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seaav8tor · January 3rd, 2008, 00:39

In the past few options were available on the bottom of the aviation career ladder. The job of a CFI was one of the few. In many threads the benefits of being a CFI are pointed out and accurately detail the value of being a CFI. All true. Problem is few recognize the the de-value. They don't recognize it because it comes years later.

Many viable options used in other professions to protect wages, QOL, and safety issues could be used by pilots. But for several reasons none of them have been used nor will they be. The de facto proof is the steady unstoppable decline of the career since 1978.

As a CFI you clone yourself. You create your own competition. Pilots give other pilots check rides. Pilots have the means to control supply but they don't. If you create 100 pilots early in your career as a CFI, someday you will hear a manager state "Why should I give you a pay raise, I have 100 pilots that will take your job at your current rate of pay." Look in the mirror. You did it to yourself.

The most powerful thing you can do to raise the bar is not increase pilot supply. Before the first person jumps on his/her high horse and starts the "Got mine pulling up the ladder.... rant ", ponder this; What good is it to make all of the time and financial commitments into the career if by the time you get to the left seat no reward remains to be claimed?

You have options.....

You don't have to CFI.....

Let the barriers to entry rise.

It's the the most valuable card you hold.

You help not only yourself. You help the career. A true pilot shortage will raise pay attracting top talent to the career field. Top talent will reduce the chance of a Comair 5191, a Pinnacle 3701.

Raising the bar could save lives.

Just say No.

January 3rd, 2008, 00:39	#1
seaav8tor Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 52	Just say NO...... Do Not Work as a CFI In the past few options were available on the bottom of the aviation career ladder. The job of a CFI was one of the few. In many threads the benefits of being a CFI are pointed out and accurately detail the value of being a CFI. All true. Problem is few recognize the the de-value. They don't recognize it because it comes years later. Many viable options used in other professions to protect wages, QOL, and safety issues could be used by pilots. But for several reasons none of them have been used nor will they be. The de facto proof is the steady unstoppable decline of the career since 1978. As a CFI you clone yourself. You create your own competition. Pilots give other pilots check rides. Pilots have the means to control supply but they don't. If you create 100 pilots early in your career as a CFI, someday you will hear a manager state "Why should I give you a pay raise, I have 100 pilots that will take your job at your current rate of pay." Look in the mirror. You did it to yourself. The most powerful thing you can do to raise the bar is not increase pilot supply. Before the first person jumps on his/her high horse and starts the "Got mine pulling up the ladder.... rant ", ponder this; What good is it to make all of the time and financial commitments into the career if by the time you get to the left seat no reward remains to be claimed? You have options..... You don't have to CFI..... Let the barriers to entry rise. It's the the most valuable card you hold. You help not only yourself. You help the career. A true pilot shortage will raise pay attracting top talent to the career field. Top talent will reduce the chance of a Comair 5191, a Pinnacle 3701. Raising the bar could save lives. Just say No.