Quote:
Originally Posted by NFO_FFO  BlackHawk, et al
Just curious as to where you live? I will be retiring from military soon and have been deciding which way to go here once I am out ... other than being way out of currency by quite a few years (which I will start working on once I return from Iraq) I have read a few boards and been deciding what QOL would be in regionals versus CFI time, been trying to decde if one can have a good QOL and fly enough as a CFI.
My flight time in military does not transfer over as I was a NFO in tactical jets - CRM, navigation, radios and emergencies got down just haven't flown GA myself for about 18 yrs ... |
I live in the Southwest US.
The quality of life as a CFI depends, as you may have figured, on where you live, who you work for, your ratings and experience. Aerobatics, glass cockpit training, etc can get more pay in some areas of the country. Where I live, if I wanted to, I could live an avarage life between CFI pay and retirement (I have to wait until 60 to get my military retirement). Rent for a half decent apartement is $400/month. It is also dependant on the economy. Currently I have a two month waiting list for instrument students, six months for private. Two years ago, this was not the case.
I've been the regional route as a turbo-prop and jet captain. I loved the job, but preferred more time at home while still flying. Especially after my trip to the sand box. Being a CFI is a little more of a challenge as well. I saw too many pilots flying as much as they could at my regional, pissing and moaning the whole time about how life sucked as a CFI, as a 135 pilot, and as a regional pilot, but it would be MUCH better when they made it to SWA, UPS FexEx, Cont... you pick your airline.
Now having been a Navy or Marine aviator you have much to overcome.
