Career advice needed

crticalaoa

crticalaoa

Well-Known Member
Ok guys thank you for your time and reading this post. I am posting here because I am basically lost on what to do.

A bit about my self:

-Graduating in May from one of those "highly" known university with my a bachelor in ATC and my Com,multi, instruments ratings.

-Currently enlisted in the National Guard.

-Getting married here soon after graduation


I would like to pursue my career in aviation but I don't want to stay in this school any longer. If I was to do my CFI rating here they would be charging me around 9,000 with tuition and fees. Also it would take me a whole semester (5 months). Then comes my CFI-I which would run me for 7,000 and takes another semester. Thats a whole year were I feel I can go some were else and knock it out faster. Thus giving me a better chance of logging some time.


I have looked into some school and here is what they have told me.


US Aviation academy:2 months CFI, CFI-I, MEI= $11,522


Big know university: 1.5 years CFI, CFI-I, MEI= $20,000+


Aerosim: CFI-$11,000 AND if I decide to work for them they will pay for my CFI-I and MEI

Transpac: CFI, CFI-I and MEI: $16,000

American flyers: CFI, CFI-I =$4000 2 month.


ATP: Does not offer their initial CFI no more.


I would like to go some were and do my ratings there and also have an opportunity for a job.

So gents what are your recommendations? any advice you guys can offer would be highly appreciate it. Thanks for your time and my apologies for such long post. Have a great day everyone.
 
Hey man, you should contact Falcon Aviation Academy near Atlanta, GA. I used to work there and at the time (6 months ago) they were offering CFI training with a contract to work for them.
 
Of the listed choices, I would go with american flyers. Don't spend a dime more than you have to. Make sure you speak with current and recent students within the program you're thinking of, to get an idea of the actual experience training with and working for whichever you choose.
 
I chose none of the above and went to a small school, doing most of the oral prep/lesson plan prep on my own. You seem pretty dead set on using a well known academy, but it didn't cost me nearly as much as most of the above options. I think I completed it for around 3500$. In that case though, you would need to find a qualified CFI who is willing to get you there (some refuse to instruct CFI candidates). 4000$ seems a little low for AF for CFI/CFII. Maybe I'm wrong, but I would guess you would end up paying more than that with them. I saved money by coming to flight lessons way overly prepared, and using my wife and friends to practice teaching on for the oral portion. You would have to be extremely self motivated to get it done that way though. If you have the money, academy route would be the easiest.
 
A smart guy once told me that you should do your CFI where you want to work.

I know at least one FBO down here DYING for instructors. And they have 4 locations in the area. Do your CFI with them and you got a really good shot at a job with a very busy school.

Wanna move to Northern VA?
 
Thank you everyone for the great replies. I saw the offer from flight safety but I was wondering if any body works there that could shed some light. Also apparently Trans Pac would pay for your cfii.
 
Those big schools charge big bucks. I spent a few grand on my CFI, but I wanted to do a lot of flying and practice teaching. I created all my lesson plans myself, by looking through the PTS. I know guys who basically went to a local school and said "I want to become a CFI". They created some lesson plans, showed they could teach, flew a bit, and took the ride. That's a little quick for me. But, you definitely should not overpay for this. Go to the school that will provide you the service you require.
 
I don't have any advice on the CFI but don't pay for a CFI/II as a package. If you have the CFI, the II is (at least should be) a very minor add on that shouldn't cost more than a couple grand including checkride....at most.
 
Murdoughnut said:
In too deep man. Can't imagine starting over with someone who isn't accustomed to my horrible, horrible personality traits. If I end up single it's Hot Pockets and Halo until they find my bloated corpse decomposing on my couch.
Click to expand...

Heh. I totally get it.

Current wife and I eloped, did a JP wedding at the San Diego County Courthouse. I looked at her and said, "Shackled for life."

She replied. "Yeah. We're only getting out of this in body bags."

I know it sounds macabre. You have to imagine it said with love. :)
 
killbilly said:
Heh. I totally get it.

Current wife and I eloped, did a JP wedding at the San Diego County Courthouse. I looked at her and said, "Shackled for life."

She replied. "Yeah. We're only getting out of this in body bags."

I know it sounds macabre. You have to imagine it said with love. :)
Click to expand...

Oh not hard for me to imagine at all. We often get the question: "Did having kids bring you closer together?"

To which I respond: "Yes, like being two survivors on a sinking ship would bring you closer together."
 
I did live the single life for a while but you know once you find that one that ties you down and you don't have eyes for no else is hard not to get married. I think is also hard to find someone that approves of this career with its ups and downs.( see what I did there) haha :)
 
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