Hey everyone, I hope some of you guys could gelp me out. I am in the process of getting my PPL and should be finished in a couple of months. My question is this. I am trying to fiqure out if owning my own plane to get my hours faster and I hope cheaper or should I Just use my FBO planes . Im am flying a 172 for $96 Hour right now. I hope some of you have or know someone who has done that route.I am 40 years old and Im trying to do this as quick as I can before it is to late for me to get a job in this profession. Thanks for your help.Deron
To buy a plane or not?
- Thread starter dcpilot
- Start date
I_Money
Moderator
I think it all depends - if you can find something that you can put 1000 hours on, without any major overhaul for a reasonable price then go for it. I would also think about how much you are going to fly. If you will be flying everyday, then it will be more of a sensible option then if you only fly once a week. I would also consider doing a deal with an instructor where he gets use of your aircraft for personal flights (he only pays gas), for free instruction. What part of California are you located at? Also how would you acquire multi-time? That is very important before you will get hired. If you are looking about flying 5-10 hours week, then I would say to look into it.
mtsu_av8er
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I would also consider doing a deal with an instructor where he gets use of your aircraft for personal flights (he only pays gas), for free instruction.
[/ QUOTE ]
I'LL TAKE IT!!!! Where in California do I need to mov....
Oh, sorry...
I would also consider doing a deal with an instructor where he gets use of your aircraft for personal flights (he only pays gas), for free instruction.
[/ QUOTE ]
I'LL TAKE IT!!!! Where in California do I need to mov....
Oh, sorry...
montanapilot
Well-Known Member
I too am considering the same thing. I m looking at something like a 172 or a Warrior to do my IFR, Comm, and CFI/I in.
pilot602
If specified, this will replace the title that
First, sit down and try to calculate what you think your hourly costs will be to run the aircraft. Include things like tie down fees, insurance, maintenance reserves, over haul reserve, etc. Then when you get that figure – double it.
Owning an airplane is great but it is expensive. And when it breaks (and it will) you're stuck waiting for it to get fixed. You can't just go to the next airplane on the schedule because there isn't a next airplane!
Your best bet is to talk to several owners of the aircraft type you're interested in. Ask each ofthem what the most expensive annual was. As how many hours they fly per week (the more you fly the less expensive the hourly costs become, but it's more money directly out of your pocket as you need to keep the gastanks full).
Singles are inordinately cheaper to operate than twins but they are still expensive.
Owning an airplane is great but it is expensive. And when it breaks (and it will) you're stuck waiting for it to get fixed. You can't just go to the next airplane on the schedule because there isn't a next airplane!
Your best bet is to talk to several owners of the aircraft type you're interested in. Ask each ofthem what the most expensive annual was. As how many hours they fly per week (the more you fly the less expensive the hourly costs become, but it's more money directly out of your pocket as you need to keep the gastanks full).
Singles are inordinately cheaper to operate than twins but they are still expensive.
A300Capt
Freight Dawg
The two best days were when I bought my C310L (partnership) and the day I sold it! Never buy something you can easily rent.
Buying an airplane will be be one big money pit. Trust me! The initial purchase price pales in comparison to the cost of maintaining, upgrading, insuring and flying your new toy. Sorry, it's been 5 years since I sold my airplane and I still cringe when I think about the money I use to throw at it.
Even if I were ever so inclined as to even think about purchasing another airplane, am I'm not, it would be something simple like a single engine, fixed gear airplane.
Buying an airplane will be be one big money pit. Trust me! The initial purchase price pales in comparison to the cost of maintaining, upgrading, insuring and flying your new toy. Sorry, it's been 5 years since I sold my airplane and I still cringe when I think about the money I use to throw at it.
Even if I were ever so inclined as to even think about purchasing another airplane, am I'm not, it would be something simple like a single engine, fixed gear airplane.
USMCmech
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Hey everyone, I hope some of you guys could gelp me out. I am in the process of getting my PPL and should be finished in a couple of months. My question is this. I am trying to fiqure out if owning my own plane to get my hours faster and I hope cheaper or should I Just use my FBO planes . Im am flying a 172 for $96 Hour right now. I hope some of you have or know someone who has done that route.I am 40 years old and Im trying to do this as quick as I can before it is to late for me to get a job in this profession. Thanks for your help.Deron
[/ QUOTE ]
Honestly if I had to do it all over again I would have skipped the CFI and spent the money on a POS C-150. Maybee split it with a partner.
Find the uggliest, cheapst, airframe that is actually airworthy.
Yank out all non esesntial equipment (maybe including radios if they need work).
Do all the maintence you can (owner/pilots can do about 80% of an annual)
Find the cheapest gas you can (Mogas even?).
Fly the crap out of it. 10 hrs a day 6 days a week.
Four months later you've got 1200 hrs.
Bartering for flight instruction is a good idea too. Some people might call that compensation, but as long as you don't anouce it to the general public you're OK.
Hey everyone, I hope some of you guys could gelp me out. I am in the process of getting my PPL and should be finished in a couple of months. My question is this. I am trying to fiqure out if owning my own plane to get my hours faster and I hope cheaper or should I Just use my FBO planes . Im am flying a 172 for $96 Hour right now. I hope some of you have or know someone who has done that route.I am 40 years old and Im trying to do this as quick as I can before it is to late for me to get a job in this profession. Thanks for your help.Deron
[/ QUOTE ]
Honestly if I had to do it all over again I would have skipped the CFI and spent the money on a POS C-150. Maybee split it with a partner.
Find the uggliest, cheapst, airframe that is actually airworthy.
Yank out all non esesntial equipment (maybe including radios if they need work).
Do all the maintence you can (owner/pilots can do about 80% of an annual)
Find the cheapest gas you can (Mogas even?).
Fly the crap out of it. 10 hrs a day 6 days a week.
Four months later you've got 1200 hrs.
Bartering for flight instruction is a good idea too. Some people might call that compensation, but as long as you don't anouce it to the general public you're OK.
FalconCapt
New Member
Why is everyone so willing to pay to build up time these days... Get your ratings (including your CFI) get a job as a CFI and let someone else pay for you to build time. In addition, being a CFI you will learn a LOT more, get paid and not be wasting your own money as opposed to boring holes in the sky watching the hobbs meter tick away...
After someone has their CFI, CFI-I and CFI-ME (roughly 275-300 hours) there is no reason you should pay for any more "time building" beyond that point, let someone else pay for it...
And an airplane? Yeah, definate money pit, listen to A300Capt, he speaks wisely about this... Do all your figuring and then double the number and that is what it will really cost you...
After someone has their CFI, CFI-I and CFI-ME (roughly 275-300 hours) there is no reason you should pay for any more "time building" beyond that point, let someone else pay for it...
And an airplane? Yeah, definate money pit, listen to A300Capt, he speaks wisely about this... Do all your figuring and then double the number and that is what it will really cost you...
USMCmech
Well-Known Member
I doubt you could find a Helo anywhere for less than 40k. Maintence and fuel would be a pain. I don't think it would work for rotory wing A/C.
On the other hand, a dog ugly C-150 for 15k burning Mogas is definatly workable if you've got somewhere to live. Especially if you could split it with someone.
A C-140 would be even better.
Maybe a really small cheap Kitplane? It still counts as flight time.
Think outside the box people!
On the other hand, a dog ugly C-150 for 15k burning Mogas is definatly workable if you've got somewhere to live. Especially if you could split it with someone.
A C-140 would be even better.
Maybe a really small cheap Kitplane? It still counts as flight time.
Think outside the box people!
I understand what you are saying falconcapt,but I would like to continue to stay with my line of work until I have the hours and ratings I need to get a job flying for a living. If I went the CFI route for a year or so,I dont think I would honestly make it financialy.I agree that ouwning a plane would be expensive and it would probably be better if I was to find someone to partner up with and split the costs. Would you agree?
USMCmech
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Why is everyone so willing to pay to build up time these days... Get your ratings (including your CFI) get a job as a CFI and let someone else pay for you to build time. In addition, being a CFI you will learn a LOT more, get paid and not be wasting your own money as opposed to boring holes in the sky watching the hobbs meter tick away...
After someone has their CFI, CFI-I and CFI-ME (roughly 275-300 hours) there is no reason you should pay for any more "time building" beyond that point, let someone else pay for it...
[/ QUOTE ]
I would still get my CFI ratings, regardless. Also at least half of what I learned in my CFI course was wrong. Most of what I have learned comes from reading, talking with experts, and working on airplanes myself. Stuff I've learned from actuall flying and instruction is only a small part (Right rudder, Right rudder, Right rudder, Right rudder, Don't stall, Right rudder,) little of which will apply to flying a jet.
[boring holes in the sky watching the hobbs meter tick away]
That's what pipline patrol, banner towers, skidive pilots, and virtuly every other non CFI time building job does. These jobs all have their unique skill building requirements.
How is liveing in poverty, getting paid less than Min wage, as a CFI not paying for flight time? The fact that the school give you enough money to buy some Ramen noodles on a good month, dosen't really count as a paycheck equal with your skills, hard work, required traning, and risk. Anytime you are not being paid the money you deserve, then you are paying out your time.
Also CFI jobs aren't exactly a dime a dozen. Every time I hear "get a job as a CFI" it comes from someone who has already made it past that hurdle. I live in a major city and I can't find one. I hope to translate a job as a mechanic into some flying eventually.
Why is everyone so willing to pay to build up time these days... Get your ratings (including your CFI) get a job as a CFI and let someone else pay for you to build time. In addition, being a CFI you will learn a LOT more, get paid and not be wasting your own money as opposed to boring holes in the sky watching the hobbs meter tick away...
After someone has their CFI, CFI-I and CFI-ME (roughly 275-300 hours) there is no reason you should pay for any more "time building" beyond that point, let someone else pay for it...
[/ QUOTE ]
I would still get my CFI ratings, regardless. Also at least half of what I learned in my CFI course was wrong. Most of what I have learned comes from reading, talking with experts, and working on airplanes myself. Stuff I've learned from actuall flying and instruction is only a small part (Right rudder, Right rudder, Right rudder, Right rudder, Don't stall, Right rudder,) little of which will apply to flying a jet.
[boring holes in the sky watching the hobbs meter tick away]
That's what pipline patrol, banner towers, skidive pilots, and virtuly every other non CFI time building job does. These jobs all have their unique skill building requirements.
How is liveing in poverty, getting paid less than Min wage, as a CFI not paying for flight time? The fact that the school give you enough money to buy some Ramen noodles on a good month, dosen't really count as a paycheck equal with your skills, hard work, required traning, and risk. Anytime you are not being paid the money you deserve, then you are paying out your time.
Also CFI jobs aren't exactly a dime a dozen. Every time I hear "get a job as a CFI" it comes from someone who has already made it past that hurdle. I live in a major city and I can't find one. I hope to translate a job as a mechanic into some flying eventually.
1. You can't buy an airplane [a good deal] unless the engine is damn near runout.
2. It will cost right around $10,000.00 for a new engine
3. The STC and auto gas will in time get you killed
4. Partnerships in A/C ownership are no good.
a. While flying your partner sucks a valve [common] now you have to split the cost. You're pissed and all your savings just went out the window.
1. But I didn't do anythig wrong. What were you doing on your last flight. I just started the engine and it didn't sound right you must have done it while you were flying. Why should I have to pay for this?
GOODBY PARTNER/FRIENDSHIP HELLO LAW SUIT
b. Repeat the above item with any other part on the aircraft. Change pilots flying and see how long you or the partner is willing to dig into the pocket for more money for a piece of crap A/C that isn't worth anything.
5. After all is said and done, you still ned 500 [minimum] hours twin time, closer to 1000 before anyone will look at you.
6. There are no SHORT CUTS in the real world.
7. There are always exceptions to all rules.
2. It will cost right around $10,000.00 for a new engine
3. The STC and auto gas will in time get you killed
4. Partnerships in A/C ownership are no good.
a. While flying your partner sucks a valve [common] now you have to split the cost. You're pissed and all your savings just went out the window.
1. But I didn't do anythig wrong. What were you doing on your last flight. I just started the engine and it didn't sound right you must have done it while you were flying. Why should I have to pay for this?
GOODBY PARTNER/FRIENDSHIP HELLO LAW SUIT
b. Repeat the above item with any other part on the aircraft. Change pilots flying and see how long you or the partner is willing to dig into the pocket for more money for a piece of crap A/C that isn't worth anything.
5. After all is said and done, you still ned 500 [minimum] hours twin time, closer to 1000 before anyone will look at you.
6. There are no SHORT CUTS in the real world.
7. There are always exceptions to all rules.
pilot602
If specified, this will replace the title that
[ QUOTE ]
1. You can't buy an airplane [a good deal] unless the engine is damn near runout.
[/ QUOTE ]
Not always true. It's just harder to find a deal on a low time engine aircraft, not impossible. And a run-out engine isn't always a bad thing. Because when you replace it you now know exactly what you have (in terms of engine condition).
[ QUOTE ]
2. It will cost right around $10,000.00 for a new engine
[/ QUOTE ]
Depends on the engine.
[ QUOTE ]
3. The STC and auto gas will in time get you killed
[/ QUOTE ]
Depends on the how it's maintained. But auto gas does have some drawbacks. Whether they'll get you killed is another matter entirely.
[ QUOTE ]
4. Partnerships in A/C ownership are no good.
a. While flying your partner sucks a valve [common] now you have to split the cost. You're pissed and all your savings just went out the window.
1. But I didn't do anythig wrong. What were you doing on your last flight. I just started the engine and it didn't sound right you must have done it while you were flying. Why should I have to pay for this?
GOODBY PARTNER/FRIENDSHIP HELLO LAW SUIT
b. Repeat the above item with any other part on the aircraft. Change pilots flying and see how long you or the partner is willing to dig into the pocket for more money for a piece of crap A/C that isn't worth anything.
[/ QUOTE ]
Depends on the partner. Get an • partner and life is miserable. Get a laid back partner and it's no big deal. maintain the aircraft properly through preventative maintenance and healthy flying schedules (i.e. don't let it sit) and sucking a valve shouldn't be a "common" occurance.
[ QUOTE ]
5. After all is said and done, you still ned 500 [minimum] hours twin time, closer to 1000 before anyone will look at you.
[/ QUOTE ]
Depends on the airline and the type of job you're going for. If you want a CFI job a fresh commercial and CFI certificate is all you need (if you look hard enough). If you want a job at Delta you need 2,000 hours of PIC turbine.
[ QUOTE ]
6. There are no SHORT CUTS in the real world.
[/ QUOTE ]
Buying an airplane is not a shortcut.
[ QUOTE ]
7. There are always exceptions to all rules.
[/ QUOTE ]
See above!
1. You can't buy an airplane [a good deal] unless the engine is damn near runout.
[/ QUOTE ]
Not always true. It's just harder to find a deal on a low time engine aircraft, not impossible. And a run-out engine isn't always a bad thing. Because when you replace it you now know exactly what you have (in terms of engine condition).
[ QUOTE ]
2. It will cost right around $10,000.00 for a new engine
[/ QUOTE ]
Depends on the engine.
[ QUOTE ]
3. The STC and auto gas will in time get you killed
[/ QUOTE ]
Depends on the how it's maintained. But auto gas does have some drawbacks. Whether they'll get you killed is another matter entirely.
[ QUOTE ]
4. Partnerships in A/C ownership are no good.
a. While flying your partner sucks a valve [common] now you have to split the cost. You're pissed and all your savings just went out the window.
1. But I didn't do anythig wrong. What were you doing on your last flight. I just started the engine and it didn't sound right you must have done it while you were flying. Why should I have to pay for this?
GOODBY PARTNER/FRIENDSHIP HELLO LAW SUIT
b. Repeat the above item with any other part on the aircraft. Change pilots flying and see how long you or the partner is willing to dig into the pocket for more money for a piece of crap A/C that isn't worth anything.
[/ QUOTE ]
Depends on the partner. Get an • partner and life is miserable. Get a laid back partner and it's no big deal. maintain the aircraft properly through preventative maintenance and healthy flying schedules (i.e. don't let it sit) and sucking a valve shouldn't be a "common" occurance.
[ QUOTE ]
5. After all is said and done, you still ned 500 [minimum] hours twin time, closer to 1000 before anyone will look at you.
[/ QUOTE ]
Depends on the airline and the type of job you're going for. If you want a CFI job a fresh commercial and CFI certificate is all you need (if you look hard enough). If you want a job at Delta you need 2,000 hours of PIC turbine.
[ QUOTE ]
6. There are no SHORT CUTS in the real world.
[/ QUOTE ]
Buying an airplane is not a shortcut.
[ QUOTE ]
7. There are always exceptions to all rules.
[/ QUOTE ]
See above!
USMCmech
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
1. You can't buy an airplane [a good deal] unless the engine is damn near runout.
2. It will cost right around $10,000.00 for a new engine
3. The STC and auto gas will in time get you killed
[/ QUOTE ]
For Pt 91 operation TBO is just a number. There is no requirement to replace/overhaul the engine as long as it is running OK. If you're happy with it, keep running it.
The owner/pilot can do most of the overhaul himself with an A&P supervising. If you can reuse the cylinders and do most of the work yourself, then the cost can be very low. Of course it can also be extreamly expensive if you have to replace a bunch of parts.
Auto gas is 87 octane. Many aircraft engines orgionaly fan on 80 octane fuel. Most of the smaller nonturbo engines run just fine on 87 unleaded. 100LL is nesacary for larger higher compresion engines so AVGAS was standardized at 100LL.
Now partnerships can definatly be a mess if you get involved with the wrong person.
However if you want low risk, go look at a diffrent career.
1. You can't buy an airplane [a good deal] unless the engine is damn near runout.
2. It will cost right around $10,000.00 for a new engine
3. The STC and auto gas will in time get you killed
[/ QUOTE ]
For Pt 91 operation TBO is just a number. There is no requirement to replace/overhaul the engine as long as it is running OK. If you're happy with it, keep running it.
The owner/pilot can do most of the overhaul himself with an A&P supervising. If you can reuse the cylinders and do most of the work yourself, then the cost can be very low. Of course it can also be extreamly expensive if you have to replace a bunch of parts.
Auto gas is 87 octane. Many aircraft engines orgionaly fan on 80 octane fuel. Most of the smaller nonturbo engines run just fine on 87 unleaded. 100LL is nesacary for larger higher compresion engines so AVGAS was standardized at 100LL.
Now partnerships can definatly be a mess if you get involved with the wrong person.
However if you want low risk, go look at a diffrent career.
There are a lot of mechanics who are very leery of 'supervising' and signing off on owners doing their own overhauls like that. Unless you personally know an A&P who knows you and is familier & comfortable with your mechanical skills, they may not be willing to do this. After all, it's their signature on that piece of paper!
If you do want an A&P to 'supervise' you, be prepared to compensate them for their time supervising you!
If you do want an A&P to 'supervise' you, be prepared to compensate them for their time supervising you!
I am getting the feeling here that some of you think Im trying to find a shortcut to get where I what to go and thats not what Im trying to do. I am at a point right now financialy that I can go either way to get the hours I need. As I stated before,Im just trying to figure out which way would be the best with my situation. I know all about risks and I am up for it,but I think keeping my job and paying as a go would better suite me now.Is that a bad thing to do?As for getting the multi ratings, Iv talked to alot of CFIs and they say its hard to get students who need that rating. Their few and for between at local FBOs.So where would you have to go to accumulate twin? ATP or somewhere?Dont get me wrong guys, I just want some good feedback from people who have been in my situation. Remember,Im 40 not 20 and each situation is different.Thanks for all your feedback.
Mr_Creepy
Well-Known Member
CFI and JOB should not go together!
I am surprised at the mentality of people on this thread.
Why does everyone immediately put "Job" after "CFI" ???
I never had a CFI "Job" until I worked at Simcom.
CFI is a RATING that allows you to charge for your TIME. You do not need a JOB to make money. You can instruct in many aircraft, not just those at the local flight school. Best customers are aircraft owners that want checkouts, FRs, Instrument Ratings, etc.
Get your CFI - it makes you a better pilot.
On buying aircraft - remember that for the cost of owning an airplane you can rent an awful lot of hours of rental aircraft.
The decision point used to be 200 hrs of flying that you paid for.
Fortunately I was talked out of buying a plane by a good friend of mine. Unfortunately, every aircraft salesman knows that the prime suckers for buying aircraft are new private pilots.
I am surprised at the mentality of people on this thread.
Why does everyone immediately put "Job" after "CFI" ???
I never had a CFI "Job" until I worked at Simcom.
CFI is a RATING that allows you to charge for your TIME. You do not need a JOB to make money. You can instruct in many aircraft, not just those at the local flight school. Best customers are aircraft owners that want checkouts, FRs, Instrument Ratings, etc.
Get your CFI - it makes you a better pilot.
On buying aircraft - remember that for the cost of owning an airplane you can rent an awful lot of hours of rental aircraft.
The decision point used to be 200 hrs of flying that you paid for.
Fortunately I was talked out of buying a plane by a good friend of mine. Unfortunately, every aircraft salesman knows that the prime suckers for buying aircraft are new private pilots.
FalconCapt
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
Stuff I've learned from actuall flying and instruction is only a small part (Right rudder, Right rudder, Right rudder, Right rudder, Don't stall, Right rudder,) little of which will apply to flying a jet.
[/ QUOTE ]
And this is speaking from your extensive jet experience? CFIing will teach you a LOT more than you will learn in your own training... It will teach you to deal with another pilot in the cockpit, it will teach you to think ahead of the airplane (because you don't really know what the student might do), it will teach you to learn to explain things in great depth, it will teach you to look at problems from many different angles (instead of the one you might be used to)... ALL of these things transfer to flying a jet... These are only the tip of the iceberg...
[ QUOTE ]
How is liveing in poverty, getting paid less than Min wage, as a CFI not paying for flight time? The fact that the school give you enough money to buy some Ramen noodles on a good month, dosen't really count as a paycheck equal with your skills, hard work, required traning, and risk. Anytime you are not being paid the money you deserve, then you are paying out your time.
[/ QUOTE ]
I made enough as a CFI to live very modestly, it is possible... and that was 14 years ago...
[ QUOTE ]
Also CFI jobs aren't exactly a dime a dozen. Every time I hear "get a job as a CFI" it comes from someone who has already made it past that hurdle. I live in a major city and I can't find one. I hope to translate a job as a mechanic into some flying eventually.
[/ QUOTE ]
Oh cry me a river... I found a CFI job back in 1990-1991 when things were a LOT worse than they are today... The economy was MUCH worse (we were in a full blown recession and the Gulf War was going on), the industry was MUCH worse, Eastern Airlines had just collapsed flooding the market with thousands of pilots, Regionals weren't hiring, everyone had pilots on furlough and the one or two small airlines that were hiring a few were requiring 2500TT / 500 Multi just to be slightly competitive and that was to fly as co-pilot in a Beech 1900, and they wanted your to PFT $10,000 to fly right seat in a friggin overgrown KingAir!...
Don't tell me how hard it is out there... There are a lot of jobs out there right now, Regionals are hiring, Fractionals are hiring... These are all pulling pilots out of the CFI ranks... There is movement in the industry right now, and quite a bit of it... If you expect jobs to drop in your lap like was possible back in the very late 90's it just ain't gonna happen, those days are gone, and most likely forever...
It is times like this that are good for the pilot ranks, it weeds out the weak and those who don't truely have a desire to fight for a spot in this industry, it opens up spots for those who truely want and deserve to be here...
Can't afford to CFI full time? Fine, CFI in the evenings and weekends, that is when most of the training occurs anyhow... Hang out at the airport all the time, make connections, talk to people... You never know what might come your way... There IS work out there... it might take a week, a month or even 6 months to find, but sitting around crying about how hard it is at this point isn't doing anything to progress you... and the road only gets steeper the further you travel down it... Better buckle up, this isn't an easy industry, nor is it one for the meek...
Stuff I've learned from actuall flying and instruction is only a small part (Right rudder, Right rudder, Right rudder, Right rudder, Don't stall, Right rudder,) little of which will apply to flying a jet.
[/ QUOTE ]
And this is speaking from your extensive jet experience? CFIing will teach you a LOT more than you will learn in your own training... It will teach you to deal with another pilot in the cockpit, it will teach you to think ahead of the airplane (because you don't really know what the student might do), it will teach you to learn to explain things in great depth, it will teach you to look at problems from many different angles (instead of the one you might be used to)... ALL of these things transfer to flying a jet... These are only the tip of the iceberg...
[ QUOTE ]
How is liveing in poverty, getting paid less than Min wage, as a CFI not paying for flight time? The fact that the school give you enough money to buy some Ramen noodles on a good month, dosen't really count as a paycheck equal with your skills, hard work, required traning, and risk. Anytime you are not being paid the money you deserve, then you are paying out your time.
[/ QUOTE ]
I made enough as a CFI to live very modestly, it is possible... and that was 14 years ago...
[ QUOTE ]
Also CFI jobs aren't exactly a dime a dozen. Every time I hear "get a job as a CFI" it comes from someone who has already made it past that hurdle. I live in a major city and I can't find one. I hope to translate a job as a mechanic into some flying eventually.
[/ QUOTE ]
Oh cry me a river... I found a CFI job back in 1990-1991 when things were a LOT worse than they are today... The economy was MUCH worse (we were in a full blown recession and the Gulf War was going on), the industry was MUCH worse, Eastern Airlines had just collapsed flooding the market with thousands of pilots, Regionals weren't hiring, everyone had pilots on furlough and the one or two small airlines that were hiring a few were requiring 2500TT / 500 Multi just to be slightly competitive and that was to fly as co-pilot in a Beech 1900, and they wanted your to PFT $10,000 to fly right seat in a friggin overgrown KingAir!...
Don't tell me how hard it is out there... There are a lot of jobs out there right now, Regionals are hiring, Fractionals are hiring... These are all pulling pilots out of the CFI ranks... There is movement in the industry right now, and quite a bit of it... If you expect jobs to drop in your lap like was possible back in the very late 90's it just ain't gonna happen, those days are gone, and most likely forever...
It is times like this that are good for the pilot ranks, it weeds out the weak and those who don't truely have a desire to fight for a spot in this industry, it opens up spots for those who truely want and deserve to be here...
Can't afford to CFI full time? Fine, CFI in the evenings and weekends, that is when most of the training occurs anyhow... Hang out at the airport all the time, make connections, talk to people... You never know what might come your way... There IS work out there... it might take a week, a month or even 6 months to find, but sitting around crying about how hard it is at this point isn't doing anything to progress you... and the road only gets steeper the further you travel down it... Better buckle up, this isn't an easy industry, nor is it one for the meek...
FalconCapt
New Member
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As for getting the multi ratings, Iv talked to alot of CFIs and they say its hard to get students who need that rating. Their few and for between at local FBOs.So where would you have to go to accumulate twin?
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I don't agree with this... at the field where I flight instructed, there were 4 schools with twins (mine included) and the twins flew a LOT... You just have to market it...
When I left Flight Instructing I had 850 hours of Multi Engine time... and this was teaching at a local flight school...
As for getting the multi ratings, Iv talked to alot of CFIs and they say its hard to get students who need that rating. Their few and for between at local FBOs.So where would you have to go to accumulate twin?
[/ QUOTE ]
I don't agree with this... at the field where I flight instructed, there were 4 schools with twins (mine included) and the twins flew a LOT... You just have to market it...
When I left Flight Instructing I had 850 hours of Multi Engine time... and this was teaching at a local flight school...