ways to go from CPL to 1000TT w/o CFI'ing?

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TXaviator

TXaviator

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Ok. so i have that damp-ink CPL ticket. Based on knowing myself, i KNOW that CFI'ing would NOT be enjoyable for me (yes i know, not all things in life are enjoyable).

What ideas do you guys have for getting from 200TT to 1000TT (or 135mins) without doing the CFI gig?

Keep in mind I dont have free rent with the folks or anything like that to fall on, and I have student loans to pay back very soon.

I know the typical response "banner tow, skydivers" but even those are looking at like 300+ TT ....

can anyone give specific places to investigate / specific outfits, etc?
Thanks much.
 
meritflyer said:
How do you "know" if you haven't tried it? ;)
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i know based on previous experience trying to teach things to friends (eg - teaching software packages.... teaching someone how to dj.... im like LKAJSDLKJASKDJ WHY CANT YOU DO IT ITS SO EASY?!?!?)
 
TXaviator said:
i know based on previous experience trying to teach things to friends (eg - teaching software packages.... teaching someone how to dj.... im like LKAJSDLKJASKDJ WHY CANT YOU DO IT ITS SO EASY?!?!?)
Click to expand...

I am a big proponent of being a CFI.

The only way I can think of you to get a butt load of time is spend a butt load of cash to get 500 hours or so then fly jumpers or traffic watch. Jobs of which are ultimately, not easy to find might I add.
 
meritflyer said:
I am a big proponent of being a CFI.

The only way I can think of you to get a butt load of time is spend a butt load of cash to get 500 hours or so then fly jumpers or traffic watch. Jobs of which are ultimately, not easy to find might I add.
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spending loads of cash is not in my future. already spent loads of cash to get this far.

and i know CFI'ing is a good route, im just saying, that if there are other ways, i will investigate those first. looking for anyone who knows stuff like "oh i know this guy who runs an outfit...." etc.
 
well dont be an instructor..... if you dont want to be an insructor! I dont think anyone should be convincing you to be one if you don't want to be one!

there are other ways i guess.... have a rich uncle... join the air force...connections...

I didnt instruct UNTILL i had over a thousand hours...

let me say you will not learn some things untill you become an instructor...

and any accomplished pilot has at some point in time gotten their flight instructor cert.
 
First off, its very good to know that CFI'ing isnt for you. Better you figure that out now, than cheat a student who is looking for quality instruction.

CFI'ing is the most traditional way, but its not the only way, contrary to popular belief on this board.


as you mentioned..
1)skydiving
2)banner towing

there is also,

3) pipeline patrol
4) traffic watch

I just talked to an F/O who flew for Frontier Flying Service in Alaska. He said they will take almost anyone.

A few months ago, the industry was hurting for pilots, and airlines were taking newly certificated commercial pilots. But not the case anymore.

Aircraft sales and delivery is a rare route. But I think most that do that, stay and dont move onto the airlines.

Good luck
 
Sounds to me that you will have some bills to come, and you best find a way to pay them.

Also sounds to me that CFI'ing would be the road best travelled. . .but hey . . .good luck.
 
Like said above, Jump Pilot, banner tow, traffic, and the best option... CFIing.

All of them will probably want at least 300 hours for insurance. Being you got your CPL at that accelerated rate, you'll have to fill the gap some how. Might as well go for your CFI, even if you don't use it for a paying job, it is a great way to polish your skills and learn to fly from the right seat (where you'll be as a FO anyway once you get there).

Another option... Get a good paying job, buy your own airplane and fly the heck out of it... then sell it...
 
blee256 said:
First off, its very good to know that CFI'ing isnt for you. Better you figure that out now, than cheat a student who is looking for quality instruction.

CFI'ing is the most traditional way, but its not the only way, contrary to popular belief on this board.


as you mentioned..
1)skydiving
2)banner towing

there is also,

3) pipeline patrol
4) traffic watch

I just talked to an F/O who flew for Frontier Flying Service in Alaska. He said they will take almost anyone.

A few months ago, the industry was hurting for pilots, and airlines were taking newly certificated commercial pilots. But not the case anymore.

Aircraft sales and delivery is a rare route. But I think most that do that, stay and dont move onto the airlines.

Good luck
Click to expand...

i am in no rush to go to the airlines. i think i would certainly enjoy some of the more obscure jobs out there, interesting locations (freight in the carib, or africa, or other third world places really piques my interest)....

the reason i start up front with the bit about not really wanting to CFI is that at my school there is a STRONG mentality that you MUST CFI when you graduate.... so im just looking for other options.

have any info about that Frontier place? sounds like a gig I could get down with!
 
I just so happen to not only know someone looking for a traffic watch pilot, but I am responsible for hiring him or her. That said, i'm looking for someone with previous CFI experience who wans a quick 200-300 hours to finish up 135 IFR mins...

I have about the same amount of time as a traffic watch pilot as I do as a CFI, and I can tell you the experience is night and day. Each flight you log as a CFI is different. After about hour 5 of traffic watch, I really don't see what your getting out of it. It's nothing new. I wouldn't recommend it, certaintly not over the CFI. For what its worth, I was just hired part time by a 135 operator. One of the guys I interviewed with had nearly triple my flight time, most of it being traffic watch time. He wasn't hired.

Take it for what its worth, but I think you are cutting yourself short. If I were you, if for anything I would prepare for, and even take my CFI checkride. Doesn't matter if you plan to flight instruct or not. It will make you a much better pilot just going through the process, and just may change your mind about not liking to teach.
 
Grabo172 said:
Like said above, Jump Pilot, banner tow, traffic, and the best option... CFIing.

All of them will probably want at least 300 hours for insurance. Being you got your CPL at that accelerated rate, you'll have to fill the gap some how. Might as well go for you CFI, even if you don't use it for a paying job, it is a great way to polish your skills and learn to fly from the right seat (where you'll be as a FO anyway once you get there).

Another option... Get a good paying job, buy your own airplane and fly the heck out of it... then sell it...
Click to expand...


OK i understand those are the primary options, I am looking to see if anyone has anything more specific as far as specific operators or people to contact.
 
blee256 said:
First off, its very good to know that CFI'ing isnt for you. Better you figure that out now, than cheat a student who is looking for quality instruction.

CFI'ing is the most traditional way, but its not the only way, contrary to popular belief on this board.


as you mentioned..
1)skydiving
2)banner towing

there is also,

3) pipeline patrol
4) traffic watch

I just talked to an F/O who flew for Frontier Flying Service in Alaska. He said they will take almost anyone.

A few months ago, the industry was hurting for pilots, and airlines were taking newly certificated commercial pilots. But not the case anymore.

Aircraft sales and delivery is a rare route. But I think most that do that, stay and dont move onto the airlines.

Good luck
Click to expand...

How is that place.....they called me a few months ago for an interview.
 
MikeOH58 said:
I just so happen to not only know someone looking for a traffic watch pilot, but I am responsible for hiring him or her. That said, i'm looking for someone with previous CFI experience who wans a quick 200-300 hours to finish up 135 IFR mins...

I have about the same amount of time as a traffic watch pilot as I do as a CFI, and I can tell you the experience is night and day. Each flight you log as a CFI is different. After about hour 5 of traffic watch, I really don't see what your getting out of it. It's nothing new. I wouldn't recommend it, certaintly not over the CFI. For what its worth, I was just hired part time by a 135 operator. One of the guys I interviewed with had nearly triple my flight time, most of it being traffic watch time. He wasn't hired.

Take it for what its worth, but I think you are cutting yourself short. If I were you, if for anything I would prepare for, and even take my CFI checkride. Doesn't matter if you plan to flight instruct or not. It will make you a much better pilot just going through the process, and just may change your mind about not liking to teach.
Click to expand...

And remember, most of those Comm/ASEL traffic watch/pipeline patrol...type jobs require at least 500TT for insurance reasons.
 
TXaviator said:
i know based on previous experience trying to teach things to friends (eg - teaching software packages.... teaching someone how to dj.... im like LKAJSDLKJASKDJ WHY CANT YOU DO IT ITS SO EASY?!?!?)
Click to expand...
I hope you only want to do single pilot flying the rest of your career because you'll hate being a Captain.
 
TXaviator said:
come on really, enough with the lectures. i am just asking for tips on other jobs besides CFI.
Click to expand...

They're not lectures. Just advice from guys with more experience than you.

We're just trying to steer you in the right direction. Sorry if it's not what you want to hear.
 
meritflyer said:
They're not lectures. Just advice from guys with more experience than you.

We're just trying to steer you in the right direction. Sorry if it's not what you want to hear.
Click to expand...

while yes, i understand flying isnt one-man-on-an-island, i dont think i should be belittled or berated for asking about jobs that are not CFI'ing.

not everyone in the world wants to be a teacher. im SURE not every pilot in the world has been jumping at the chance to be a CFI.
 
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