Instructing at ATP after CFI Course

[turbojet28]

Hello,

I am just trying to explore my options in the future when it comes time for my CFI ratings sometime within the next 6months- 1 year. I am currently a sophomore in college and nearly instrument rated. I was wondering if I got my CFI/II/MEI at ATP this coming summer and then went back home for 1-2 years to finish my degree at the school I am at now (and live free at home), the chances of getting on at ATP as an instructor after I finish school. Do they prefer to hire CFI's right after graduating the program, or is the year or two lapse probably okay? Not to mention that in the time I would be finishing my degree, I will probably be able to rack up a little dual given at my home FBO. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

[DE727UPS]

Why not just instruct at your local FBO while in college? I've known several guys that did it that way and had around 1000 total when they graduated.

[turbojet28]

Don,

I would love for nothing more than to instruct at the local FBO. I got my private there in high school and am now doing my instrument there as well. I have worked part time at a corporate flight dept. on the field for the past 4 years (Falcons, and a Gulfstream) as an aircraft cleaner. The airport is non towered, but very busy with bizjet traffic, its in my hometown on Lake Michigan, I love it at home, and I have a great G/F here as well. I absolutley love it here. The only problem is the lack of multi. The flight school has 2 172's and a 152. The FBO also has a charter department with a King Air, a Falcon 10, and 2 twin Cessnas (I'm sure you could ask SteveC ). I've seen my past instructor flying some of those, but I'm not sure what the insurance requirements are. I would love to stay here, but I also would like to try and move on from CFIing without having to buy a whole lot of multi. I don't know how possible that will be though. I consider myself quite "old school" and would love to stick around here and fly corporate in one of the Lears, Citations, or Falcons based here (I'm not sure if you can tell, but I really love my home airport. It has much to offer, but the multi time is where I can forsee getting held up.) I also am extremely intrigued by the thought of marketing and getting my own students. This scares a lot of CFIs, but I have such a passion for this kind of stuff and I want to provide 110% top notch instruction at the grass roots level. I just may have to go to somewhere like ATP to close the multi gap.

Don, I know this sounds random, but you are one of my most respected people on this site. I don't talk a whole lot but you can be rest assured that I listen. I think we would get along pretty well!

[Airdale]

Turbo,

I think instructing at ATP for a couple months might be beneficial for the multi time, but I wouldn't do it for much longer then that. See the other thread in here about the pay and working conditions. You should pursue the FBO option, build your flight time, and when you start getting some decent hours under your belt, look into finding someone or talk to the FBO about getting some Multi time. I am finding out very quickly how important medical benefits are, or at least a decent wage that can afford the $250 doctor visits that last 10 mins for a stupid prescription that costs double what the office visit does. And thats just for sinus problems, I can't imagine how much antibiotics would cost if needed. I was spoiled in the military for 4 years, never paid a cent for ANY kind of medications or health/dental care. Everything was provided, right down to cough drops and Sudafed.

[DE727UPS]

Multi-time is certainly a difficult issue. It was for me, as well.

A good way around it is to go 135 freight. You can get on with 5 to 50 multi, depending on where you go. Gotta have that 1200 total, though, which could be had if you stayed local. Six months of 135 multi and you'd look good at the regional of your choice or could quickly move into turbine PIC.