Changing Career Paths

C

Capt Obvious

Well-Known Member
I recently graduated with more student loan debt than any job will pay, and with a CFI/ MEL SEL Comm Instrument ticket, but not enough hours to even get a jump pilot, banner towing gig, I have serisouly just thought of packing up and calling it quits. I cant afford to keep flying on my own at 100.00 an hour, and staying IFR current is out of my price range. I work for an airline, and have tried to prostitute my dispatch services out to fly part 91 legs to build time, and cant even get this to happen.Any ideas on how to even just get started?
 
Take a step back and observe what you have accomplished at the moment you are reading this.

Do you still love flight?

Understand that tomorrow you will not accomplish your final goals, but step back and view the moment to include how much you have accomplished.

It is important to take in the moment.

The journey always begins with one step. You have already taken many. Many more than most. You can continue.
 
Propilot said:
What is your monthly loan payment and how much do you owe?
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Not considering intrest, around 75,000. Monthly payments are around 625.00, thankfully my parents still help me pay some. I make decent money now, but with that amount of debt when compared to my income, I can not get approved for any loans, and does leave much in the way for disposable income.
 
Have you tried using that CFI? You didn't mention TT or dual given(0?) I know it seems most places want II/MEI, and it probably won't pay enough to make the loan payments, but if your parents continue to help it might be doable.
 
z987k said:
Have you tried using that CFI? You didn't mention TT or dual given(0?) I know it seems most places want II/MEI, and it probably won't pay enough to make the loan payments, but if your parents continue to help it might be doable.
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Yep. It very hard pressed to find an instructor job right now, as many high time former fo's and line pilots that got laid off are filling yhese jobs just to stay current. A newly minted cfi does not stand a chance against atp qualified pilots willing to do take the same pay. Just hoping the airlines start hiring again the open up. Even jump pilot and banner towers want regional mins right now
 
You mentioned dispatch above...Are you rated as an Aircraft Dispatcher, or have you considered it?

For a relatively small investment, you can use your existing aviation education and skill set to gain industry experience and make some coin. Furthermore, should you continue on the path to becoming a professional pilot, it'll give you a viable alternative career path if you lose your medical.
 
Instead of "looking for a job," make yourself available for a job. If you have commercial and instructor certificates, you have skills you can sell, and you're not limited to selling those skills to FBO's and flight schools. Try putting up flyers at the local airports. Advertise yourself as available for flight instruction and BFR's in the owner's aircraft. Find a skydiving club that may need a jump pilot. Hell, buy an airplane and start your own flight school. Get creative.
 
Capt Obvious said:
Yep. It very hard pressed to find an instructor job right now, as many high time former fo's and line pilots that got laid off are filling yhese jobs just to stay current. A newly minted cfi does not stand a chance against atp qualified pilots willing to do take the same pay. Just hoping the airlines start hiring again the open up. Even jump pilot and banner towers want regional mins right now
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Good instructors can ALWAYS find students!! Just because a guy might have every ticket out there and 10 million hours doesnt mean he can teach or is good for his students.
Do what was said, sale yourself!! I wouldnt go to the big pilot mills either, go to the outskrit FBO's and airports. I still flight instruct and usually have to turn away students because there is just not enough time for them (Part time instructor) .. . but I know several full time instructors that cant keep students . .why? They are not pleasant to be around or they are not that good of teachers . . . Instructing is a sales game. . that is all it is . . your product is yourself. . .

Go sale yourself!! It is also the BEST way to get flying jobs, because that private pilot today, is the guy who WILL buy an airplane and want you to fly it!

Good luck, dont get down on yourself, make it happen . . build some time so when things do pick up, you will be ready for it!
 
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