Path to CFI

M

mngtsystem

Well-Known Member
Hi All,

My current situation is I have a CMEL and I would like to get my CFI. I am preparing to take my CSEL but I need some input/suggestions/consideration in a possible path. My thoughts are centered around whether to attend an ATP type school or to go through a local FBO to get the CSEL add-on and then then just the CFI-A - adding the I and Multi later (is it really necessary to get a Multi Instructor certificate?). I am working and can take some time off work to get the next ratings. I would like to instruct and get some experience and then hopefully be in a position to explore other options such as the regionals (not necessarily the only option).

Thanks in advance.
 
If you are self-motivated I'd recommend doing the CFI-A locally if you can. Why spend money on airlines and lodging to do something in some other state that you could do right where you are?

I did mine locally for about $1,000 and did it on my own schedule and took a total of 1.5 days off work for the check ride, so I didn't burn up a bunch of vacation.

It's also nice to employee the local CFI's and support the local FBO's... every dollar counts.

However, the exception is if you really aren't all that self-motivated and/or your kids/family/job/etc make it very difficult to carve out the required preparation time, then it might be worth packing up for a week to just go get it done.

I wouldn't bother with the MEI unless you know you'll be employed at a school that has an active multi program and you understand what dues you'll have to pay before you get to instruct in it. Otherwise it's just wasted money on a cert you wont use.
 
I'm currently away from home for a week getting my CFI initial taken care of. The FBO that offers it where I live is garbage amd the people treat the students with no respect. I'll pass on supporting them, I also would have a hard time with work and family so a week off of both was best for me. I'm really enjoying it.
 
Ayork62493 said:
I'm currently away from home for a week getting my CFI initial taken care of. The FBO that offers it where I live is garbage amd the people treat the students with no respect. I'll pass on supporting them, I also would have a hard time with work and family so a week off of both was best for me. I'm really enjoying it.
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Any chance you might return and work for them with the thought of injecting a new attitude into the organization?
 
Houston said:
Any chance you might return and work for them with the thought of injecting a new attitude into the organization?
Click to expand...
There's a slight chance.. That depends on how they treat their flight instructors as employees.. If the treat them ok, I think I'll throw in my resume. If not, well, I'll keep looking. It's not every one there, but the old timers really treat the students like dirt, screaming, yelling, showing up late. Total lack of professionalism. Don't forget, over charging the students and then bragging about it to the other instructors.
 
Ayork62493 said:
There's a slight chance.. That depends on how they treat their flight instructors as employees.. If the treat them ok, I think I'll throw in my resume. If not, well, I'll keep looking. It's not every one there, but the old timers really treat the students like dirt, screaming, yelling, showing up late. Total lack of professionalism. Don't forget, over charging the students and then bragging about it to the other instructors.
Click to expand...
After a lot of years moving around to different jobs I found that the worst thing was to take over a job from someone who was great at it. I would much rather take a job following someone who sucked at it. It sounds like there might be an opportunity for you to do great things at that FBO in a couple ways. If your professionalism isn't infectious, the migration of students your way will cause others to reassess their actions.
 
rframe said:
If you are self-motivated I'd recommend doing the CFI-A locally if you can. Why spend money on airlines and lodging to do something in some other state that you could do right where you are?

I did mine locally for about $1,000 and did it on my own schedule and took a total of 1.5 days off work for the check ride, so I didn't burn up a bunch of vacation.

It's also nice to employee the local CFI's and support the local FBO's... every dollar counts.

However, the exception is if you really aren't all that self-motivated and/or your kids/family/job/etc make it very difficult to carve out the required preparation time, then it might be worth packing up for a week to just go get it done.

I wouldn't bother with the MEI unless you know you'll be employed at a school that has an active multi program and you understand what dues you'll have to pay before you get to instruct in it. Otherwise it's just wasted money on a cert you wont use.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the input. A couple of quick questions:
1. How long did it take?
2. How much ground etc did you too with the instructor?
 
Ayork62493 said:
I'm currently away from home for a week getting my CFI initial taken care of. The FBO that offers it where I live is garbage amd the people treat the students with no respect. I'll pass on supporting them, I also would have a hard time with work and family so a week off of both was best for me. I'm really enjoying it.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the input.
Where are you doing your training?
How are you finding the school?
Environment?
Thanks in advance.
 
I was in the same scenario. I have a great IT job and my company allows for a great deal of flexibility with hours and plenty of leverage to work from home. I also have an 18 month old baby girl and my wife is staying home to take care of her. This is our first one after 14 years of marriage and while I thought of doing the one week training, I just could not muster up the courage to go away from my family for a week or 2 weeks. Do not read any further if you do not have my situation or a family situation along these lines :)

Cost was not an issue for me. A week or more at a stretch was definitely an issue. I thought a lot about it and decided to stay local. My flying is great irrespective of whether I fly left or right seat. Also, I have a great flight instructor, who is mentoring me and flies for the airlines and has a very stable job (unlike many), therefore, making it easy to schedule.

Now, comes the hard part. I really wanted my CFI before the Summer started. However, I have barely gotten out of Oral/CFI/POH and am now starting on updating my lesson plans that I put together couple of months ago. This still leaves FAR/AIMs and endorsements outstanding and not to mention covering my lesson plans and getting further feedback to polish my teaching ability and lessons.

According to my instructor, I should literally have everything down cold. Having a great understanding is as important but he wants me to memorize and be able to recite whatever I am being asked and look at books, regs, notes, as needed during the oral exam portion. Now with a full time job and a family, I am taking my time. I am an avid runner and QOL is everything to me. We go out couple of times a week and I take my little one out one weekend day to spend time with her and give my wife much needed time to relax.

So I am doing what I did not do during private, instrument, and commercial training, that is, I am enjoying the process knowing well that I am taking way longer than an average CFI student. My advice is to look at it is a journey and not merely a Finish Line approach. I am getting closer to 40 and would love to have a CFI gig, build time, and/or have a part time 135 job or something along those lines so, time is definitely of essence here. But I suggest you dont skip enjoying the simple pleasures of life :) It may be a long and drawn out process with other things life but with a proper schedule in place, you may save some money and really enjoy the process of getting there. In addition, do remember that a week or two week long training is a cram session and focus is very much on passing the check ride (others may correct me so, I may correct my wrong impression). If you feel you need to spend time on having an overall quality instructor background, you may want to take your time. However, on the other hand, you may already be at that point and just need to focus and use the extra push to get that CFI :) Good luck with either approach and do share what you decided and what was the main factor(s).
 
Ayork62493 said:
I'm currently away from home for a week getting my CFI initial taken care of. The FBO that offers it where I live is garbage amd the people treat the students with no respect. I'll pass on supporting them, I also would have a hard time with work and family so a week off of both was best for me. I'm really enjoying it.
Click to expand...

oh dang, doing that out in west O?
 
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