closer to ATP minimums given the 2 year expiration on the test. I see folks are supporting that recommendation, so what is the reasoning? Not doubting, just wondering because it could easily take 2+ years to build the 1150hrs instructing in New England.
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Read up on the new ATP written requirements. Now is your best time to finish it.

And the 2 year time frame can be extended to meet the 1500 hrs. *if you're employed by a 121 carrier within 5 years or something similar. Someone else on here can probably correct me and give more details. But regardless, getting the ATP written done right now is to your benefit.
 
KALudwig said:
Anyone know of a good flight school in the NYC metro area? Preferably Westchester?
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I think the CFI market has changed dramatically over the last few years. CFIs are in high demand.... especially in high cost of living areas. Go visit a few, talk to current CFIs, talk with owners and staff, then drop your resume a few places.

The full-timers at my school are slamming out 1200+ hours a year.
 
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