Any one else love what theyr'e doing?

aviategw · February 6th, 2005, 15:06

I love what I'm doing. Being a CFI/I/MEI is possibly the greatest job in the whole world.

If I could only make enough money to reach the poverty level, I might do this for the rest of my life.

Any one else have this feeling?

mtsu_av8er · February 6th, 2005, 18:39

What do you mean? It sucks. It doesn't pay enough. Students are stupid. I hate my job. I should have been a doctor. There aren't any students. I don't get any respect.
[/sarcasm]

Dude, i absolutely love it. Couldn't be any better!!

GregCollins2 · February 6th, 2005, 20:43

Count me in. I instruct even though it probably costs me more than I'll ever earn.

MikeD · February 7th, 2005, 03:04

I really wish I could win the Powerball and start a flightschool where I can hand-pick the IPs. There would be standardization and high quality training, from the most basic of the basics up to the advanced stuff. You'd start learning damn-near like Orville and Wright, and grad up to things like IFR and advanced nav equipment. None of the stupid crap that Sporty's comes up with and tries to market to the aviation world as a "must have", yet it's being sold at Sharper Image prices.

And best of all, I would want morale to be high, so very decent pay, benefits, QOL, and lifestyle would be the name of the game. Just like school teachers, you'd in-effect be "breeding the young for their future", and in doing so, I believe should be paid a very decent wage, have good time off, fly good equipment....not necessarily expensive equipment....but good, servicable equipment. Curriculum would include low level flight and nav, mountain flying, huge emphasis on emergency procedures and how to build SA in your career, an appropriate few aircraft (maybe T-28s) for a mandatory aerobatic/unusual attitude/spin course, and more, including career seminars and instruction in the art of Networking (no.....not Kit Darby style and no set of books to buy). Most importantly, I'd try to find some way to avoid a Key Bank/Sallie Mae rip-off loan style, and try to find something more decent and affordable for the studs.

Basically, it would be no BS. Every stud would be evaluated for what his/her aviation goal is, and the program tailored as much as possible for that. Everyone would be briefed on a nearly weekly basis of the state of the industry and it's different parts. There would be no CAPT-style BS, no PACE, no "high altitude signoff/checkout" in a King Aire 90 that is never around (ERAU). However there would be introduction to CRM......and no, there would be no "pushback" call with 172s.

It would be nearly a USAF UPT without the jets.

Anyone in?

mtsu_av8er · February 7th, 2005, 09:58

[ QUOTE ]
Anyone in?

[/ QUOTE ]
My resume is in the mail!!!!

averyrm · February 7th, 2005, 14:54

I've been working as a CFI/II for the last three months and I'm really enjoying it. I learn as much as I teach.

Great pay (for a CFI), all brand new and well maintained equipment, and great students and management make this a dream job.

dakovich · February 7th, 2005, 17:17

and advertise the truth about how rewarding being a pilot can be, not just show some ignorant newbie a graph exagerating how much money pilots make. "you'll be making $80,000 in about 5 years", choke!

i was so pulled in by that, but i realized how much i really love flying as i progressed in my training(not just the prospect of dolla dolla bill ya'll). even as a CFI i'm barely paying the bills but i really love what i do and flinch to the thought of having to do anything else.

Grabo172 · February 7th, 2005, 22:09

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Anyone in?

[/ QUOTE ]
My resume is in the mail!!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll Fax mine over!

then Email a copy too!

Grabo172 · February 7th, 2005, 22:23

I really do love being a CFI.

The fast learners are great, because you get immediate feedback on your teaching. But, sometimes the slow learners are even better, because you have to work and really figure out how to get the message across. When they finally get it and you send them on their way, either for that first solo, or for the checkride, it's a feeling that only a CFI can get!

Wouldn't trade it for the world!

flyn_ace_99 · February 11th, 2005, 14:21

All my flight instructing experiences have been extremely negative lately. So I would say I'm not as happy as I would like to be as a CFI/CFII/MEI. To fix this, I am looking for a flight school that is more supportive of thier flight instructors and allows me to take the time to actually teach (and learn for that matter) rather than just cramming the information into the student's head and sending them up for a checkride. I'm also looking for a school that will provide a sylibus to help guide me on what needs to be taught... this is something I lacked in my last job that cost me and my students greatly.

MikeD, looks like you have been reading my mind!... I swear I put that exact answer on a job application when they asked me what I would do if I had won $5 million. I think I have seen so many bad things that I have some great ideas on how to make a good school. I agree that it must first and foremost CARE about what they are doing. It can not be run by money. It's a great combination of ERAU and the mom and pop FBO. You get the education of ERAU with the caring of the mom and pop FBO. (Ramble Ramble).

This one is always thinking!

SteveC · February 11th, 2005, 15:32

[ QUOTE ]
Any one else love what theyr'e doing?

[/ QUOTE ]

aviategw · February 11th, 2005, 17:33

I understand the economics of flight instruction. It is not a hugely profitable enterprise. I'm well paid for a flight instructor and I can't really see myself asking my boss, who is a great boss, for a raise: I know that the money is just not there.

Well paid for a flight instructor, however, doesn't realistically support even a modest lifestyle that I could live with indefinately.

I love what I'm doing. I haven't had a voluntary day off in a month and a half. (I was sick and had to cancel some flights, and I couldn't wait to get back to work.) Am I nuts?

SnowHo · February 12th, 2005, 19:00

I guess so-if you like being grey by age 21. Oh yeah i didnt mention drinking a 12er a day and smoking two packs a day. I hated flight instructing and i would never do it again. It almost made me think of a career change. However, it's great that you guys like it because somebody needs to teach people how to fly and if somebody is enthusiastic about it and happy with there job it makes the students experience a lot better.

Athena · February 16th, 2005, 15:16

If you ever get down on yourself cause you are struggling at doing what it is you want to do for your vocation there is alot of good encouragement. Take a look at all the people you meet who get 'good paying' jobs but don't like what they do. Their quality of life financially is fine but personally it is lousy. It is a trade off that we all chose to pursue our heart's desire for work. It is what makes all the skata worth it.

Windchill · February 16th, 2005, 16:20

I think hobbies have a lot to do with being content. A job that one is only so-so interested in or happy with might not be so bad as long as the person has hobbies outside the home and office that keeps 'em happy.

If I didn't work in aviation, I don't think I'd be depressed or unhappy as long as I could afford to fly recreationally a decent amount, golf a good bit, and have the occasional poker night with the guys.

jawright · February 16th, 2005, 16:27

Can I be the first student? You'll have to set up a payment plan for broke schoolteachers, though.

slamma1906 · February 28th, 2005, 02:55

[ QUOTE ]
I really do love being a CFI.

The fast learners are great, because you get immediate feedback on your teaching. But, sometimes the slow learners are even better, because you have to work and really figure out how to get the message across. When they finally get it and you send them on their way, either for that first solo, or for the checkride, it's a feeling that only a CFI can get!

Wouldn't trade it for the world!

[/ QUOTE ]

That is very true. I can agree 100%
I wish I made at least 30 grand a year, then it would be perfect
I pick up more of the college chicks now that i'm a "teacher" at the Univ. Its my pick up line!

February 6th, 2005, 15:06	#1
aviategw Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Atlanta Posts: 268	Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? I love what I'm doing. Being a CFI/I/MEI is possibly the greatest job in the whole world. If I could only make enough money to reach the poverty level, I might do this for the rest of my life. Any one else have this feeling?

February 6th, 2005, 18:39	#2
mtsu_av8er Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Utopia Posts: 12,503	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? What do you mean? It sucks. It doesn't pay enough. Students are stupid. I hate my job. I should have been a doctor. There aren't any students. I don't get any respect. [/sarcasm] Dude, i absolutely love it. Couldn't be any better!!

February 6th, 2005, 20:43	#3
GregCollins2 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hendersonville, NC Posts: 284	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? Count me in. I instruct even though it probably costs me more than I'll ever earn.

February 7th, 2005, 03:04	#4
MikeD Administrator Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pinal Airpark Posts: 6,897	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? I really wish I could win the Powerball and start a flightschool where I can hand-pick the IPs. There would be standardization and high quality training, from the most basic of the basics up to the advanced stuff. You'd start learning damn-near like Orville and Wright, and grad up to things like IFR and advanced nav equipment. None of the stupid crap that Sporty's comes up with and tries to market to the aviation world as a "must have", yet it's being sold at Sharper Image prices. And best of all, I would want morale to be high, so very decent pay, benefits, QOL, and lifestyle would be the name of the game. Just like school teachers, you'd in-effect be "breeding the young for their future", and in doing so, I believe should be paid a very decent wage, have good time off, fly good equipment....not necessarily expensive equipment....but good, servicable equipment. Curriculum would include low level flight and nav, mountain flying, huge emphasis on emergency procedures and how to build SA in your career, an appropriate few aircraft (maybe T-28s) for a mandatory aerobatic/unusual attitude/spin course, and more, including career seminars and instruction in the art of Networking (no.....not Kit Darby style and no set of books to buy). Most importantly, I'd try to find some way to avoid a Key Bank/Sallie Mae rip-off loan style, and try to find something more decent and affordable for the studs. Basically, it would be no BS. Every stud would be evaluated for what his/her aviation goal is, and the program tailored as much as possible for that. Everyone would be briefed on a nearly weekly basis of the state of the industry and it's different parts. There would be no CAPT-style BS, no PACE, no "high altitude signoff/checkout" in a King Aire 90 that is never around (ERAU). However there would be introduction to CRM......and no, there would be no "pushback" call with 172s. It would be nearly a USAF UPT without the jets. Anyone in?

February 7th, 2005, 09:58	#5
mtsu_av8er Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Utopia Posts: 12,503	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? [ QUOTE ] Anyone in? [/ QUOTE ] My resume is in the mail!!!!

February 7th, 2005, 14:54	#6
averyrm Old Skool Join Date: May 2002 Location: LCK Posts: 1,648	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? I've been working as a CFI/II for the last three months and I'm really enjoying it. I learn as much as I teach. Great pay (for a CFI), all brand new and well maintained equipment, and great students and management make this a dream job.

February 7th, 2005, 17:17	#7
dakovich Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 1,021	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? and advertise the truth about how rewarding being a pilot can be, not just show some ignorant newbie a graph exagerating how much money pilots make. "you'll be making $80,000 in about 5 years", choke! i was so pulled in by that, but i realized how much i really love flying as i progressed in my training(not just the prospect of dolla dolla bill ya'll). even as a CFI i'm barely paying the bills but i really love what i do and flinch to the thought of having to do anything else.

February 7th, 2005, 22:09	#8
Grabo172 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Peterborough, NH Posts: 1,271	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Anyone in? [/ QUOTE ] My resume is in the mail!!!! [/ QUOTE ] I'll Fax mine over! then Email a copy too!

February 7th, 2005, 22:23	#9
Grabo172 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Peterborough, NH Posts: 1,271	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? I really do love being a CFI. The fast learners are great, because you get immediate feedback on your teaching. But, sometimes the slow learners are even better, because you have to work and really figure out how to get the message across. When they finally get it and you send them on their way, either for that first solo, or for the checkride, it's a feeling that only a CFI can get! Wouldn't trade it for the world!

February 11th, 2005, 14:21	#10
flyn_ace_99 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: not apparently in this universe Posts: 248	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? All my flight instructing experiences have been extremely negative lately. So I would say I'm not as happy as I would like to be as a CFI/CFII/MEI. To fix this, I am looking for a flight school that is more supportive of thier flight instructors and allows me to take the time to actually teach (and learn for that matter) rather than just cramming the information into the student's head and sending them up for a checkride. I'm also looking for a school that will provide a sylibus to help guide me on what needs to be taught... this is something I lacked in my last job that cost me and my students greatly. MikeD, looks like you have been reading my mind!... I swear I put that exact answer on a job application when they asked me what I would do if I had won $5 million. I think I have seen so many bad things that I have some great ideas on how to make a good school. I agree that it must first and foremost CARE about what they are doing. It can not be run by money. It's a great combination of ERAU and the mom and pop FBO. You get the education of ERAU with the caring of the mom and pop FBO. (Ramble Ramble). This one is always thinking!

February 11th, 2005, 15:32	#11
SteveC Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: GRR Posts: 8,485	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? [ QUOTE ] Any one else love what theyr'e doing? [/ QUOTE ]

February 11th, 2005, 17:33	#12
aviategw Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Atlanta Posts: 268	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? I understand the economics of flight instruction. It is not a hugely profitable enterprise. I'm well paid for a flight instructor and I can't really see myself asking my boss, who is a great boss, for a raise: I know that the money is just not there. Well paid for a flight instructor, however, doesn't realistically support even a modest lifestyle that I could live with indefinately. I love what I'm doing. I haven't had a voluntary day off in a month and a half. (I was sick and had to cancel some flights, and I couldn't wait to get back to work.) Am I nuts?

February 12th, 2005, 19:00	#13
SnowHo Newbie Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Prescott, AZ Posts: 13	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? I guess so-if you like being grey by age 21. Oh yeah i didnt mention drinking a 12er a day and smoking two packs a day. I hated flight instructing and i would never do it again. It almost made me think of a career change. However, it's great that you guys like it because somebody needs to teach people how to fly and if somebody is enthusiastic about it and happy with there job it makes the students experience a lot better.

February 16th, 2005, 15:16	#14
Athena Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Northwest State of Mind, WA Posts: 477	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? If you ever get down on yourself cause you are struggling at doing what it is you want to do for your vocation there is alot of good encouragement. Take a look at all the people you meet who get 'good paying' jobs but don't like what they do. Their quality of life financially is fine but personally it is lousy. It is a trade off that we all chose to pursue our heart's desire for work. It is what makes all the skata worth it.

February 16th, 2005, 16:20	#15
Windchill Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-Atlantic, KMRB Posts: 1,925	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? I think hobbies have a lot to do with being content. A job that one is only so-so interested in or happy with might not be so bad as long as the person has hobbies outside the home and office that keeps 'em happy. If I didn't work in aviation, I don't think I'd be depressed or unhappy as long as I could afford to fly recreationally a decent amount, golf a good bit, and have the occasional poker night with the guys.

February 16th, 2005, 16:27	#16
jawright Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: in search of the elusive "BowieGoat." Posts: 424	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? Can I be the first student? You'll have to set up a payment plan for broke schoolteachers, though.

February 28th, 2005, 02:55	#17
slamma1906 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: ORF Posts: 128	Re: Any one else love what theyr\'e doing? [ QUOTE ] I really do love being a CFI. The fast learners are great, because you get immediate feedback on your teaching. But, sometimes the slow learners are even better, because you have to work and really figure out how to get the message across. When they finally get it and you send them on their way, either for that first solo, or for the checkride, it's a feeling that only a CFI can get! Wouldn't trade it for the world! [/ QUOTE ] That is very true. I can agree 100% I wish I made at least 30 grand a year, then it would be perfect I pick up more of the college chicks now that i'm a "teacher" at the Univ. Its my pick up line!

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